Chapter 100
Ophelia felt a bit out of place with all the overwhelming enthusiasm.
“Don’t just stand here. Come inside already. Theo called out.
Bethany gently took Ophelia’s arm, her warm hands wrapping around hers. “It hasn’t even been that long, and your hands are already freezing”
Ophelia felt the warmth slowly spread across the back of her hand, and she gave Bethany a slight smile,
Carnegie Villa’s foyer was grand, with a modern–style ceiling three stories high and an opulent crystal chandelier hanging
several feet down.
Before dinner. Theo called for the Lawyer to notarize a statement. “Ophelia, this is the document I had the lawyer draft. From now on, you’ll be my granddaughter, and I’ll give you five percent of Carnegie Group’s shares as a gift.”
Ophelia was surprised. She hadn’t expected such a crafty old fox like Theo to be so generous, even willing to part with the company’s shares. But after a moment of thought, she understood. It was clearly because of Kenneth. At least she was self- aware enough to know that
“Alright,” Ophelia responded, glancing briefly at Finlay and Clara Neither of them showed any sign of disagreement. She wondered. Aren’t wealthy families typically possessive about their assets?
Finlay looked at the young girl before him with admiration. If it were anyone else, they’d probably be jumping with joy by now. But Ophelia remained calm and composed, handling the situation with a maturity far beyond her years. No wonder Theo would choose someone like her to be his granddaughter. She had an air of control that the younger Carnegie men
couldn’t match.
Theo saw that Ophelia didn’t think the offer was too little and smiled, “From now on, you’ll take our last name so that
“No Ophelia’s tone was firm, catching everyone off guard. “I will not change my name, and I definitely won’t change my last name. That’s non–negotiable”
Theo hadn’t expected Ophelia to be so resolute over such a minor issue. “Alright, we’ll do whatever you want. I was just casually mentioning it. Don’t let something so small upset you. You don’t need to change a thing. No matter what your last name is, you’re part of the Carnegie family now, and we’ll always have your back.”
After Theo finished speaking. Bethany nudged Finlay. He immediately pulled out a debit card. “Elia, this is a little something from your mom and me. Spend it however you like. We’ll deposit 200 thousand dollars into the account each month as pocket money”
but
Before Ophelia could refuse. Bethany pressed the card into her hand. “Take it. I know you don’t need the money, whatever the Carnegie family kids have, you should have too. You’re twenty now, and this covers all the pocket money you should’ve had over the past twenty years. Don’t ever feel like you have to hold back”
Bethany’s eyes were full of concern. She had done her research and found that Ophelia had been through a lot of hardship. growing up. Now that the Carnegie family was in the picture, they wouldn’t let her suffer anymore.
“I own a few companies. If there’s one you like, let me know, and I’ll transfer it to you” Clara handed over a list of mostly high–end beauty salons and skincare companies that she manage
Ophelia said, “That’s not necessary. Thank you, Clara
Clara was about to say more when suddenly the roar of a sportygar engine echoed from outside. Moments later, a flash of neon green appeared at the door. Clara’s expression darkened a she saw who it was.
“Grandpa, I’m here. Did you miss me?” The voice called out.
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Chapter 100
At that cheeky and all–too–familiar voice, Ophelia turned her head, locking eyes with the person at the door. “Rex? she thought.
Π
Rex stood there, wearing sunglasses, one hand in his pocket, the other twirling his car keys. Mid–step, he froze. For a solid ten seconds, he just stared, then quickly yanked off his sunglasses, taking a closer look at the person sitting on the couch
“Ophelia, what are you doing here?” Rex bolted toward Ophelia, excitement radiating from him like an overzealous husky, practically wagging his tail in front of her.
Ophelia suddenly understood why Rex was so cocky in the entertainment industry. It turned out that he had the backing of not just one but two out of the three major families. In addition to the Reyes family, he had ties to the Carnegie family.
“You two know each other?” Clara asked, eyeing Rex suspiciously.
“Of course. This might even be my future wife. Rex said proudly, his mischievous eyes twinkling as he looked at Clara
“What?” Theo frowned at Rex, and the entire family was too stunned to speak.
Throughout it all, Ophelia wore a half–smiling expression, which only confused Rex more.
Rex said, “What’s so unbelievable? Sure. I haven’t won over her yet, but-
“Get that ridiculous idea out of your head!” Theo shot Rex a sharp look.
“Why…” Rex started to argue, but in the next moment, he yelped in realization, nearly forgetting that he had come back today to meet the granddaughter Grandpa had just acknowledged.
Rex looked back and forth between Theo and Ophelia Suddenly, he felt like he’d been struck by lightning. His eyes
widened
“M–Mom…tell me this isn’t true,” Rex stammered, tugging at Clara’s sleeve.
Clara stood up and smacked Rex on the back of his head. “Snap out of it. Either drop this idea, or I’ll knock some sense this head of yours. Take your pick
“Grandpa, please tell me this isn’t real. Of all people, why did you have to choose my crush as your granddaughter? I’m begging you. Grandpa. Don’t be so cruel and crush my tender heart” Rex dramatically dropped to his knees in front of Theo, clutching his leg as he threw a tantrum like a spoiled child
Clara, watching Rex’s pathetic display, was so furious she gave him a swift kick. “What crush? Elia is your sister now.”
into
“Sister?” Rex’s face twisted in horror as he turned to look at Ophelia, feeling like his heart had just shattered into a million pieces.
“No way! Who wants her as a sister?” Rex stomped his feet in frustration. He thought, ‘How could anyone accept their crush. becoming their sister? He said, “Grandpa, you can’t take her as your granddaughter, or else, III…I’ll just bash my head in” Still on his knees, Rex began dramatically bumping his head against the soft couch.
Ophelia finally understood why Theo had earlier said that his grandsons were all lacking brains. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that Rex was Theo’s grandson. But on the bright side, it meant she didn’t have to figure out how to deal with this headache herself.
At dinner, Rex sat beside Ophelia, looking like a wilted eggplant, He couldn’t help but sneak a glance at her, devastated that his love life had been cut down before it even had a chance to bloom.
“Eat your dinner, or get out, Clara snapped, quickly kicking Rex under the table.
Rex’s face fell even more. “I protest. I disagree with Grandpa’s acknowledgment of a new granddaughter.”
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Chapter 100
Clara replied, “Protest denied. Get lost.”
Ophelia couldn’t help but smile at the whole scene. The “little tyrant” outside the house was reduced to nothing inside his own home.
Rex sulked, casting another secret glance at Ophelia. Even with that cold expression, she was stunning, but when she smiled. it was like the spring had melted all the ice and snow.
“Elia, do you like shrimp?” Clara asked.
Ophelia replied. They’re alright.”
“Then Rex, peel some for your sister, Clara ordered. “In the Carnegie family, our kids are supposed to love and support each,
other.
Rex mumbled, “I’m a Reyes.
Clara shot back. “Then don’t eat.”
Rex, feeling utterly defeated, obediently peeled shrimp. Each time he glanced at Ophelia, it felt like another piece of his
heart broke.
By the time dinner was over, Ophelia’s plate had shrimp piled as a mountain
Afterward, Rex was back at it, pestering Theo. He simply couldn’t accept that his crush was now his sister.
