Chapter 87
Theo unrolled the scroll, and an elderly man nearby adjusted his glasses. “It really is an original by Mr. Blake. This painting is practically priceless now. The Lewis family is really thoughtful
A satisfied smile spread across Theo’s face. “Thank you.”
“As long as you like it, it’s worth the effort,” Miles responded politely.
Next up was the Hastings family. They were only getting this close because of Emily’s connections. Otherwise, with their status, they’d never be after the Lewis family in line to present their gift.
Owen and Heather offered a set of gemstone chess pieces, elegantly packaged and clearly valuable.
Harry and Nathan, as the younger generation, gave an antique brooch and a string of gemstone bracelets.
Out of respect for the Lewis family, Theo glanced at them, showing a polite, if slightly strained, smile.
Just then, a petite figure entered the hall. She wore light–wash jeans, a khaki shirt, and a light gray coat. In stark contrast to the extravagant gowns surrounding her, she immediately caught everyone’s attention.
Someone asked, “Who is she? Why is she dressed like that for a birthday party?”
Murmurs rippled through the room, and Owen, noticing the commotion, frowned deeply.
“Ophelia? Why is she here?” Nathan’s mind went straight to his arm, which had only recently healed from a break.
The expressions on the faces of the Hastings family members turned complicated. Heather, full of concern, whispered, “I told you we shouldn’t have released that statement. She’s definitely here to cause a scene and embarrass us.”
Owen cleared his throat. “It doesn’t matter anymore. She’s no longer part of our family. Whatever happens, it’s got nothing to do with us.”
His voice, deliberately moderate, was loud enough for the guests at the surrounding tables to hear.
Owen thought, ‘That’s enough. No matter what Ophelia might do, if they have to throw her out, it wouldn’t reflect badly on
us.‘
Though Ophelia wasn’t wearing formal attire, her striking features and natural confidence made her stand out even more. Her large, doe–like eyes held an air of indifference toward the world around her. Without any effort, she outshone the other meticulously dressed women.
“Mr. Carnegie, happy birthday. My husband asked me to bring this gift for you,” Ophelia said, handing over a small, plain box. “He thought you’d like it.”
Theo’s smile deepened. For some reason, despite its modest appearance, he was genuinely curious about what was inside the box. Everyone watched as Theo accepted it, his curiosity growing He slowly opened the lid.
Inside were a few simple gem beads, with two showing slight cracks. Compared to the other lavish gifts, they seemed insignificant, almost laughably so.
Emily, who had been slightly on edge after Ophelia’s entrance, was now relaxed. She thought, ‘She is meant to be funny. A few beads? What a disgrace.
Some guests whispered among themselves, “She’s actually presenting that as a birthday gift?”
Someone followed. “Giving Mr. Carnegie such plain beads. Doesn’t she know she’s making a fool of herself?”
1/3
14:55 Mon,
Chapter 87
As the murmurs continued, Heather couldn’t hold back anymore. She grabbed Ophelia’s arm. “What are you trying to do? Get out of here before you embarrass us all.”
“Ophelia, enough.” Harry joined in, lowering his voice but not his hostility. “A bunch of worthless beads? Are you out of your mind?”
Owen, however, cut them off. “What are you two doing? Miss Spencer’s gift has nothing to do with us.” He cast a sharp glance at Heather and Harry. Reluctantly, they stepped back.
Suddenly, a hearty laugh echoed from the head table, drawing everyone’s attention.
Theo stood up and walked over to Ophelia, gently patting her on the shoulder. “This is the best gift I’ve received tonight. Thank you, and thank your husband as well.”
A stunned silence fell over the room. All the guests thought, ‘What did Mr. Carnegie say? Those plain beads are the best gift he’d received? Better than the chess set? Better than Dorian’s painting?”
As Theo personally escorted Ophelia to sit beside him at the head table, the Hastings family looked on in disbelief and wondered, ‘What on earth is going on?‘
Owen’s face darkened, his lips moving soundlessly. He had spoken too soon. To say anything else now would only make him look foolish.
Emily, meanwhile, was fuming. She thought, ‘Miles and I have given an original painting by Dorian, and yet Mr. Carnegie is treating Ophelia’s measly beads with more enthusiasm?”
“Mr. Carnegie, they’re just a few beads…” Emily started, but Theo’s stern gaze cut her off.
Owen quickly stepped in. “Emily is a bit inexperienced. Mr. Carnegie, do they have some special significance?”
A moment of silence passed before Clara spoke up. “These beads belonged to my mother. Years ago, during a trip at sea, we lost them. We searched for ages but only recovered one.”
Clara looked at Ophelia, her
yes full of gratitude. “Thank you for this gift.”
“What? How could that be? After all these years, how do you know these are the same beads?” Emily’s disbelief echoed the thoughts of the other guests.
Clara picked up one of the cracked beads. “Finlay broke this when he was perfectly. Dad even scolded me for it.”
a
kid, and then blamed it on me. I remember it
Finlay coughed awkwardly. “Do we really have to bring that up? But seriously, Miss Spencer, thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. As long as Mr. Carnegie likes the gift, that’s all that matters,” Ophelia replied, calm and collected, never once trying to ingratiate herself.
At that moment, Bethany, who had been overseeing things in the kitchen, walked in and immediately spotted Ophelia. “Miss Spencer, I didn’t expect you to make it.”
Overjoyed, Bethany had previously invited Ophelia, but Ophelia had said she couldn’t come due to other commitments. Now, her presence was a pleasant surprise.
Bethany enthusiastically introduced Ophelia to the table. “Dad, this is Miss Spencer. She did custom designs Clara and I wore.”
Bethany, who had remained rather reserved with the other guests, was now pulling Ophelia close. She treated her like a cherished friend, even completely ignoring the Hastings family
Bethany said, “Clara, this is the designer behind La Reverie.”
2/3
14:55 Mon, Nov 11 as ti
Chapter 87
། ཎྜཱ ས 3, 57%
★
+5
“So it turns out that the dress Mrs. Carnegie specially ordered last month was for you. Your relationship is really something.” Ophelia spoke gracefully, as harmonious relationships like this were rare in high society.
Enzo was seated nearby. She was a professor from Dellanex University’s design department. She met Ophelia in a previous competition. She had been impressed by Ophelia’s work back then, and their eyes met in silent acknowledgment.
Ophelia effortlessly mingled with this table of influential figures and was treated with such respect by the Carnegie family. Owen was left speechless by this scene, his face pale. His earlier behavior had just made him a laughingstock.
