Chapter 30
The banquet hall was splendid, as crystal chandeliers emitted dazzling radiance. Melodious music rang, accompanied by the laughter of men and women and the clinking of glasses.
The guests today were all esteemed figures. Attending the birthday party was one thing, but the real deal was rubbing elbows with the hotshots of the nation. Everyone was itching to get a word with Vincent, the big boss of the Fletcher family. The guy was a ghost, so catching a moment with him was a big deal.
Ellen was seated at the place of honor, flanked by her two daughters-in-law, Lorelai and Edith. They were tasked with receiving the congratulatory gifts bestowed upon them by the guests
Beside them, Kevin remarked, “If you feel tired, you can retire to the guest rooms upstairs.”
Ellen waved her hand dismissively. “I’m feeling particularly spirited now, all thanks to Dr. Summer. Her medical skills are truly remarkable. Previously, f often had breathing difficulties, but since taking her medicine, I feel revitalized.”
Lorelai pursed her lips, skeptical of Ellen’s praise for the physician.
She thought, Just two days of medication, and it purportedly had such profound effects? She said Douglas is seriously ill. If there were three stages for his disease, he would be in the second stage now, Besides, she said it would cost 6 million dollars for the medication cost and pulse diagnosis fee and 20 million dollars for treatment. That’s nonsense! I’m not going to believe that charlatan. Only these idiots would fall for such schemes.”
When a guest presented a birthday present, Lorelai forced a smile and graciously accepted it.
Suddenly, Ellen’s eyes lit up as she pointed toward the banquet hall entrance, exclaiming, “Isn’t that Stephanie?”
Lorelai’s eyes followed Ellen’s point, and she caught sight of Stephanie wheeling Vincent into the room. Lorelai wasn’t exactly Stephanie’s biggest fan. She thought Stephanie was pretty clueless. Stephanie didn’t say those embarrassing photos and videos of Douglas were fake, making things worse for him. Lorelai pressed her lips together, none too pleased as they got closer.
“Have you prepared a gift?” Stephanie asked in a low voice.
“Don’t worry, I’ve prepared one. It’s an emerald necklace I got from an auction. It’s with Zane, Vincent replied.
Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “Emerald?”
“Yes, is there a problem?” Vincent asked.
“Not at all,” said Stephanie as she thought, “Our tastes are surprisingly similar
g and handed it to Vincent.
As they approached Ellen, Zane also arrived. Zane took a long dark green velvet box out of an exquisite bag a
Vincent then passed it to Ellen, saying, “Take a look; do you like it?”
Ellen opened it and grinned from ear to ear, seeing the emerald necklace. “You know me well, Vincent. I love it! Thanks. But what I’m most delighted about is you getting a wife.”
Then, she extended her hand and smiled, “Stephie, come here.”
Stephanie nodded and walked up to her. “Mrs. Fletcher.”
Ellen held her h
hand, panth
gently rubbing it. “Such a smooth hand, Vincent is a lucky man,” Stephanie was rendered speechless by her remark.
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Chapter 30
“Come on, call me “Ellen” instead of ‘Mrs. Fletcher, Ellen said.
Stephanie stifled her laughter, finding Ellen’s demeanor endearing
“Vincent’s acting all mysterious. He isn’t announcing it publicly. Whisper it to me secretly,” Ellen said.
Stephanie bent over and obliged, softly uttering, “Ellen.”
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With those words, she felt something added to her wrist. She glanced and saw the emerald bracelet Ellen had always worn. The emerald bracelet was radiantly hued, indicating its considerable value. “This was passed down to me by my mother-in-law. Today, I pass it on to you,” Ellen explained.
Stephanie observed the amethyst blacelet on her left wrist and the emerald bracelet on her right, a combination of elegance and tradition
She glanced at Vincent, who nodded in silent approval.
“Thank you, Ellen,” said Stephanie.
Edith interjected, “With Stephie joining the Fletcher family, she brings fortune to herself and Vincent,”
Brimming with jealousy, Lorelai couldn’t ignore the symbolism behind the emerald bracelet, which signified the status of the lady of the family. As the first daughter-in-law of the Fletcher family, she hadn’t received such an honor. Yet, it was bestowed upon this seemingly undeserving woman, fueling
Lorelai’s resentment.
“Stephanie is so lucky. Even before officially entering the family, she has already gained Ellen’s favor,” Lorelai remarked bitterly.
Vincent shot her a cold glance. “Didn’t I clarify Stephie’s status when Douglas was disciplined according to family rules? Has your memory deteriorated,
Lorelai?”
Upon hearing that, Lorelai forced a smile, “Oh, my bad.”
Vincent said coldly, “Are you jealous since you didn’t get to wear the emerald bracelet, Lorelai!”
Lorelai’s heart bristled with resentment as her thoughts were laid bare. Nevertheless, she smiled, “How could that be? After all, you’re the head of the Fletcher family. This emerald bracelet is only fit for the lady of the family.”
“Good that you know, Lorelai,” Vincent responded nonchalantly,
Lorelai went silent.
Just then, Douglas and Florence approached, followed by Horace and Matilda. They presented a birthday present.
Florence smiled, “Happy birthday, Mrs. Ellen Fletcher.”
Ellen harbored disdain for them due to the engagement party incident, so she handed the gift to Lorelai without looking at it.
Douglas le
felt embarrassed. “Grandma, we picked this for you. Have a look.”
Lorelai immediately opened the box from Douglas, revealing a calligraphy pen.
Ellen had a penchant for calligraphy and painting, making the calligraphy pen a fitting choice.
Lorelai then opened the delicate jewelry box offered by Florence, finding a unique brooch inside “This brooch is exquisite, Ellen. Look, it complements your complexion perfectly.”
Ellen glanced at it, acknowledging its fine craftsmanship.
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Chapter 301
Lorelai exchanged a glance with Florence.
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Florence seized the opportunity. “Mrs. Ellen Fletcher, this is a brooch I designed. It’s crafted from rubies with diamond splints. Red complements you well, I wish you good health and happiness in lide.”
Having seen much in her life, Ellen admired the brooch’s designs. She nodded. “Thanks,”
Lorelai finally felt a sense of satisfaction. Having not seen Stephanie’s gift beforehand, she swiftly redirected the conversation. “Stephie, have you prepared a gift as well?”
Stephanie replied with a smile, “Yes, I have.”
“In that case,” Lorelai prompted eagerly, “bring it out quickly. I’m certain Ellen will adore it.”
Stephanie glanced at Vincent, who nodded in approval. She took a small light blue velvet box from her handbag and said, “This is the brooch I designed.”
Ellen received it, opening it to reveal a purple brooch identical to Florence’s
Initially taken aback, Ellen then attempted to close it. However, Lorelai preemptively grabbed it, exclaiming, “Oh my, why is this design the same as Flore’s? I remember now, Stephanie is also a designer at the Fantasy Boutique, so it’s inevitable for their work to overlap.”
A knowing smile played on Stephanie’s lips. “Is that what you’re insinuating, Lorelai? That I’ve plagiarized Florence’s design?”
“How can you plagiarize, Stephanie? This is disgraceful. Take back your gift and apologize to Mrs. Fletcher,” Matilda said.
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