Chapter b119 /b

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    “This is what you deserve, Margaret,” Henry said, patting Cheryl’s arm with great satisfaction. “You’ve raised such an exceptional daughter. For my god–granddaughter Cheryl’s sake alone, I would make sure you were here.”

    “It’s a shame, really,” Henry sniffed, his expression turning sour. “That one invitation was wasted because of that wretched girl. Otherwise, William could have joined us.”

    He scoffed inside, ‘Just let me cross paths with that insolent little nobody again. I’ll make sure she regrets it.‘

    Margaret nodded vigorously in agreement. “Don’t let some silly girl ruin your mood, Henry. Today is a wonderful day. But if I see her, trust me, I won’t let her off easy!”

    Although the Evans family was well–known in Hirica, they were ultimately out of their depth here,pletely unustomed to this scale of grandeur and far from having any real connection to the mighty Shea family.

    Today marked Henry’s first exposure to such a scene, though he maintained ia /ifacade of cool, unppableposure.

    Cheryl wore a long, cyan–blue gown with a full skirt. Sequins on the delicate tulle sparkled brilliantly under the lights. Her hair was professionally styled, and her makeup was meticulously applied, enhancing her beauty significantly.

    The moment she stepped into the courtyard, all eyes turned toward her, everyone quietly specting about her identity.

    Seeing this, Margaret smiled with deep satisfaction. She had invested a small fortune in Cheryl’s appearance tonight, banking on her daughter making a connection with the Shea family.

    Standing beside Henry, Cheryl maintained a polite smile. Herrge, dewy eyes blinked demurely as she subtly scanned her surroundings.

    The thought of potentially meeting the mysterious Andrew Shea, a figure straight out of the stories, made her heart pound with wild anticipation.

    A significant amount of time had passed, yet the party showed no sign of beginning. The guests were growing restless, murmuring among themselves.

    “Wasn’t it supposed to start at six? What time is it now?”

    “Right? Look, not a single member of the Shea family is here. What could they possibly be doing?”

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    “Keep your voice down. This is the Sheas‘ turf, after all.”

    Cheryl’s eyes flickered with curiosity at the exchange. The situation was clear. They were waiting for someone. She mused, ‘But who? Who could be important enough to make the Sheas wait?‘

    Before she could ponder further, Rowan approached with a smile, leading Natalie by her side. “Henry, finally found you,” she said cheerfully, then turned her gaze to Cheryl. “And who is this lovely youngdy?”

    “This is Cheryl Sherman, Nathan’s goddaughter,” Henry replied warmly. “And that’s her mother, Margaret. I’ve mentioned them before. Consider this a proper introduction.”

    Cheryl stepped forward gracefully. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ma’am.”

    “Oh, what a delight!” Fiona beamed, instantly taken with Cheryl. She pulled Natalie forward gently. “This is my daughter, Natalie. Since you’re Nathan’s goddaughter, I suppose that makes you two almost like sisters.”

    Natalie hadn’t been herself since the hospital incident. Her spirits were low. She wore ia /iconservative champagne–colored gown with a high neckline, paired casually with a shawl. Her expression was weary, and she offered only a polite nod in Cheryl’s direction, saying nothing.

    Lately, she had been gued by nightmares, sleeping fitfully night after night. The dark circles under her eyes were so pronounced that even concealer couldn’t hide them, and her makeup seemed to do little to enhance her appearance.

    Cheryl, ever the social butterfly, immediately showered Natalie withpliments. “Natalie, your gown is absolutely stunning. It suits you perfectly.”

    Girls usually enjoyed being praised. Natalie’s mood lifted slightly, and a hint of pride crept into her voice. “Of course. It was custom–made by a top designer.”

    Cheryl continued to tter her skillfully, and within minutes, the two were chatting like old friends.

    Meanwhile, in the third–floor sitting room, an elderly man dressed in a traditional suit sat with a smile.

    His face was etched with the lines of time, but his eyes, sharp and bright beneath thick eyebrows, sparkled with warmth and kindness.

    “Grandfather, the guests have all arrived. It’s time to go down,” Vivian said as she brought him a cup of coffee.

    Winston pushed the cup away irritably. “No, I’m not going. That young woman Jenny

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    mentioned still hasn’t arrived.”

    Vivian shook her head helplessly. “Grandfather, she never confirmed she woulde. Keeping everyone waiting like this is impolite. It makes our family seem arrogant.”

    “Let them think what they want,” Winston retorted, crossing his arms with a dismissive snort. “A Shea family party nevercks for attendees. Those who can’t wait are free to leave. We don’t need them.”

    Seeing that the stubborn old man wouldn’t be persuaded, Vivian gave up. Still, she couldn’t help but feel curious about this mysterious girl.

    Winston’s eyes remained fixed on the surveince monitor, scrutinizing every guest who entered. Anyone his usually arrogant grandson found interesting enough to share a meal with was worth his attention.

    If not for this party, that rascal Andrew would never have allowed him toe to Hirica to see the girl for himself.

    It was the middle of the evening rush hour, and the roads were congested. Olivia arrivedte. Most attendees were dressed in evening gowns and tailored suits, making her stand out awkwardly.

    She wore the same ck puffer jacket and light blue jeans, a simple, casual outfit. Nina, who followed behind her, was also dressed for a cold day in a white winter coat, lookingpletely out of ce amid the formal attire.

    A security guard stopped her at the entrance. “Excuse me, may I see your invitation?”

    Before Olivia could respond, a mockingugh came from inside. “Well, look who it is. Just some broke college student.” It was Natalie who strode over confidently with her arms crossed, followed by Cheryl and a few others.

    Coincidentally, it seemed everyone Olivia had ever crossed paths with or offended was there.

    The guard hesitated. “Do you know thesedies?”

    “Oh, we’re enemies,” Olivia replied lightly without even ncing their way.

    “You admit it? How dare you show your face here then?” Natalie snapped, irritation shing in her eyes at Olivia’s indifferent attitude. “Are you really trying to scam your way into a Shea family event?

    “Do you even know what kind of ce this is? Or are you just that desperate?”

    Natalie had been humiliated by Olivia more than once, and she’d been waiting for a chance to retaliate. Now was her opportunity.

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    b57 /b

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    Margaret watched with disdain. ‘Such a wild, uncultured girl,‘ she thought. ‘Who shows up to an event like this in a worn–out puffer jacket without even a proper dress? Thank goodness we cut ties with her. She would’ve embarrassed the Sherman family name forever.

    “Olivia, why didn’t you wear an evening gown?” Cheryl chimed in innocently, blinking as though surprised. “Events like this require formal attire. Dressing like this is just…” She trailed off, leaving plenty of room for the others to imagine the rest.

    Cheryl knew exactly how to wield words. With just a few phrases, she painted Olivia as a clueless, impoverished student who didn’t belong in high society.

    Natalie jumped back in. “Ha! What would a pauper like her know about upper–ss etiquette?”

    14:17 Wedb, /bSep 10