Chapter 19
Today was Mabel’s 18th birthday.
The venue was supposed to have been used for a homecoming feast for Rhea three days ago. To compensate her, Dale and Beatrice chose the banquet hall with the best specifications. The venue of the party was a newly built, extremely luxurious seven–star hotel in Linburn City, showing everyone how important Rhea was in their eyes.
Yet their preparations ended up making Mabel, their adopted daughter, look good, whereas Rhea, their real daughter, got her thunder stolen. The fact bugged Dale and Beatrice, but since all the expenses for this party were on Mabel’s infinity card anyway, they decided to let it slide.
The Harper family had been in business for many years and has many business partners, so there were a lot of guests today, creating a lively atmosphere in the banquet hall.
Almost all the guests had arrived, but tonight’s star, Mabel, was nowhere to be seen.
Rhea was overjoyed. She dressed up for tonight, wearing a white dress of nearly 300 thousand dollars as well as all kinds of jewelry Beatrice had bought for her, looking quite the socialite.
Holding Rhea’s arm. Beatrice led her around while enthusiastically introducing her to the guests, telling everyone she was the Harper family’s daughter who had just returned. Occasionally, someone said that Rhea looked familiar, wondering if they had seen her online a while ago and asking if she was an internet celebrity. Rhea and Beatrice always brushed them off by changing the subject quickly.
Everyone was surprised to know the Harper family suddenly had a biological daughter out of the blue, curiously asking Beatrice why she wouldn’t throw Rhea a grand homecoming party.
Rhea smiled shyly, Tm always low–key, and I’m already happy enough to be with Dad and Mom again. Of course. I don’t want them to spend a fortune on me, It just so happens that today is Mabel’s birthday party, so I piggyback on it.”
Her words instantly won over the hearts of everyone present; they all marveled at how sensible she was at such a young age, saying she had a promising future awaiting.
Holding her hand, Beatrice said with both affection and sorrow. “If only Mabel were more like you.
In other words, as Rhea’s elder sister, Mabel was quite willful, squandering the family’s money for merely her birthday party.
Rhea, being the biggest phony, responded, “Mom, don’t say that Mabel is prettier than me and more outstanding than me. She is the future heiress of our family. As for me, I am used to living a hard life, and I’m already happy enough that I’m with you and Dad again. I wouldn’t want to compete with her at all.”
Feeling bad for her, the guests present started to comfort her.
“Rhea, come on. No matter what, Mabel is just the adopted daughter, but the Harper family’s blood runs in you. You. Beatrice, and Dale are family.”
“Indeed. Besides, you’re just as sweet and pretty. Don’t sell yourself short. You know what? I don’t think Mabel is any better than you at all.”
“Blood ties are the most important. I blame Mabel for this. Tell us. Did she make things hard for you because she’s been in the family longer than you? I sure will talk some sense into her when she shows up.”
Everyone took Rhea’s side while criticizing Mabel.
Sensing this, Rhea was secretly overjoyed
She thought, ‘It’s this hour, yet Mabel is nowhere to be seen. Well, that makes sense. She doesn’t have anything, not even a
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Chapter 191
proper dress, to show off but that crappy crown. I bet she gets cold feet and is worried that I’m going to steal her thunder. Perhaps she won’t show up today at all
Beaming, she felt elated.
“Rhea, look!” Beatrice suddenly pulled her hand, pointed to a well–dressed lady on the other side, and whispered to her. That’s Aileen. Matthew’s mom. I’ll take you over to say hi. Do impress her, OK?”
Standing beside Aileen was Matthew with an imposing appearance.
Biting her lip, Rhea thought. ‘Matthew hasn’t contacted me in a few days since we parted on bad terms at the auction. These days. I’ve been regretting it. I should have taken things slow. Well, it’s a good thing that Aileen is here. It’s a perfect chance for me to fix things and redeem my image!
Linking arms with Beatrice, she walked toward Matthew and Aileen gracefully.
Though plain–looking, she
her, he was slack–jawed.
Certainly looked more attractive thanks to her fancy dress and makeup. The second Matthew saw
Noticing his gaze, she winked at him shyly, feeling even better about herself. Her silent flirtation turned him on, almost wanting to drag her into a room to have some fun with her at once.
On the contrary, Aileen pulled a long face. She was only here today under Matthew’s strong insistence; in fact, she didn’t like Mabel at all, thinking Matthew could have done better. Her reluctance about the two’s engagement grew bigger after knowing Mabel was only the Harper family’s adopted daughter
Therefore, her eyes lit up the second she saw Beatrice walking over with a cute young woman around 18 years old. “Mrs. Harper, this is your real daughter who has just come back, right? My, my. She’s so good–looking”
Rhea nodded slightly at her as a greeting and then said to Matthew with feigned annoyance, “Matthew, how could you? We’ve known each other so well, but you’ve never told me you’ve got such a beautiful sister.”
Greatly pleased, Aileen grinned, saying. “Gee, Mrs. Harper, how sweet your daughter ist Rhea, right? You’re so adorable. I’m not his sister. I’m his mom!”
“What?” Rhea covered her mouth, looking all surprised. Then she acted cute, sticking her tongue out, saying, “Really? I’m so sorry, Mrs. Preston. You’re so young. I hope you forgive me for being rude. Please don’t get mad at me, OK?
Aileen was 30 when she gave birth to Matthew. Now, over 50, she no longer looked that charming. However, flattery’s magic. never failed especially when it came to women. Pleased, she held Rhea affectionately while sizing Rhea up. “Sweetie, come on. I can never get mad at you.”
In Aileen’s eyes, Rhea was pretty and honey–lipped, and most importantly, she was the real daughter of the Harper family, the future heiress. Of course, she was the better choice compared to Mabel Since the Preston family and the Harper family were bound to be in–laws, she might as well set Matthew up with Rhen.
What does Mabel have besides a pretty face anyway? Matthew is so out of her league, Aileen thought, curling up her lips.
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