Ever since being brought back to the Harlows, she’d long grown used to their cold remarks and sneers.
Ethan was no longer someone she could depend on.
She needed to face things alone.
When Amelia came out, the gossiping voices softened, but someone still added in a low voice, “She’s so useless. An imposter, low-class and fake. Married into wealth but can’t even keep her man.”
Amelia gave the speaker a cold, emotionless glance.
She straightened her disheveled dress and walked directly toward the main banquet hall.
Approaching David at the main table, she presented the gift she’d prepared. “Grandpa, I wish you good health and longevity.”
David had been chatting and laughing with other guests. When he saw Amelia, he nodded with apparent kindness. “How thoughtful of you.”
David then looked around but didn’t see Ethan.
“Why didn’t Ethan come with you?”
Amelia’s body still seemed to hold the chill from earlier. She replied calmly, “Something urgent came up at work. He couldn’t get away.”
“Young people these days, always putting their careers first.” David spoke as if it were nothing, but his smile had already faded, and his gaze toward Amelia carried a hint of criticism. “As his wife, you need to step up more. Family harmony is more important than anything.”
Amelia understood the rebuke and lowered her eyes. “Yes, you’re right, Grandpa.”
This was her only remaining value to the Harlows now.
As long as Ethan could bring them huge benefits, the Harlows would force her to play his perfect wife, no matter how many mistresses he had.
Fortunately, today’s celebration would have plenty of important guests.
David didn’t have time to waste on her.
Amelia turned around, looking back at the various expressions in the banquet hall, and strangely felt a familiar presence mixed among them.
Just then, Beatrice walked over slowly with Clara Harlow.
Clara wore an elegant purple dress covered in expensive jewelry, but her face showed displeasure.
Beatrice held her arm, wearing a soft pink gown that made her look gentle and lovely.
“Mom,” Amelia greeted her respectfully.
Clara didn’t even glance at her and immediately launched into accusations. “Amelia, where is Ethan?”
“Something urgent came up at work … “
“What could be so urgent that it’s more important than your grandfather’s birthday?” Clara cut her off, her voice sharp. “It’s all because you’re useless! Go find somewhere out of the way to stay. Stop embarrassing the Harlows.”
Quite a few nearby guests heard the commotion and looked over.
Amelia’s expression shifted.
“Mom, please keep your voice down,” Beatrice interjected, her voice gentle and persuasive. “So many guests are watching.”
She turned to Amelia, her face showing just the right amount of concern. “Amelia, how about this? Why don’t you help with guest registration at the entrance? It would be your contribution to David’s celebration.”
Amelia found it strange.
Beatrice, the Harlows’ long-lost real daughter, had always resented Amelia’s existence and constantly opposed her.
Why was she suddenly being so accommodating today, even stepping in to help her?
Clara suppressed her anger and waved her hand dismissively. “Go on then.”
Amelia still nodded in agreement. “Alright.”
Only when she arrived at the reception area did she realize Beatrice’s intentions weren’t good at all.
This was far from an easy task.
Not only did she have to carefully record each guest’s gift cards and presents, but she also had to direct workers to move these valuable items to designated spots for safekeeping.
Not a moment’s rest. They were practically treating her like a slave.
In the VIP room on the estate’s second floor, Mason stared through the half-open wooden window, his gaze locked on the busy figure below.
“Mr. Everett, the Harlows don’t seem to treat Ms. Harlow very well.” The assistant picked up on the situation.
Mason looked away, his expression indifferent. “Isn’t this all her own choice?”
Years ago, she’d insisted on returning to the Harlows, even betraying him to do so.
Now that she was suffering, who was to blame?
The assistant sighed inwardly and changed the subject. “Mr. Everett, should we go down and greet Mr. Harlow?”
“Have someone register the gift. That’s giving the Harlows enough face.” Mason said flatly, then stood up. “Let’s go.”
Downstairs, as Amelia was busy registering gifts, several workers carried over a large mahogany box.
“Miss, this gift needs to be registered.” The workers carefully set down the box.
Amelia opened it to find an exquisite carved rosewood sculpture.
The craftsmanship was exceptional. Clearly worth a fortune.
“May I ask which family sent this?” Amelia asked as usual.
“The Everetts.” The man replied politely.
The surrounding guests immediately began buzzing with discussion.
“The Everetts are really generous. A rosewood carving this size must be worth at least a few million.”
“I heard the Everett heir, Mason, is back in the country. I wonder if he’s here today.”
“Mason, now he’s quite legendary … “
Amelia’s body involuntarily stiffened.
Her gaze instinctively swept around, searching for that familiar figure.
But soon, she couldn’t help mocking herself inwardly.
With that man’s presence, he’d be the center of attention the moment he appeared. How could he possibly be here without anyone knowing?
Just then, Beatrice gracefully emerged from the main hall and walked straight to the Everett representative with a familiar smile. “Please extend my sincerest thanks to the Everetts for their generous gift. By the way, did Mason come today?”
The man politely replied, “No, Mr. Everett is still abroad.”
Hearing this, Amelia’s heart couldn’t help but sink.
Was it disappointment or relief? Even she couldn’t tell.
She looked down at her ink-stained hands, a flash of dejection quickly crossing her eyes.
If they were to meet again under her current circumstances, it would be pretty unfortunate.
“Amelia … “
Lost in thought, Ethan’s apologetic voice suddenly sounded behind her.
“I’m sorry I’m late.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.