Chapter 5
Daisy rested her chin on her hand. “Speaking of this, Samuel must be the most troubled. Even though he divorced Elizabeth, they share a dirty past. That’s a stain on his life. Seeing Elizabeth must disgust him.”
“Now that the ugly woman is back, things will get awkward for Celia.”
“Poor Celia. She has been publicly involved with Samuel for four years, yet she’s still just a girlfriend. She really is weak.”
The gossip continued.
Elizabeth chuckled in cold indifference. Elizabeth was not ugly, and as for Celia being weak? These two York ladies must be out of their minds!
Elizabeth only wanted to wish Tomas a happy birthday in a low–key way, but these people wouldn’t let her.
The more she avoided something, the more it seemed to happen. The lively banquet hall was suddenly filled with a high–pitched scream.
“Elizabeth?”
“Do you see that? Isn’t that Elizabeth?”
“The one with the sunglasses!”
Many cople exclaimed.
Celia clutched Samuel’s hand tighter. Her voice was soft and sweet. “Sam, it really is Elizabeth. When did she come
back?”
Celia’s tone carried a hint of fear, as if Elizabeth was some venomous beast.
Years ago, when Samuel insisted on marrying Celia, Tomas had agreed. But Elizabeth interfered, declaring she wouldn’t marry anyone but Samuel. Tomas sided with her, forcing his own grandson to marry Elizabeth.
Samuel gently patted Celia’s hand, comforting her. His dark eyes held a chilling coldness as they landed on Elizabeth. “Don’t worry. Once this party is over, she’ll have to leave!”
“But Sam,” Celía protested, “you grew up with her. She’s like your sister, after all.”
“Celia, you’re too kind. She’s a Jones, not Samuel’s sister!” Daisy interjected, indignant on behalf of Celia. “Look at her, thinking she can hide her ugliness behind those sunglasses!”
Celia raised an eyebrow, unfazed. Everyone was focused on Elizabeth, eager to see the ugly duckling unveiled. Should Celia help Elizabeth?
Celia had known early on that Elizabeth was returning. So, Celia had her agent, Nancy Lewis, keep an eye out and
Chapter 5
inform her immediately when Elizabeth arrived.
The moment Elizabeth discreetly entered, Celia shifted her attention to her, planning to embarrass her. Nancy had even arranged for people to make a scene when Elizabeth was spotted.
The commotion caught Tomas‘ attention, and he saw Elizabeth. Ignoring the surprised expressions around him, he rose from the head of the table to welcome Elizabeth personally.
“Liz!”
With a warm call, Elizabeth snapped back to reality, seeing Tomas walking toward her.
Four years had passed, and Tomas had aged significantly.
Elizabeth remembered how Tomas had taken care of her when she lived with the Yorks. The old man had shown her kindness and encouragement. Without him, she wouldn’t have made it this far.
Tears welled in Elizabeth’s eyes. Ignoring the scorn and mockery from those around her, she walked toward Tomas.
Because of Tomas‘ favoritism, the other members of the Yorks harbored animosity toward Elizabeth. To the other guests, Elizabeth was a big joke!
“Dad, take it easy.”
“Elizabeth will come by herself. Just wait here.”
Tomas‘ sons tried to persuade him, fearing that he might get too excited and fall ill.
Elizabeth was a nuisance!
Tomas paid his sons no mind. He hadn’t seen Elizabeth in four years.
Elizabeth came forward with a gift box. “Grandpa, I wish you a long and healthy life.”
“Good, very good.”
Elizabeth’s greeting was just like Samuel’s!
Tomas happily accepted her gift. It was evident that he treasured Elizabeth. Clasping her hand, he said, “Liz, come sit by me.”
As long as she was by his side, no one would dare to hurt her. He was protecting her!
The younger generation of the York family was astounded to hear Elizabeth’s agreement.
Why did Elizabeth have the nerve to sit next to Tomas? Wasn’t she afraid they would be angry after the party ended?
“Grandpa.” Samuel, accompanied by Celia, stepped forward. “Your table is already full of the Yorks. Elizabeth just got back and needs to greet the elders. If you want to catch up with her, you can do so after the banquet.”
Chapter 5
Samuel wasn’t usually one to meddle, especially in such harmless trifles, but if Elizabeth was comfortable, he was uncomfortable. He was intentionally making things difficult for Elizabeth! Samuel brought Celia to tell Tomas, the four–year term was soon to be up, and Celia was the prospective granddaughter in law of Tomas!
Tomas wanted to protect Elizabeth.
As soon as Samuel spoke, the other elders of the York family chimed in, “Yeah, Dad, there are still so many guests here, you need to greet them.”
“Dad, you can catch up with Elizabeth after the banquet ends, she won’t leave as soon as she gets back.”
Facing the pressure of the younger generation, Tomas gave an unhappy cold snort. Today was his eightieth birthday. Was he not allowed to catch up with his favorite younger generation? He was about to speak up for Elizabeth when the silent Elizabeth smiled, “Grandpa, you should go back to your seat and rest. I will come to see you later.
“Liz, 1..”
Elizabeth patted Tomas’s hand lightly, and through her sunglasses, she gave Tomas a reassuring look.
Tomas didn’t understand. Elizabeth was just too kind and had been bullied by these people before!
