Chapter 2
Three days later would be the banquet hosted by Washington’s elite White family specifically to celebrate Julian White’s birthday.
“The White family comes from a scholarly background, and Julian’s greatest passions are calligraphy and oil painting.”
So everyone in Washington with any connections or friends attended.
In my previous life, Eleanor had won the White family’s favor and support at this very banquet with a single oil painting, and Julian even adopted her as his goddaughter.
Subsequently, Eleanor not only became one of the most prominent women in Washington, but also impressed Christopher and Dylan so much that they didn’t hesitate to abandon me for her.
I took a deep breath, suppressing the churning emotions, then walked into the banquet hall.
Instantly, everyone’s eyes fell on me, and their whispered conversations immediately reached my ears.
One woman said disdainfully, “I heard Miss Morris actually plans to live in their house after Mr. Edwards gets married. She’s truly shameless.”
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A man said puzzledly, “Actually, Miss Morris’s looks and education are top–tier in Washington. Why won’t Mr. Edwards marry her, but instead marry an adopted daughter?”
Another woman replied, “What do you know? Although Eleanor Morris can’t match Miss Morris in other aspects, I heard she’s very talented and exceptionally skilled at painting.”
I smirked inwardly with disdain.
Not wanting to deal with these gossips, I headed straight to the guest lounge.
I had just sat down when Christopher approached with Eleanor.
Seeing me, he smiled smugly and said, “Natalie, why don’t you sit with us in the VIP section up front? That way, after Eleanor presents her gift and receives praise from Mr. White, you might get some attention too.”
I couldn’t help but scoff, saying, “Mr. Edwards, to promote Eleanor, you don’t hesitate to spread rumors about me. I really should praise your devotion.”
Christopher’s expression darkened slightly.
I continued, “But have you considered this? Now that the rumors have spread so widely, if you can’t handle this well, you’ll both become everyone’s laughingstock. If Eleanor
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succeeds, that’s fine. But if she fails, she’ll be the joke of all Washington.”
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Christopher snorted coldly, looking as if he’d seen right through me: “The fortune teller I consulted said Eleanor brings good luck and simply cannot fail. Natalie, I know you’re angry because I won’t marry you. But you’d better not cause trouble for Eleanor. You need to treat her well. That way, the outcome will be good for the Morris family.”
Hearing his words, I grew cold, remembering what I’d overheard a few days ago.
Christopher poured a glass of wine and handed it to me: “Toast Eleanor and apologize to her. Then we’ll consider everything from before water under the bridge. That way, you can get your wish and move into our home after we’re married, can’t you?”
The surrounding crowd immediately gathered around, seemingly waiting to mock me.
After all, everyone knew about my desire to marry Christopher.
Two years ago, some wealthy and powerful Washington families wanted to arrange marriages with me, but I directly refused them all.
I even declared outright that I only wanted to marry
Christopher in this lifetime. Even if his family went bankrupt, I wouldn’t look down on him.
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But I never expected these words to quickly spread throughout Washington.
So now everyone believed that as long as I could stay by Christopher’s side, I’d agree to even his most unreasonable
demands.
One man said, “Yes, Miss Morris, hurry up and toast and apologize. Don’t make Mr. Edwards angry. Otherwise, you won’t be able to move into his house.”
Then a chorus of jeering voices rose from the crowd.
Eleanor, who had been standing outside the crowd, finally spoke with perfect composure: “Stop making things difficult for Natalie. After all, Natalie is the true daughter of the Morris family, while I’m just an adopted daughter.”
Seeing her look hurt, Christopher protectively pulled her into his arms, saying, “You’re too kind. Once you become a member of the Edwards family, no one will be able to bully you anymore. If Natalie doesn’t behave, she can get out and never set foot in Edwards Manor again.”
I couldn’t help but laugh out loud, interrupting them: “I’m curious–does Eleanor dare drink the wine I toast her with? Christopher, what makes you think I don’t like anyone except you? Finally, I want to ask everyone here: Do you really think the person who’ll win Mr. White’s appreciation today will
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definitely be Eleanor?”
Instantly, everyone fell silent, not knowing how to respond.
The next second, the White family’s butler, Warren Reyes, suddenly approached: “Miss Eleanor Morris, Mr. White has seen the painting you sent and would like to meet with you.”
