Chapter 559 Oliver's Sly Smile
Mrs. Rosalind was pale, too enraged to speak, and unable to find words for a rebuttal.
Years had passed, and she had long severed ties with her family. Now, it seemed that even she could scarcely remember her roots.
Mrs. Rosalind had always told herself she was born to be the lady of a grand house—and over time, she came to believe it.
Yet here was a woman, picking at her scars!
"A woman herself, and still you belittle other women without end, as if a divorcee loses all her value," Marjorie said with disdain.
With a sigh, she feigned self-reproof: "There's a saying that goes, 'Nice guys finish last.’ I've been too modest these years; that’s my fault. It's let some forget their weight, daring to jump around in front of me... Oh dear, am I talking too much?"
"Not at all! Marjorie, you're spot on!" chimed an elderly dame nearby.
"I think young Natalie's quite remarkable. My granddaughter could achieve so much, it'd make me laugh in my sleep!"
"Yes indeed! Especially compared to my daughter-in-law, over thirty and still can’t tell the difference between vegetables, always asking my son for money and bickering with my younger daughter. Natalie, on the other hand, is so knowledgeable and skilled; even the strong-willed Miss Quinn bends to her will."
Lavish with your praises!
After all, praising Natalie is the way to go!
Though they didn't understand why Marjorie would speak up for a young woman no longer betrothed to her grandson, Marjorie's protective stance towards Natalie was crystal clear.
They all just wanted to avoid crossing Marjorie, lest they become the target of the ire of this sharp-tongued octogenarian.
Seeing several venerable and influential individuals fawning over Marjorie, the crowd joined in with opportunistic compliments.
It dawned on everyone rather late that Marjorie wasn't just the esteemed matriarch of the Windsor family at Estate Number One but also a distinguished guest of the Nortons in France. Moreover, her own family background was nothing short of impressive; it's just that they weren't in the same social circles since they were involved in politics.
Mrs. Rosalind sat uncomfortably in her seat, torn between leaving and staying.
Her visit was intended as a strategic move to mingle with these people. The Quinn family was slowly losing influence and urgently needed allies. She had hoped to use Natalie as a stepping stone to showcase her own discernment and intelligence, paving the way for future social endeavors. But she never expected Marjorie, who seemed like a benign and easily handled old lady, to be so stubborn and overbearing!
In the following days, Mrs. Rosalind shamelessly tried to make nice with various families, but nobody paid her any attention. It was only later that she realized whom she had truly crossed.
Lucas had used the same method to pinpoint several scenic spots, and for a stretch of the journey, he and Natalie Oliver shared the road.
The group split into two cars, sports cars provided by a local dealership for the event.
"There's a church up ahead. Pass through it, and you'll find the designated tea spot," Lucas pointed out as they approached their first destination.
In the distance, a white spire was visible.
Entering the church, they saw the priest in robes, who had just finished their prayers.
Surprised, the priest gave Natalie an extra glance and smiled warmly, "Good morning to you."
Lilian, catching on, hastily removed her hat and greeted as well, though her attempt was awkward and slightly comical.
After the priest nodded and smiled at Lilian, he left with composed grace.
Oliver and Lucas were trailing a few steps behind. By the time they caught up, the priest had already left.
Oliver recalled how Natalie was intrigued by Notre-Dame Cathedral during their trip to Paris and now seemed to have taken an interest in this church as well. He couldn't help but curve the edge of his lips into a smirk.
"What's with the smug look of vicarious pride?" Lucas said disdainfully to Oliver, "My sister's achievements are hers, what’s it got to do with you?"
Oliver glanced at him, casually saying, "Take your pick: brother-in-law or cousin-in-law, nephew or cousin's husband."
It was like using Lilian to corner him.
Choose whichever relationship you like.
"Shut up!" Lucas, anxious, glanced at Natalie and Lilian, relieved that they hadn’t noticed their exchange.
Oliver snorted, "Scared to admit your feelings?"
Though Lucas was mature for his age, being teased about his first crush by someone he always clashed with left him at a loss for words, resorting to a stern "Shut up!"
"You should thank me for not meddling in your affairs with my sister!" Suddenly, Lucas remembered he also had ammunition to use against Oliver.
Oliver opened his mouth but then decided, "Okay, let's just drop it."
For now, he wasn't in the mood to bicker with this thorn-in-the-side nephew.
Lilian was keen on bombarding Natalie with questions about Notre Dame, but seeing Oliver approach, she tactfully decided to join Lucas.
"Why don't you ask my sister?" Lucas wasn't well-versed in these literary and religious matters.
He and Natalie were different. His talent lay in mechanics, while Natalie had been a voracious reader since childhood, curious about everything and understanding most of what she read. Thus, from a young age, Lucas knew his sister was more exceptional than most, and he had come to accept the idea that she might not share the same biological parents as him.
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