Chapter 024 Mr. Montgomery's Unexpected Arrival
"He probably won't. The Montgomery family might not even attend, especially Xavier. His status is so elevated that the Turner family, despite their ambitions, couldn't compare."
While the Turner family had influence in Skigeth, they remained slightly beneath the Montgomery family's stature. However, in recent years, the Turners had ventured into international markets, and Anegla’s brother had been working abroad, only recently returning.
"That's good," Grace thought. As long as Xavier and the Montgomerys weren't attending, she wouldn't be apprehensive.
Angela swiftly applied makeup to Grace's already enviable skin. Without makeup, Grace was beautiful, but now she looked even more stunning and vibrant.
"Grace, if I were a man, I'd marry you in a heartbeat!" Angela teased, admiring Grace fully.
"And if you were a man, I'd definitely marry you!" Grace replied coyly.
By the time they left the studio, evening had already set in.
Angela brought Grace to the Turner Villa, and as soon as she arrived, she was scolded. "Angela, where have you been wandering these past few days? I’m starting to think you don’t even need me anymore!"
Angela's mother, Flora, had little affection for her daughter. She found Angela completely clueless and somewhat dim-witted. Ever since Angela was little, she struggled to learn anything, and even after being brought home, she never seemed to bond with her mother, which was a stark contrast to Flora's adopted daughter, Edith.
Edith, looking composed and graceful, stood by her mother's side. "Mom, don't be upset. You are the star tonight, and Angela just got a bit carried away with her fun."
Flora glared at Angela with her face etched with distaste.
Edith was different. She had been smart since childhood, able to learn anything quickly. She was the pride of the family.
Witnessing this scene, Angela felt like an outsider, as if she could never truly fit into this family. However, she still presented the gifts she had prepared. She had a cake baked herself and gotten a pair of earrings Flora had long desired.
The earrings were antique, coveted by Flora ever since she had mentioned them in passing. Angela had pulled many strings and finally managed to acquire them just before her mother's birthday.
Angela presented the homemade cake, but Flora expressed disappointment, saying, "Angela, after all I've done for you, is this what you offer on my birthday?"
Edith intervened, trying to ease the situation, "Don't worry about it, mom. Angela must be upset about something. Besides, she's not your only daughter. I've also prepared a gift for you," She then revealed a costly necklace she had brought. "This necklace cost quite a bit. Please have a look."
Flora praised Edith's thoughtfulness, contrasting it with Angela's gift, "Edith has always been so thoughtful. I appreciate your gift, unlike some people. Despite all the support given to her, she refuses to spend on a decent gift."
Dismissing Angela's cake, Flora instructed a maid to remove it, saying, "Take this cake away. I've never in my life had such a cheap offering."
Since it was Flora's birthday, Angela said nothing. She didn't even attempt to take back the cake she had worked so hard to make. She clenched the earrings hidden in her palm, thinking to herself that Flora didn't deserve them.
As the maid was about to get rid of the cake, Grace intervened. "Who are you, and what are you doing?" the maid asked in surprise.
"The cake, give it to me," Grace extended her hand.
The maid hesitated, glancing between Flora and Grace.
Grace confidently took the cake from the maid, fully aware of Angela's diligent efforts to learn how to bake, the past few days. She knew Angela yearned to be a part of this family and earn Flora's affection.
The family's contempt towards Angela was the most hurtful for her.
"This cake was made personally by Angela. It's unique, not something you can buy in a store. Even if you don't like it, at least don't waste her efforts," Grace said, taking Angela by the hand.
"Who... who are you, and why are you meddling in our family matters?" Flora demanded, eyeing Grace. She was so beautiful, yet Flora couldn't recall ever seeing her before.
"Let's go," Angela said, tugging Grace's hand. She had offered her gift; it was Flora's choice to reject it.
As they moved away, Flora's voice, filled with anger, echoed, "Angela has no manners, she doesn't even respect me at all, utterly unruly!"
Edith tried to calm her mother, "Mom, hasn't she always been this way? She never saw herself as part of the Turner family. Instead, she believes the Turners have treated her unfairly."
"How have I mistreated her? Haven't I been kind to her?" Flora exclaimed loudly.
Edith gloated, "It's just her being immature. Don't let it upset you."
Angela and Grace retreated to a side, looking over at Edith, "See? Edith has always known how to win mother over. She clearly favors Edith."
Angela's eyes dropped, "It doesn't matter what I do. In her eyes, I'm always wrong."
Grace ruffled Angela's hair, "Who said that? Life isn't about living for someone else's approval. You're the best in my eyes. Forget her. I want the cake she didn't want, and I'm going to eat it all later!"
Angela was touched, "Grace, you're always so kind!"
Their friendship blossomed shortly after Angela returned to the Turner Villa during a party, where she was deemed lacking in decorum by the Turners. Grace was the only onr wjo reached out, took her aside, pulling her aside and offering support.
Although Angela claimed indifference, she couldn't help but steal glances at the unfolding scene. Edith stood next to Flora, cozying up to her as if they were the true mother and daughter.
As the Turners continued to greet the new guests, Grace and Angela lingered in a corner.
Grace was bored watching the guests arrive when she suddenly spotted Ryan arriving with Kelly. "Angela, didn't you mention the Montgomery family wouldn't attend?"
"Hmm? They never attended my mom's birthday before. They're probably here now because my brother's taking over the company. But I can't believe Ryan would brazenly bring his mistress out like this!"
Angela felt a strong urge to confront the arrogant man and his brazen girlfriend's. They had the audacity to openly mistreat Grace.
Everyone knew Grace was Ryan's fiancée, and now here was Ryan, showing up at the party with another woman on his arm.
Grace saw it too. Kelly was clinging to Ryan's arm, barely stopping herself from snuggling into his embrace. She looked delicate and pure, the sort that could easily evoke a protective instinct in men.
But Grace's composure remained unwavering, seemingly unaffected by Ryan's presence.
"Let them carry on. The bigger the scene Ryan makes, the better," she reasoned. It would only increase her chances of breaking off the engagement. In her current guise, it was unlikely anyone would recognize her as Grace.
As Grace was lost in thought, Angela excitedly poked her, "Grace, look! That guy over there is so handsome!"
Grace looked up towards the entrance, and upon seeing the tall figure clearly, she was startled. Xavier was here too!
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