Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks

Cora came from a military background, and as she spoke, her voice rose a little, causing several people to glance over in their direction.

She continued, "Hey, not just Mary, but Mrs. Simpson's here too My apologies for not greeting you guys properly. Stella knows so many people, and she's invited quite a few."

"It's hard to get everyone's attention all at once. I hope you all understand," Cora said with a smile as she walked toward the group.

Behind her, Xenia muttered under her breath, "Like mother, like daughter. So screaming. They both talk exactly the same. Guess it's in their genes."

Giselle quickly patted Xenia's hand, worried that her words might be overheard.

Cherise couldn't help but find it amusing, letting out a soft chuckle.

Before long, Cora arrived in front of Cherise and Mary. She glanced at Mary, then briefly looked over at Cherise and Jean. "Mary, has it really been more than ten years since we last saw each other?

"A few days ago, my husband and Stella went to your house, but was feeling a bit, here, it's a perfect opportunity to catch up."

SO

I couldn't make it. Now that you're

Mary smiled politely, answering with a few casual words. Stella had personally delivered the invitation card a few days ago, and she couldn't refuse the kind gesture, especially when she learned Cherise would be there.

Mary said, "Never mind. Go get busy. I've got some friends here. We can find a spot to chat and have some drinks. We used to be neighbors, no need for so much formality."

Cora smiled faintly after hearing Mary's words, her eyes drifting to Cherise. "And who's this? I rarely see women with such an impressive presence in Betrico. She actually reminds me a little of the female officers from our time on the battlefield." Noticing Cora's gaze fixed on his wife, Morris, who had been discussing political matters with some of the other guests, couldn't help but glance over at Cherise every now and then.

Mary, knowing Cherise's temperament, spoke up for her. "This is Morris's wife, Cherise."

"Oh, so this is Cherise," Cora said, sounding a bit surprised. "She really is something. Quite impressive," she added, raising her voice again.

Standing behind Cherise, Xenia clicked her tongue quietly.

The sound wasn't loud, but Cherise heard it and couldn't help but smile softly.

Cherise then looked up at Cora, offering a polite nod. "Mrs. Walton, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you. Honestly, I think you're even more remarkable."

Cora paused for a moment, clearly taken aback. She took another, more careful look at Cherise, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and intrigue.

At that moment, Stella, who had just finished talking with some friends, walked over with Lydia.

Stella greeted them warmly, her voice calm and graceful. "Mom, I'm so glad you're here greeting Mrs. Jarrett and the others. I couldn't make it over there just yet.

"I'm sorry for that, Mrs. Jarrett, Ms. Leach, Mrs. Simpson, Ms. Taylor, and Jean. Thank you all for your understanding."

10:25 Thu Jan

Compared to Cora's tone, Stella's voice was much more pleasant She made everyone feel comfortable with her polite and thoughtful words, speaking softly, her tone soothing. Mary smiled in response. "It's no trouble at all, Stella. We're all od friends here. We'll just find a place to sit and chat.

"You are so kind. It's been ages since we've attended a party, and his is a nice opportunity to catch up. You go ahead and take care of things. We'll be fine. I'll have a chat with them." Stella nodded, then prepared to lead Cora over to greet others. But just as they started to walk away, Lydia moved closer to Cherise and the others.

Lydia spoke up. "Jean, fancy seeing you again. So, Truman didn't come with you today? I saw his mom and his friend Morris were here.

"By the way, that day at Ebb & Flow, were you two just pretending to be a couple to brush me off?"

Jean froze, her throat tightening as she took a few steps back, glancing at Cherise.novelbin

Mary and Giselle looked confused.

"What's going on? Why is Truman with Ms. Jarrett?" Giselle asked, unable to contain her curiosity. Xenia, noticing Giselle's slip, quickly pinched her arm to stop her from asking further questions. Lydia tilted her head with a sly smile. "Mrs. Simpson, I guess you don't know, do you? That's interesting. Looks like my guess was right.

"I never thought Ms. Jarrett would team up with a man to fake being a couple. If this gets out, it won't look too good for the Jarrett family's reputation, huh?" Lydia deliberately raised he

voice, and the surrounding crowd seemed to grow larger as they listened in.

Morris had already gotten up from his seat among the political elite and walked over to stand by Cherise.

He knew about Lydia's fixation on Truman, but now, seeing the situation unfold, he sensed that something was off.

"What's going on?" he whispered,

Cherise, standing close to her ear.

Cherise sneered, her voice low as she responded. "Lydia is definitely not easy to handle. No, scratch that... none of the Walton family is. They're all trouble."

In front of Lydia were members of the Jarrett family, yet she was so rude. Meanwhile, the Walton family stood by, not lifting a finger to stop it, just letting things unfold.

As expected, seeing Jean keep silent, Lydia took another step closer. "What's the matter? Too scared to speak? Why not tell us if it's real or not?"

"Jean, what's going on?" Mary asked, sensing the tension and unable to keep silent any longer.

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