Chapter 69
The hosts of today’s party, the Waldo family, weren’t as highly–regarded as the Lamont family or the
Scott family in J City. But they had been prosperous merchants for generations, so they were
considered quite a wealthy family.
Mr. Waldo, a man in his forties with a hint of a paunch, looked elegant and scholarly. When he saw
Manley, he greeted him with a smile, “Manley, it’s been a while! How’s your dad holding up?”
Manley’s father had this son from his old age, and he, now over seventy, preferred a quiet, low–profile
life and rarely attended such events.
Manley responded with a refined smile, “He’s good. He said he would like you to visit our house when
you’re free”
“I’ll definitely pay a visit some other day!” Mr. Waldo said with a full smile, then turned to Estelle, “And
who is this lovely lady?”
Manley gripped Estelle’s hand discreetly and introduced her with a faint smile, “A friend of mine.”
Estelle didn’t expect Manley to suddenly hold her hand. Caught off guard and feeling awkward in front
of the host, she endured in silence.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThere were quite a few people standing in the banquet hall, all looking over. One person teased, “Mr.
Scott got himself a new girlfriend again?”
Another remarked, “She looks young, a college student?”
Charlie, standing next to Jonathan, sneered, “Mr. Scott’s taste has always been quite varied!”
Jonathan had been staring at Estelle since the moment she entered, a dark glint passing through his
eyes when he heard Charlie’s comment.
Seeing that Manley gave a brief introduction, Mr. Waldo didn’t pry further and just smiled, “Fiona and
the others are not here, so, why don’t we…”
Before he could finish, a girl in a purple dress ran over excitedly calling out, “Manley, you’re here!”
Mr. Waldo pretended to be annoyed, “You’ve just graduated from college, yet you’re still so clumsy.”
Fiona stuck her tongue out in a playful expression, but when she saw Estelle, the smile froze on her
face as she blurted, “Who is she?”
Mr. Waldo’s face darkened, fearing that Manley might be upset. Just as he was about to speak, Manley
said with an unconcerned smile, “My friend. I brought her here to have a good time. I hope you can
take good care of her, Fiona.”
Wearing a smile while indignation flashed in her eyes, Fiona responded meaningfully, since she is your
friend, how could I neglect her?”
Manley let go of Estelle’s hand, gave her a gentle push, and whispered affectionately. Have fun, my
girlfriend. If you need anything, just call me!”
Her hand was so cold that it seemed to have transmitted the chill to his own skin.
Estelle looked back at him and replied softly, “I’ll make you proud.”
Manley’s fox–like eyes twinkled, full of charm.
Seeing the two of them being “affectionate, Fiona’s jealousy increased, and she immediately told
Estelle, “Come with me, I’ll introduce you to a few of the girls.”
Without giving Manley another glance, Estelle followed Fiona into an adjacent flower room.
The flower room was connected to the banquet hall, and a group of young women sat on sofas, having
seen some of the earlier proceedings. They all stood up with various expressions and began quizzing
Estelle, “Miss, you’re Mr. Scott’s friend?”
“What’s your last name?”
“You look unfamiliar. Are you not from our circle?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe women surrounded Estelle like she was some new ty. If she were an inexperienced young
girl, this spectacle alone would have left her flustered. Fiona had already settled on a sofa, watching
Estelle with amusement
Since they were attending a banquet, all the women had dressed themselves up meticulously. Even if
they weren’t wearing formal attire, they were dressed in high–end fashion in contrast, Estelle in her
plain white T shirt and jeans looked conspicuously out of place.
Manley’s intention was to embarrass her and make her feel uncomfortable.
“My last name is Macclain, Estelle replied to one of the questions before taking a seat on a small sofa,
calmly facing the cunous stares
A woman in a red diamond studded dress scoffed. “When did Mr. Scott start going for pure and
innocent types like this?”
She glared at another woman in a white tube dress. “No wonder he never laid eyes on any of us,
especially you, Vivi”
Vivi, clad in a figure hugging dress that accentuated her curves, shot back coldly, “What do you have to
complain about? You practically threw yourself at Mr. Lamont, and he didn’t so much as spare you a
glance!”
“What are you talking about? The woman in the red dress turned furious and stormed towards Viv