Chapter 31

Barton was dumbfounded, and not far from him, Kathryn and Suzan were equally gobsmacked.

The unexpected yet somehow anticipated sense of defeat washed over them the moment they laid eyes on Winnie.

Their faint hope dissipated as they realized the truth. Winnie was indeed the lady of the prestigious Bryant family!

After the initial shock wore off, what followed was a surge of envy, especially for Kathryn, who felt her eyes burn red with jealousy.

She had always known Winnie was beautiful. Whenever their family attended high–society galas, Kathryn would deliberately choose the most challenging dresses for Winnie to wear, to ensure Winnie wouldn’t outshine Kathryn. Since it was a “kind” gesture from Kathryn, Winnie had no choice but to wear them or tolerate Suzan’s insistence.

Despite the challenging dresses, Winnie look effortlessly elegant. Kathryn had worked for years to cultivate a reputation for Winnie as “pretty but lacking fashion sense among their high society.

But now, freed from the Henderson family, Winnie was a vision in a meticulously crafted camellia gown. Her grace and vivacity shone through, and the black dress seemed to radiate purity.

With just one appearance, she captivated all the attention.

“Is that the Bryant family’s mistress? That dress seems to be from the recent fall–summer haute couture collection,” whispered one of the women nearby.

Any mention of fashion piqued the interest of the ladies around, prompting an immediate response, “Yes, I remember now. It’s not even released to the public yet. How did the Bryant family manage to get their hands on such a dress “Have you all forgotten about Kate from the Bryant family? With her standing in the fashion world, getting a couple of those haute couture pieces is just a piece of cake.”

The more Kathryn overheard, the more she seethed with envy, edging closer to the group and interjecting in a falsely concerned whisper, “Could it be a fake?”

Her comment brought the conversation to an abrupt halt. The women turned to her with looks of disbelief, as if they were regarding a curious oddity. After a pause filled with derisive laughter, they walked away, clearly wanting to distance themselves from such foolishness.

Kathryn was livid, her grip on her clutch tightening reflexively.

Seeking.comfort, she turned to Parker, only to find him mesmerized by Winnie, completely lost in her presence.

At that moment, Winnie sharply turned her gaze towards Kathryn. Winnie wasn’t initially looking for the Henderson family but was drawn to a dark aura in the crowd. Her heart wondered if trouble was brewing, but upon closer inspection, she recognized a familiar face.

In just two days, the taint grey ghost shadow that once clung to Kathryn had turned pitch black, now enveloping her in a sinister embrace. Winnie’s smile faded slightly as she pondered what Kathryn must have done to attract such darkness.

Standing by Winnie’s side, Clifford and Horace noted the subtle shift in her demeanor followed her gaze to the Henderson family, their brows furrowing in concern.

Meanwhile, Bacchus was beaming as he introduced Winnie to the gathered quests.

“Thank you all for joining us today. I’m delighted to share our joy with you. Allow me to reintroduce my granddaughter, the mistress of the Bryant family, Winnie Bryant.”

Aligned with Bacchus‘ introduction, Winnie returned her focus from Kathryn and greeted. everyone with a flawless smile.

Bacchus had discussed the change of surname with her previously. Despite the suggestion to adopt a name aligned with the family’s tradition, Winnie had declined. The name Winnie, given by her master, had become a part of her identity. She convinced Bacchus that it was essential for her, giving her good luck and blessings.

In the crowd, Barton, who had been in denial, now had no doubts. The child he had raised for eighteen years was the long–lost daughter of the Bryant family!

At this revelation, he was consumed with rage, especially as he recalled the recent and seemingly heaven–sent business opportunity that had suddenly been withdrawn, along with Suzan and Kathryn’s guilty expressions. It all made sense. It was all because of Winnie.

The Bryant family had reached out because of Winnie, and they had withdrawn because of her too. Suzan and Kathryn had known and said nothing!

Barton glared furiously at Suzan, who flinched under his gaze and shrank back with a mix of fear and innocence. Suzan hadn’t intended for any of this. If only she had known Winnie’s true identity, she would never have spoken out of turn in front of Clifford. Now, thinking back to how she had brazenly protected Kathryn and badmouthed Winnie, Suzan understood his anger all too well.

Barton and Suzan were drowning in regret, which was eating them alive.

Had they known that Winnie was the prodigal mistress of the prestigious Bryant family, they would have played their cards differently. After all, the Henderson family had taken care of Winnie for eighteen long years, a fact that could’ve turned them into honored guests in the Bryant family. With the Bryant family’s influence, the Henderson Group could’ve soared to new heights.

But now, they wouldn’t even have been invited to the Bryant family’s grand event if they hadn’t painstakingly gotten their hands on an invitation. The snub from the Bryant family spoke volumes about their stance.

A momentary chest pain gripped Barton, a mix of regret and fury nearly suffocating him. But. considering the day’s event, he swallowed the bile rising in his throat.

His chest heaved with suppressed emotions, then suddenly, as if struck by lightning, a glint of cunning flashed in his eyes.

Yes, on a day like today, he couldn’t lose his cool. And neither could the Bryant family.

With this realization, Barton twisted his face from remorse to an eager smile. He grabbed Suzan by the hand and swiftly made their way through the crowd to the front.

Opening his mouth, his voice rang out with feigned warmth and delight, “Winnie, my dear, your look absolutely stunning tonight. Your mother and I have been so worried since you left. It’s a relief to see you doing well.”

His words hung in the air.

He met with puzzled looks from the crowd until he slapped his forehead in a show of mock annoyance and chuckled towards Bacchus standing nearby.

“Ah, old habits die hard. I should say foster mother, that’s the right term now.”