Chapter 34

At this point, it was crystal clear what kind of folks the Hendersons were, Sympathy and eagerness quickly turned into scorn and disdain.

Barton and Kathryn were practically shocked and embarrassed, clueless as to why Suzan had gone off the rails so spectacularly.

Kathryn, tears welling up, attempted to salvage the situation, “It’s not like that at all, my mother’s talking nonsense. We never treated my sister that way But before she could finish, a snicker rippled through the crowd, starting with the girl who had earlier mocked her for acting like a princess, “Cut the act, the Henderson family’s schemes are exposed to everyone. What’s with the charade?”

Peals of laughter tinged with sarcasm followed. Kathryn, who had never faced such humiliation, pushed through the crowd in a blind escape, tears streaming down her face.

But no sooner had she taken a few steps than she bumped into someone.

The collision sent her staggering to the floor. Gazing up, backlit by the light, she saw a tall, imposing figure, cool and solitary.

Her heart skipped beats as she took in the chiseled features, far more severe and commanding than Horace’s appearance. His dark, Indifferent eyes seemed to draw her in completely.

Sitting there on the floor, Kathryn was spellbound, overhearing the murmurs around her.

“Isn’t that Mr. Patterson? His presence is intimidating ”

“I heard Mr. Patterson hates these social events. What’s he doing here?”

“Oh no, I hope my dress is okay. Mr. Patterson despises flashy attire. I hope he doesn’t notice me.”

That’s when Kathryn realized she was face to face with Drake Patterson, heir to one of the four great families of Emerald Bay. Rumors had it that the Patterson heir was reclusive, rarely photographed, with scant information about him online.

Seeing him in person for the first time, Kathryn felt even Parker couldn’t hold a candle to Mr. Patterson.

It like a scene from a romantic drama: in the crowded ballroom, she was the vulnerable damsel in distress, and he the towering hero, standing in silhouette, ready to swoop down and her away.

Imagining such a scene, Kathryn momentarily forgot her mortification and looked up at him, a mix of shyness and helplessness in her eyes. As he finally reached out she trembled with anticipation and extended her hand to him.

Drake regarded the outstretched hand with a furrowed brow.

Had he been anywhere else, he might have stripped off his jacket, which she had just dirtied.

Fighting the discomfort, just as he was about to pull out a handkerchief to wipe off the scent she had left on his suit, she reached out her hand to him.

Was she expecting him to help her up after a tumble?

His deep eyes swept over her manicured nails, sparkling with diamonds his frown deepening. Turning to a waiting server, he commanded without a shred of chivalry, “Aren’t you going to help her up?”

The server, initially taken aback, quickly stepped forward and, with another server, hoisted a bewildered Kathryn to her feet.

Kathryn was confused, This wasn’t the script she drew in her head!

Amber, who had been watching from the sidelines, was also taken aback by Drake’s personal intervention. But then she remembered Drake’s relationship with Horace and calmed down. Drake must have come out of respect for Horace.

Drake simply bypassed Kathryn and approached Winnie, succinctly stating, “Congratulations, Miss Bryant. My apologies for the delay.”

Though brief, his address of Miss Bryant publicly acknowledged her status. Representing the Patterson family, his acknowledgment meant that post this night, regardless of what others might think, the elite circle of Emerald Bay would have to recognize Winnie’s position.

Winnie, facing the influential man with gold aura, simply smiled, “You’re right on time, Mr. Patterson.”

Turning back to Barton, her smile fading, her voice low and steady, she said, “The Henderson family raised me for eighteen years, the cost not exceeding five million. I’ve already transferred that amount in care fees to your account.”

Η Barton’s eyes narrowed, his facade crumbling under the weight of his daughter’s words while the guests were incredulous. Five million to raise a child might sound reasonable to the average person, but to these elites, it was a pittance. Considering the Henderson family’s wealth, spending only five million on a child highlighted years of neglect, and their gaze on Barton turned scornful.

Winnie continued, her gaze fixed on Barton, her voice calm but firm, “Furthermore, I’ve already paid back the debt of being raised by substituting my life for Kathryn’s. From this day on, I owe you nothing.”

Barton’s face twitched with anger, but he could no longer maintain the pretense.

Clifford felt a pang in his heart, realizing the hardships his daughter had endured with the Hendersons. Aligned with Winnie’s declaration, he spoke out coldly, “From today on, the children of the Bryant family and those of the Henderson family have nothing to do with each other Out of respect for you having raised Winnie, we won’t take any action against the Henderson family. But should you dare to parade around using the Bryant name, don’t blame us for what comes next ”

With that, the voice turned Icy. “Show them out.”

Barton and Suzan were nearly hustled out in disgrace. As they passed by Winnie, she whispered in a voice only they could hear, “Forgot to mention, your black magic to change fate didn’t work.”

Suzan whipped her head around, her face contorted in disbelief, her eyes filled with denial.

Winnie didn’t care whether she believed it or not; she knew soon enough, belief would be inevitable “Kathryn’s impending disaster will find her again soon. If you truly wish to save her, have Kathryn bring Grandma’s bracelet and come to me personally.” She continued.

Barton’s gaze was icy as he glared at Winnie, while Suzan’s eyes brimmed with malice.

Before they could react, the butler had already firmly escorted them out.

The party continued.

Bacchus himself took Winnie around to greet several of the elders. When she returned, she was surprised to see Drake hadn’t left. To be precise, his presence tonight was a surprise to everyone.

Winnie could tell that Drake was not one to mingle in these kinds of social functions. Driven by curiosity, she asked him outright.

Drake, anticipating her question, glanced coldly at Horace across the room and spoke in a calm, measured tone. “He said, I should take responsibility for you.”

Winnie had just picked a glass of champagne and nearly spilled it all over him in shock.

Turning to him with wide, disbelieving eyes, she seemed to ask, “Responsible for what? What responsibility do you have to take on for me?”