Chapter 221
It was the first time I’d encountered someone who seemed to have “money” as every other word out of their mouth, a real–life rich kid cliché
“Forget it, then. I ask around,” I said, turning on my heel and heading back inside.
Just as I got home, Christine emerged from one of the private rooms, her eyes slightly red. She’d been crying.
“Let’s go home,” she said.
“Did you get everything sorted out?”
I put Christine’s coat over her shoulders as she sniffled, her gaze clearing up. “Yeah. It’s none of m
marries for alliance.”
I admired her ability to let go so decisively
On the drive home, Christine was at the wheel. My phone rang. It was Mark.
After a moment of hesitation, he asked, “Jane, you were with Gregory just now, weren’t you?”
I was shocked but didn’t deny it. “Yes, that was me. How did you know?”
business anymore whether he
Gregory had made sure to keep me under wraps. Even Bryant had only asked about my shoes, and even then, he was unsure. Yet, Mark had figured it out.
He chuckled lightly over the phone, “Wonder why Bryant couldn’t guess it was you, but I could?”
“A bit,” I admitted.
“He’s too sure of how you feel about him,” Mark said, his voice gentle. “So, at most, he’d suspect something between you and me, but he wouldn’t think to guess someone like Gregory, a stranger.”
I agreed. “You’re right.”
However, there was more to it. It seemed Bryant didn’t care about me. Who I was with didn’t matter much to him,
After a pause, Mark’s tone softened, almost probing. “You and Gregory…”
“We’re practically strangers, Just met a few times,” I clarified, not wanting to hide anything. Then, seizing the opportunity, I asked, “So, why haven’t you mentioned Dorothy and Gregory before?”
Mark relaxed, “They’re from Vista Town, not part of our usual crowd. Dorothy’s here on a sort of internship. The Myers family wants to set up a branch in RiverCity, and she’s getting some hands–on experience.”
He explained without holding back, “As for Gregory, he’s the Ford family’s golden boy, the sole heir. He’s a bit flamboyant and unpredictable. You’d better not to get too close to him.”
I couldn’t help but dig deeper, “So, the Myers and the Ford families… they’re a big deal?”
“More than just a big deal, Mark chuckled. “Let’s put it this way. RiverCity’s elite families are newcomers compared to them. Vista Town’s three great families, including the Fords and the Myers, are in a league of their own.”
Then, I understood why Gladys personally saw Gregory out after the banquet and why Bryant seemed wary of him. Gregory dared to challenge the Ferguson family openly.
The difference between the elite and these venerable families was stark, not just in wealth but in the intricate networks of influence built over centuries. It made me reflect on the disparities between people.
Curiously, I asked, “So, if Dorothy and Gregory’s families are so well–matched, why don’t they just arrange a marriage?”
It seemed like a straightforward solution.
Mark couldn’t help but laugh at my suggestion, “You’re onto something. There was a marriage agreement between Gregory and the Myers family, but not with Dorothy. It was with another daughter, one who got kidnapped and lost when she was young.”