Noelle let out a cold snort, too unbothered to argue. “If you’re here to eat, then keep those filthy mouths shut.”
Mary was busy cooking in the kitchen, and Noelle was helping her without noticing the message on her phone. It was a message from Sebastian.
The wedding was tomorrow, and the wedding dress had just been flown in from Iridale. Sebastian worried it might not fit and wanted to bring it over for Noelle to try on.
When she didn’t reply, he decided to head to the Spencer residence.
In the kitchen, Mary was sweating from all the cooking. Noelle watched with a pang of pity. ” Mom, we both know why those people came. Why go out of your way to entertain them?”
Mary wiped the sweat from her forehead and patiently comforted her. “No matter what, they’re still your father’s blood relatives. You dad’s willing to cut ties with them for our sake, so we should be considerate of him and not let things get too tense.”
The dishes were finally served.
Noelle hadn’t wanted to serve them at first, but if she didn’t, everything would fall on Mary.
Feeling sorry for her mother, she reluctantly poured water and wine for them.
Kenneth’s newlywed wife, Caroline Middleton, spoke with a hint of pride as they ate. “Noelle, where’s the venue your groom picked for the wedding this time? My wedding with your cousin was held in the most expensive banquet hall in Norland. It cost a fortune, but it was worth
every penny.‘
Kenneth quickly added, “Caroline, aren’t you just poking her sore spot with that question? An old man, even if he has some spare cash, wouldn’t spend much on a wedding. He probably just kept it simple to get it over with.”
Caroline covered her mouth with a laugh, as if finding a sense of superiority over Noelle was something that brought her particular delight. She truly resented Noelle from the bottom of
her heart.
A few months ago, she had her wedding with Kenneth.
Back then, Conner was still alive. Riding on the Ashford family’s prestige, Noelle wore expensive clothes that Caroline couldn’t afford and carried luxury bags beyond her means. Even in appearance, Noelle outshone the bride herself.
Caroline felt Noelle had completely stolen the spotlight on her wedding day, yet she had been forced to swallow her anger at the time because Kenneth still wanted to build ties with the Ashford family.
Now, she no longer had to hold back.
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Conner had died in a plane crash, and Noelle was about to remarry, rumored to be to an old man. When something like that happened, she couldn’t resist mocking her.
Caroline pretended to comfort her. “Noelle, blessings in life are limited. You’ve already enjoyed yours in the first 20 years, so there’s nothing left for the rest. You should get used to it and stop complaining.
“You’re marrying an old man, aren’t you? He may have a thousand flaws, but at least he’ll die quickly. When he does, all his estate will be yours.
“The only problem is, no man in Norland will dare marry you after that. After all, it looks like anyone who ties their life to yours doesn’t have long to live.”
Noelle stared at her cousin -in–law who was clearly brimming with hostility toward her, and couldn’t quite understand it.
The grudges within the Spencer family had built up over many years, but Caroline had only married into the family a few months ago. She wondered where such deep resentment could
have come from.
Even lifelong enemies might hesitate to say something so vicious, yet Caroline let those words slip out effortlessly.
Noelle lost her appetite and put down her cutlery. Just as she was about to speak, she heard
movement outside.
A deep and commanding voice came from the doorway. “Who’s been saying I’m an old man? Do I really look that old, or is your definition of old different from mine?”
Chapter
Chapter 97
