Chapter 28
The kids of the Bryant family, none without a hefty trust fund to their name, could easily buy a house and move out with just a swipe of their credit cards.
But all branches of the Bryant family still lived together under one roof, which was only because Bacchus wouldn’t hear of anyone moving out.
Yet somehow, they found themselves harboring feelings of envy towards Winnie.
Clifford had no clue about the restless thoughts brewing in their minds. He had anticipated Winnie’s reluctance and had come prepared.
“It’s fine if you really don’t want to come back home. I had someone purchase a villa at Royal Residence last night. If you’re willing, we can move there right away.” His words implied that Winnie was welcome to live with Horace and him.
Moving out meant the rest of the family couldn’t look down on her anymore. It might even help mend the strained father–daughter relationship.
Clifford was serious, and his words took even sneaky Springer, Cutler and Hobson, who had been plotting to secretly rent their place, by surprise.
They had heard Clifford rant about moving out the night before, but they thought it was just tough talk to scare them. But now, it was actually happening? And was the house already bought?!
Winnie was equally shocked. After all, when Horace had brought her back home, he had said that the Bryant family never split the household. She had returned to the family but never considered conforming to that particular rule.
She hadn’t thought about what it would mean for the Bryant family, or that it would involve Clifford and Horace moving out with her.
But now, Clifford’s offer was clearly for her sake.
Speechless, Winnie could hardly muster a firm refusal.
At the sight of her silence, Clifford softened his expression and was about to continue, “If you still don’t want to…”
“I’ll move back in,” Winnie said almost with a sigh.
She never intended to push Clifford into anything, but now that he had taken action, the responsibility weighed on her shoulders. She didn’t want to be the culprit who splintered the Bryant family.
What mattered more was that she had seen Clifford’s change of heart. He was willing to give up things for her, and that was enough for her.
Winnie was ready to compromise for Clifford’s sake. She didn’t even demand an apology from
Springer, Cutler and Hobson, which took them by surprise.
They had all prepared themselves for Winnie to use the situation to make them grovel for forgiveness.
They were quite displeased by the thought. But now that she didn’t make any demands… they found themselves oddly dissatisfied as well.
It made them feel as if they were insignificant to her. Annoying, really.
When Winnie returned to the Bryant family, Springer and others didn’t dare to give her dirty looks anymore, mainly because they didn’t want her to go back to some dingy rental place and embarrass the family name.
Even Nadine, the youngest, had clearly been thoroughly lectured, politely greeting Winnie upon her arrival just as Horace had said before.
*From the start, when treated unfairly, you have to assert your stance so they know not to mess with you in the future.”
When Winnie arrived, Horace was at the door, his eyes crinkling with a smile just as they had the day they first met.
“Winnie, welcome home.”
Amber had been waiting in the living room and immediately came forward with affectionate warmth.
“Winnie, it’s good you’re back. For the dinner party tonight, Bacchus sent out invitations early. If you hadn’t returned, we wouldn’t have known what to do.”
Despite Amber’s melodious voice, her words were laced with the implication that they had coaxed Winnie back riot out of genuine desire but for the sake of propriety at the evening’s
event.
Anyone sensitive could have overthought her words.
Winnie swept her gaze coolly over Amber. After a moment, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly in a smirk. She replied calmly. “It’s just a dinner party. If it–doesn’t happen today. tomorrow is also OK. Outsiders won’t stop recognizing me as a member of the Bryant family just because we missed one event.”
She looked to Horace, cueing him with a glance, “Right?”
Horace’s eyes nearly brimmed with laughter as he readily agreed, “Of course. You are our one and only Ms. Bryant. Irreplaceable.”
The underlying message of his words was clear.
Amber’s pretty face went pale for a moment before she regained her composure, smiling as usual, “Horace, you’re right.”
Nadine, on the other hand, pouted, looking up at her mother with a mix of confusion and
12:20
Chapter 25
complaint, as if to ask, “If Winnie is the one and only Ms. Bryant, then what about me?”
Leonie was at a loss for words.
“The stylist is already upstairs waiting. Hurry up and try on the dress, Winnie. Tonight, you’ll debut as Ms. Bryant, so it has to be grand. Janet chimed in with a smile, and even Clifford showed a rare hint of warmth, urging her on, eager to see his daughter in her new gown.
The outfits and jewels prepared for Winnie were arranged by Kate, who had a vast network in the fashion industry. She had secured three high–end couture dresses that had not yet been released to the public, complete with matching shoes and jewelry.
Winnie had attended high–society dinners with the Henderson family and was no stranger to these proceedings.
She quickly chose a black and white off–shoulder mermaid gown. When she emerged, fully dressed, even Springer, Cutler and Hobson, who had never quite approved of her, couldn’t help but be awestruck.
Winnie was a vision of elegance in her high–low black off–the–shoulder gown. The bodice exuded sophistication, while the mermaid–style bottom flared into a dramatic train, shorter at the front and cascading down at the back. The front hem was adorned with handmade clusters. of black tulle fashioned into camellias, which appeared to spill down in a floral cascade, adding a touch of flamboyant beauty to the otherwise stately dress.
Standing tall and slender, Winnie had fair skin, radiant against the backdrop of the dark fabric. making her appear even more ethereal.
The off–the–shoulder design showcased her beautifully sculpted collarbone and the soft curves of her shoulders.
Around her graceful neck, she wore a ribbon embellished with white camellias, echoing the dress‘ hem, and atop her head sat a tiara of pearls, understated yet luxurious.
At just one glance, the entire Bryant family was spellbound.
They lost all words, simply staring in silence, their breaths seemingly, lighter in her presence.
In front of them stood Winnie, like the most exquisite camellia blooming in the wilderness, pure and flawless.
She had grown unnoticed by all, until today, when she was ready to reveal her most beautiful self to the Bryant family.
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