Chapter 112
But Ann just let out a derisive snort. “Fifty million for me? What does fifty million even mean to the Gonzales family? It’s nothing-barely a blip on the radar. Mom, do you really think if Freya were still around, Grandma would only give her fifty million? And, as far as I know, Grandma didn’t just bring back a pair of earrings once worn by Princess Anna from Rosenthal-she also brought back a gemstone necklace that belonged to Anna. Where’s the necklace? It’s obvious she’s saving that for her precious granddaughter p>
Compared to the necklace, the earrings were practically worthless.
The earrings didn’t even have half the value of the necklace-either in terms of worth or collectibility.
“I’ve spent years taking care of her, showing her nothing but respect, and all I get is a measly token in return. But Freya? Freya doesn’t even show up, and she’s showered with the best of everything! How am I supposed to feel okay about that p>
Ann just couldn’t wrap her head around it. She and Freya were both Keira’s granddaughters—so why did Keira go out of her way to favor one over the other?
“Call me the heir to the Gonzales family all you want, but let’s be honest-I’m just a backup plan. If Freya came back tonight, Grandma would hand Gonzales Holdings over to her without a second thought p>
And what about her?
She had to wait around for Keira to finally put it in writing.
That was the difference.
The more Ann thought about it, the more upset she got her heart felt heavy with resentment, and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face.
“All right, all right,” Amanda said, rushing to comfort her daughter. She pulled out a tissue and gently dabbed at Ann’s tears. “I know this hurts, sweetheart. But your grandma is getting old. Why bother getting worked up about all this? The only thing that matters is that, in the end, you’re the one who inherits Gonzales Holdings. How you get there doesn’t matter p>
Amanda soothed her for quite a while until Ann’s sobs finally subsided. Then she picked up the tray of pastries she’d just prepared. “Here, take these to your grandma p>
Ann clearly didn’t want to face Keira, but she had no choice. Swallowing her resentment, she nodded. “Okay, I’ll go p>
Seeing her daughter being so sensible, Amanda smiled with approval. “That’s my girl. Go on. You have to be able to handle both success and disappointment if you’re going to run Gonzales Holdings one day p>
Eight o’clock that evening.
Julian and Sophie’s engagement party.
The event was being held at the lavish, six-star Imperial Hotel in Silverhaven.
The Imperial Hotel had two wings, A and B. Today was a special day-Julian had booked out Wing A for the engagement party, while the Hayes family had reserved Wing B for their daughter’s eighteenth birthday gala.
Julian was the rising star of Silverhaven, and with the Chandler Group’s new game about to launch, reporters were already swarming the venue, hoping to scoop the latest news before the party even began.
Julian and his mother, Vida, stood at the entrance, greeting their guests.
Julian, dressed in a limited-edition suit, glanced at Vida and murmured, “Mom, you need to be careful what you say tonight. There are reporters everywhere-we can’t afford any slip-ups p>
“I know,” Vida replied, nodding as her gaze swept the crowd. She frowned slightly. “But Julian, where’s Caitlin? She’s usually the first to show up for things like this p>
Yet tonight, there was still no sign of her.
Julian narrowed his eyes. “Don’t worry. She’ll come. She always does p>
Another thirty minutes passed. Most of the guests had arrived, but there was still
no sign of Caitlin. Julian’s brow furrowed in frustration.
What was going on with Caitlin tonight?
Had she really changed?
“Julian! She’s here, she’s here!” Veronica’s excited voice rang out.
Julian’s head snapped up.
Sure enough, in the middle of the crowd, a striking figure stood out like a swan among ducks.
She was tall, with flawless skin and bold, classic features. Even from a distance, she was impossible to miss.
A sly smile played on Julian’s lips, his eyes full of scorn.
“Dalton, do you see that? Look who finally showed up!” Julian said smugly. “I told you-Caitlin can’t stay away from me. All that drama before? She was just playing hard to get p>