Chapter 556
“Not yet,” Ann replied, “but I know her flight is in three days p>
The day of her tea party.
Amanda’s eyes widened. “She told you that p>
“No.” Ann shook her head and pulled out her phone. “Mother, look at this p>
Amanda looked at the screen. A foreign news outlet had already reported that Celia would be arriving in the Capital in three days. As a noblewoman from Valerium, Celia’s travel plans were naturally a subject of public interest.
Thanks to this news report and Ann’s deliberate rumor-mongering, half of the Capital’s elite circle already believed Miss Palmer was coming specifically for her tea party. Invitations were now in high demand. To maximize Caitlin’s humiliation and show off in front of everyone, Ann had invited over a hundred guests.
Knowing Celia’s arrival was confirmed, Amanda felt a wave of relief.
“Amanda,” Gavin Templeton said, descending the stairs, “I think we need to be more cautious about this. Miss Palmer hasn’t actually said she’s coming to the Capital for Ann’s party. If this turns out to be another misunderstanding, Ann might not recover from the fallout p>
The incident with the look-alike photograph was still fresh in his mind. As a father, Gavin worried his daughter was making another mistake.
“Gavin! All you ever do is pour cold water on everything!” Amanda snapped, turning on him. “Do you even act like a father? Ann’s limp, the person she’s become today-it’s all because of you, you useless man p>
In Amanda’s eyes, Gavin was worthless. He offered Ann no support and only held her back.
“I must have been blind to have married a social climber like you!” she spat. If she hadn’t married Gavin, she wouldn’t have to scheme so hard for Ann’s future.
Gavin lowered his head, not refuting her words. Life for a man who married into money was never easy. Though he wasn’t technically live-in son-in-law, he had never been able to stand up to Amanda.
“Get out! Just get out!” Amanda grabbed a vase and hurled it at his feet. “Get as far away from me as you can p>
Gavin forced a weak smile. “Amanda, don’t be angry. I was wrong, okay p>
“Out!” she screamed.
Seeing the situation, Gavin had no choice but to grab his suit jacket and leave.
Watching his retreating back, Ann said with disgust, “Mother, your taste in men really was terrible. How did you end up with someone like my father p>
“Ann! Ann!” A cheerful voice called from outside.
Ann’s friend, Leonore Reed, burst in. “Ann, I have to ask you something p>
Ann stood up. “Leonore, come sit. What is it p>
Amanda poured Leonore a glass of water.
“Thank you, Mrs. Templeton,” Leonore said, taking a sip. “I have a friend who works at Palmer Manor She heard from the butler that Miss Palmen is bringing one of the Palmer family signets with her to the Capital She’s going to give it to someone very important, someone who did her a great service. Ann, you’re Miss Palmer’s best friend. Do you have any idea who this
benefactor is p>
The rumor was spreading like wildfire through their social circle. Everyone was desperate to know who Miss Palmer’s benefactor was so they could start currying favor
After
before Celia even arrived a
was a Palmer family signet.
A Palmer family signet!
Ann’s face went blank with shock. If
went
she remembered correctly, there
were only three such signets in
existence. To receive one as a gift meant the Palmer family owed you a
personal debt. At al
time one
could present the signet and the Palmers would grant three requests. In essence, possessing the signet was a ticket to do as you pleased in Valerium.
Ann struggled to remain calm. “Leonore, are you sure Miss Palmer is giving the signet to her benefactor p>
“Absolutely! One hundred percent certain!” Leonore nodded.
Ann’s heart hammered in her chest. As far as she was concerned, she was Celia’s benefactor. She had given Celia the strategy to pursue Tammie. She had told Celia who Tammie’s greatest enemy was. Who else could it be?
She never imagined Celia would not only attend her tea party but also bring her such an invaluable gift. It was beyond her wildest dreams.
Taking a deep breath, Ann looked at Leonore. “Leonore, I’ll tell you a secret, but you can’t tell anyone else p>
“I won’t say a word p>
Ann spoke slowly and clearly. “I am the benefactor Miss Palmer is looking for p>