Chapter 3
Joseph’s 80th birthday wasn’t just a celebration—it was a social event in Lavisburg. The town’s elite all came, eager to curry favor.
Joseph sat rigid in his chair, his cane resting beside him. He remained silent–his mere presence was command enough. The guests instinctively straightened under his gaze, backs stiffening as if pulled by invisible strings.
Guests paraded past with gifts, but Joseph’s scowl only deepened. By the time he turned to Gregory, his patience had worn thin.
“Where’s Winifred?” he snapped. “Why isn’t she here with you?”
Gregory’s reply was polite but cool. “I came from work. It wasn’t convenient for her.”
Joseph gave a derisive snort. “Was it too much trouble to go get her first?”
Before Gregory could speak, a cheerful voice rang out. “Joseph, guess who’s back?”
The crowd turned to see Mandy pushing Shirly Hoffman, Gregory’s mother, in a wheelchair.
“Isn’t that the Scott family’s heiress?” someone whispered.
She’s back? After all those years abroad?” another replied.
good tog
“They were so good together,” a guest sighed. “Guess she couldn’t stay away forever.”
“Pity he married that nobody nurse instead,” someone muttered under their breath.
Mandy pushed Shirly’s wheelchair forward, her eyes briefly catching Gregory’s before turning to Joseph with a tentative smile. “I’ve come back, Joseph.”
Joseph frowned. “Do I know you?”
An awkward hush fell over the room as Mandy’s cheeks flushed crimson.
Gregory moved closer and put his arm around Mandy. “Grandpa, this is Mandy. She’s been away for three years. Your eyes aren’t what they used to be. No wonder you didn’t recognize her.”
Gregory’s attempt to smooth things over backfired instantly. Joseph’s face darkened as he swung his cane, landing a sharp crack on Gregory’s arm. “Who is this Mandy? You’re a married man. Act properly!”
Gregory jerked back, rubbing his sore arm. Mandy turned as white as a sheet, flinching as if she might be next.
Then Winifred’s voice cut through the tension. “Sorry, I’m late, Joseph.” She moved through the crowd with natural elegance.
Winifred’s custom–made dress flowed with her every movement.
While the other young women wore glittering cocktail dresses, she radiated quiet sophistication. Her perfect posture and composed demeanor drew all eyes as she crossed the room.
“That’s Mr. Hoffman’s… what do you call her? His wife?” a guest muttered.
“It’s only a paper marriage. With Ms. Scott back, she won’t last long as Mrs. Hoffman,” another remarked.
A third person eyed Winifred’s dress with disdain. “No amount of fancy clothes can hide where she comes from.”
Gregory’s pulse jumped at his first sight of Winifred. By the second glance, he was already smirking at how shrewdly she’d mirrored his grandfather’s treasured aesthetic.
But something was wrong. Usually, her eyes sought him out, yet tonight she hadn’t even glanced his way. It bothered him more than he expected.
Mandy’s smile stiffened as she looked Winifred up and down. Forcing cheer into her voice, she said, “Winifred, you look lovely tonight.”
Shirly yanked Mandy back sharply. “Don’t bother,” she announced loudly. “She’s beneath your notice.”
Mandy lowered her eyes, pretending meekness. She shook her head slightly. ‘After three years of marriage, Winifred still hasn’t won over her mother–in–law. How pathetic.‘
JA
