Chapter 417

For Madam Blanchet, Irene was the most disliked person from that time. Her son, outstanding and exceptional, was seduced by Irene who came from a humble background, causing a near rift with the Blanchet family.

Madam Blanchet had given birth to three children. Carlos was the eldest, the second had issues, and lastly was Angela's mother.

The Blanchet family was left without an heir and almost collapsed at that time. Madam Blanchet regarded Irene with the perception of her being as cunning as a fox.

With that in mind, Madam Blanchet snorted coldly and looked at Winnie with even more disdain. "What's the use of being beautiful? A girl should have good character and abide by the rules. Especially those of us who come from a century-old prestigious family. We should be pure and virtuous, rather than constantly trying to seduce the powerful."

Madam Blanchet's words clearly carried a hidden meaning as there was definitely an underlying intention. Winnie could hear the criticism in her words; the disapproval of her mother and even a scolding of herself, the newly recognized granddaughter.

She felt a coldness in her heart, and anger on behalf of her mother. But she remained silent, observing the situation and tried to understand the intricacies of familial relationships.

"Mom, is it necessary to say such things on Winnie's first day back home?" Carlos was slightly annoyed, wanting to speak up but concerned about hurting Winnie by mentioning Irene. Madam Blanchet showed no signs of stopping, so he frowned and said, "Enough, I recognize Winnie as my daughter, and others should mind their own business."

"That's right, Mom. I think Winnie is a polite girl. You've praised me and Ishara enough, be careful not to make Winnie feel left out," Eleanor said, slightly embarrassed by the praise.

"If she feels left out because of that, then she must be a small-minded girl from a small place," Madam Blanchet retorted, feeling displeased as she glanced at Winnie.

"Auntie, you're so considerate," Angela praised Eleanor.

Winnie finally understood that Eleanor was more than just an ordinary person. Today, she brought Angela and Madam Blanchet with her. Angela was overbearing and naive, while Madam Blanchet was just difficult. With just a few words, Eleanor effortlessly ignited the anger of these two people against her. Meanwhile, Eleanor presented herself as a likable person, a gentle Mrs. Blanchet.

Winnie concealed her laughter and obediently said, "Of course, I don't have any thoughts like that. I'm new here, and there's still a lot for me to learn from Eleanor. She is so generous. Just now, she voluntarily mentioned to grandma I'm like my mom, and Eleanor didn't feel unhappy about it. She truly is an open-minded person."

After speaking, she slowly glanced at Carlos. As Carlos heard her words, he suddenly remembered something, and his gaze toward Eleanor became cold. "All of this came up because of you. Now even Mom has a different opinion of Winnie! What is your intention?" Carlos reproached in a low voice.

"Honey, I didn't do anything." Eleanor quickly glanced at Winnie. She didn't expect this cunning woman to have her tricks too. She was infuriated.

"Enough!" Madam Blanchet changed the topic, turning her head with a smile. "Where is Ishara? She's weak. Why did you let her go out, Eleanor? You said she's in a relationship, and today she'll bring her boyfriend back to meet us. Is that true?"

"Yes, she's in a relationship," Eleanor began, but before she could complete her sentence, there was a knock at the door. With a smile, she glanced at Madam Blanchet and then at Carlos. "That must be them."

Carlos was a bit surprised and questioned as a father, "When did Ishara start dating? I didn't hear her mention it. Who is the boy's family?"

Eleanor doted on Ishara and said, "Ishara said they both fell in love at first sight. I'm especially happy that she can have a relationship. I didn't ask about the boy's identity."

As Eleanor spoke, she glanced at Winnie and there was a subtle ripple in her eyes, hidden within the cold smile.

Since the topic had nothing to do with her, Winnie didn't pay much attention to it.

However, the butler suddenly reported from outside the villa, "Mr. and Mrs. Blanchet, Ms. Ishara has brought a gentleman back. Congratulations!"

Carlos was taken aback and frowned, but he still stood up with courtesy. The group headed toward the entrance to greet them.

Madam Blanchet was very happy and exclaimed, "Ishara's boyfriend must be a fine young man. I must meet him."

Outside the villa, a Bentley stopped at the entrance with its headlights on and the spacious backseat door open.

Ishara held a cup and smiled. "Lawrence, do you think it would be a good idea to give Winnie this pottery artwork we made together as a gift when we meet? It's her first-time coming home, and I'm so happy. It's quite lonely at home with just me, the sickly daughter."

"Is this Winnie's first-time coming home?" Lawrence got out of the car and had the driver support the girl.

Ishara smiled innocently under the streetlight and replied, "Yes, I've never met her before. She was found by Dad only recently."

Upon hearing these words, Lawrence's heart suddenly raced intensely. He couldn't quite explain that panicked feeling.

Walking side by side with Ishara, they approached the house, and as they got closer to the villa, she spoke softly, "I'm so happy today. I finally get to go out on a date like other girls, do pottery, and even take a dance class. If you hadn't been holding on to me the whole time, I don't think I could have handled it."

As they approached the doorstep, the young girl spun around in front of the porch, her happiness tinged with a hint of sadness. "I guess my dancing isn't very pretty, right Lawrence? Can you support me a bit?" she said, aware that her parents might be watching.

Lawrence remembered the role he was supposed to play and smoothly clasped her waist, gently supporting her. "It's beautiful," the man said in a low and soft chuckle.

The light from the porch illuminated them, casting a gentle golden glow. The sight of the handsome couple embracing and dancing was both romantic and envious.

"Ishara, who is this Mr. Rodriguez?" Carlos coughed, breaking the silence.

"Father!" Ishara blushed; her face flushed.

Ishara quickly turned from the man's embrace and said, "This is my boyfriend..."

And that handsome and imposing silhouette also turned around, speaking in a calm tone, "Paul, I am..."

His voice suddenly stopped. Lawrence was taken aback, his whole-body stiffening as he looked at the delicate and slender woman in front of him with turbulent black eyes.

Winnie stood there, frozen like someone had pressed the pause button on her. Her entire world became still, the couple in front of her becoming blurry. Her mind was filled with astonishment and irony, shattered and bewildered.

She felt as though she were experiencing an illusion, questioning why Lawrence was there and why the girl referred to him as her boyfriend.

However, her thoughts remained lucid. It felt as if something shattered and crumbled within her, engulfing her in profound sorrow.

She vaguely realized that it was her own heart, forcibly pried open, icy cold. The pain was too intense, causing her palms to sweat profusely as she stared at Lawrence. She focused on him who was holding onto the girl's waist. Her thoughts swiftly analyzed the scene of them dancing together just moments ago, particularly focusing on his affectionate smile.

She couldn't believe that he was someone else's boyfriend now. At that moment, she was in a panic, unable to hide the pain as she looked at Ishara and trembled slightly, observing the girl's fair features.

It was a face remarkably similar to her own, but purer, tender, and weak.

In Winnie's mind, there was a thunderous bang. In an instant, Winnie put two and two together and realized that the girl's face overlapped with the girl in the photos who went to watch a movie with Lawrence.