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Chapter 268
Chapter 268
Mr. Delaney's grand 70th birthday bash was the talk of the town, especially since Mr. Hackett himself had agreed to attend. When word spread that the Delaney family had managed such a feat, the guest list grew considerably.
The men gathered to discuss future business ventures, while the women clustered together to indulge in the latest gossip.
Lorna, always the diligent hostess, arrived early with Cordelia. Since they were footing the bill for today's event, they couldn't avoid the constant stream of guests needing their attention.
When the Hanleys arrived, Rachel greeted them with a wide smile, triggering a chorus of compliments from onlookers. "Hanley is one of the brightest young men in Greenmeadow, with a promising future!"
"I heard he attended the Autumn Gold Academic Bootcamp in Ontoky City. How do you raise such a genius? He's been outstanding from the start!" Such praise made the Foster parents beam with pride, and Rachel even more so, basking in the glory of her future son-in-law, Hanley. Feeling triumphant, Rachel shot Lorna a smug look, which Lorna chose to ignore, continuing her warm engagement with the guests. Someone whispered to her, "Did you know? Hanley was initially betrothed to the Delaney heiress, but because she grew up in an orphanage, the Fosters doubted her character and switched to another."
"Poor Delaney girl, missing out on such an eligible bachelor like Hanley. He's the best of our Greenmeadow youth, in both academics and character. He looks so gentlemanly next to Juliana!"
Pitying glances were thrown Lorna's way, but she remained composed.
Then, the talk shifted to the grandeur of the event. "Is this all for Mr. Delaney's birthday?" someone asked Rachel.
Shaking her head, Rachel let slip, "Oh, not really. When Bill decided to come, Mr. Delaney went out of his way, even asking the Griffins to persuade Hackett, just so Cordelia's boyfriend could make amends with Bill!"
Such matters were usually kept discreet, but Rachel, caught up in the excitement, revealed it all, adding, "For our family, Mr. Delaney has really gone above and beyond!"
The news of Cordelia's boyfriend needing to apologize to Bill spread like wildfire, drawing sympathetic looks toward Cordelia.
Lorna, trying to swallow her frustration like a bitter pill, decided it was time to divert her daughter from this uncomfortable spotlight. "Let's take a walk," she suggested, leaving Rachel to bask in the attention at the entrance.
Seeking reprieve, Lorna and Cordelia made their way to the banquet hall to find Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Collins, who had hinted at wanting a word earlier.
Upon finding Mrs. Brown, who was hastily finishing a slice of cake, she apologized for a previous indiscretion at the Collins' party, mentioning she had sent a designer wallet to Cordelia as a gesture of apology for Hayley's behavior, acknowledging her responsibility since Hayley was under her care.
Cordelia appreciated the gesture, understanding it was the thought that counted. Mrs. Brown, pleased with Cordelia's gracious acceptance, shared that Hayley had been sent abroad as a consequence of her actions, which was why she hadn't been seen at school lately.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Madeline Delaney, Cordelia's aunt, who loudly chided Lorna for letting Rachel do all the work while taking it easy herself Her booming voice and imposing presence, along with her daughter Rosina's noticeable change, drew unwanted attention, darkening Lorna's mood instantly.
"Are you implying I'm slacking off?" Lorna retorted, her voice sharp with irritation.
She continued, her voice laced with a hint of mockery, "And what's this I hear about Cordelia snagging herself a boyfriend who's nothing but a pretty face? And to top it off, he's rubbed some pretty influential people the wrong way. Sis, even if you're not contributing much, the least you could do is not stir up trouble!" Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.
Lorna's face turned beet red with anger.