Chapter 180: He’s My Man, So Back Off
Tina and Jared Farrell descended the stage under the admiring gazes of the audience. Approaching Amber with a slightly lifted chin and a defiant air, Tina asked, “Did you like the gift I sent you?”
Amber clenched her fists, her eyes brimming with jealousy and anger. It was her event, yet Tina had stolen the spotlight. Why must she always lose to Tina?
Feeling the crowd’s eyes on her, Amber forced an ugly smile. “I love it. I had no idea you played the piano so well, Tina. Why didn’t you ever mention this? If I had known, I would have suggested that grandma send you abroad for further studies instead of wasting your time teaching at Ensford High School.”
Tina laughed haughtily. “Why should I mention anything to you?”C0ntent © 2024 (N/ô)velDrama.Org.
Amber’s face stiffened, tears welling up as she looked at Tina with hurt. “Why do you hate me so much, Tina? We’re sisters!”
Tina tucked a stray hair behind her ear, her luxurious dress accentuating her allure. “I spared you in the past for Mr. Reed’s sake, but that doesn’t mean you can step on me.”
Her gaze turned icy. “My mother only had me. I don’t have a sister. Don’t try to claim a relationship with me. My connections aren’t easily climbed.”
Inside, Amber seethed with hatred, though her exterior showed nothing but grief. Nathaniel, seeing this, felt a surge of protective anger and began to shout at Tina, “Enough, Tina! This is Amber’s event…” His words were cut short as he suddenly found himself unable to speak.
The crowd stepped back. Tina was known for her ability to seal acupoints with ease. Keeping a distance was safer.
Casually, Tina slipped the remaining silver needle into her hair and glanced indifferently at Nathaniel. “Keep your barking to yourself next time, or you’ll lose your tongue!”
Grabbing Jared Farrell by the arm, she faced Amber squarely. “Take a good look-he’s my man! Remember his face and keep your hands to yourself, or you might lose your Miss Ashbury Reed family status.”
Jared’s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise, a faint smile playing on his lips. The girl was finally claiming her sovereignty.
The guests at the party looked on with strange expressions. Tina, despite her humble origins and support from the likes of perfumer Q and designer Mo Yu, was audacious enough to threaten Amber’s position in the Reed family.
“Tina!” Amber almost lost composure. How dare Tina belittle her in front of the Reeds?
Ignoring Amber, Tina walked away with Jared, leaving with a cold remark, “Amber, don’t bother sending invitations to Mr. Reed anymore. You two are no longer connected.”
Amber looked desperately at Annabelle, hoping for her support. Annabelle approached Tina, “Miss Reed, wait!”
Tina stopped, her eyes frosty. Annabelle, sensing the hostility, faltered. The last time Tina had saved her, she had been cold but not like this.
“Why this attitude now? Because of Amber?” Annabelle thought of Amber’s past actions, her eyes narrowing.
Quickly masking her emotions, Annabelle smiled. “I’ve always wanted to thank you for saving my life. May I have your address to visit you another day?”
Amber watched, dumbfounded, as her grandmother sought not to defend her but to thank her nemesis.
Tina’s gaze softened momentarily, then she seriously said, “Elizabeth, had I known you were the matron of the Ashbury Reed family, I wouldn’t have saved you.”
Annabelle was taken aback. “Why is that?”
Tina didn’t respond, simply turning to Jared. “I’m tired.”
Jared took her delicate hand. “Let’s go home.”
As they left under the varied expressions of the guests, Marie remarked to Annabelle, “Don’t invite me to any more parties for your granddaughter,” and left.
The party ended abruptly. Amber’s talents might have gone unnoticed, but Tina had captivated not only the party guests but also the online world-a video of her playing the piano went viral.
After leaving, Tina rested in Jared’s arms, her mood somber. Jared, feeling her sudden vulnerability, reflected on the day. She had reacted to Amber’s provocations by showcasing her design and piano skills. It turned out she was Jasper Reed’s biological daughter. No wonder she never called Hugo ‘Dad.’
Jared mused to Nathan Lehman as they drove away, “The punishment at the mental hospital was too light.”
Nathan glanced at him through the rearview mirror. “Mr. Farrell, you mean?”
“Reed family’s heiress, pregnant at just 18…” Jared’s lips curled up slightly as he looked at the sleeping Tina. “Jasper’s expression will be priceless.”