wanted to ask about it.”
“You have the audacity to ask about invitations? Don’t you understand that not being invited is a clear sign that you are not
welcome?”
The Johansons and Joey dared not utter a word in response.
Only Maisie, who had no knowledge of the Stewarts, could not swallow her pride and immediately retorted.
“Margot is the biological daughter of my parents. She’s getting married, and yet, she doesn’t invite her closest family.
“What kind of reasoning is that? Not to mention, Dominic is still in a coma. Out of respect for your family, the Johansons did not
1/3
Chapter 22
cancel the engagement. But you, you are crossing the line-”
Fred and Martha hadn’t expected her to speak out so offensively.
They hurriedly covered her mouth, but their actions were too slow, and the Stewarts heard every word.
+15 BONUS
Though Vivienne did not recognize Maisie, she could easily guess that she must be the adopted daughter of the Johansons.
Vivienne let out a cold snort at Maisie’s arrogance.
“This is the new daughter you’ve pampered instead of Margot? If Benedict Johanson knew that you treated his beloved granddaughter so poorly just to accommodate this vulgar, rude, and foolish girl, he would likely die again out of anger because of
you!”
Seeing his mother genuinely upset, Gerard stepped forward, his face full of disappointment as he looked at his old friends and their family.
“The marriage between the Stewarts and Johansons was a promise made twenty years ago between your father and my mother.
“Five years ago, when Dominic had his accident, we brought up the possibility of canceling the engagement, but you were afraid of public criticism, so you refused.
“We held on to the old friendship, and as soon as Dominic woke up, we started preparing for the wedding to show our sincerity. Yet, you secretly adopted a daughter, planning to have her marry in place of your own daughter!
“You even treated Margot unfairly to accommodate this adopted one. Fred, you committed such a betrayal and acted in a manner so disgraceful and against all decency.
“Still, we let you off the hook, but now you dare to come to us to provoke us?”
The Johansons had never expected the Stewarts to know about the swap.
Their faces turned pale with shock.
Charles also realized the gravity of the situation and tried to find an excuse to cover it up.
But before he could speak, he saw Margot arriving in a hurry after receiving the news.
As soon as the Johansons saw her, all their pent–up anger found a target.
“Gigi! You didn’t even tell us about such an important event as your wedding! Do you even remember your family?
“You only suffered a small injury, and because we were busy, we couldn’t take care of you. Now you throw a tantrum and report such horrid accusations to Madam Vivienne and the family?
“After all these years, this is how you repay us?”
