Chapter 221 The Most Beautiful Woman In Tofral
The guests all offered their hollow well–wishes, their smiles polite but
empty.
Renee stepped back into the shadows, watching as William and Laurie were officially declared sworn siblings, their newfound bond sealed with applause and forced enthusiasm.
Ryder joined her, his gaze fixed on the scene just as hers was.
Without looking at her, he asked, “Have you made up your mind? Are you really going back to him?”
Renee stayed silent for a few seconds, and then gave a small nod.
“Will you tell Felix and him the truth? That he’s the father?” Ryder’s voice remained neutral, but there was an edge to it. If she had looked up, she would have seen the quiet disappointment flicker across his face.
“Not yet. I want them to get along first. When the time is right, I’ll tell them.”
The silence between them grew heavy, tinged with something unspoken.
If Renee remained oblivious to Ryder’s feelings, she might have been able to brush things off. But now, knowing the truth, guilt crept in.
He didn’t have to be here today. Yet there he was–standing by her side, offering his support without asking for anything in return.
Even the Chadwick family treated her differently now, with a newfound respect–all thanks to Ryder.
Across the room, Laurie spotted Renee sitting alone in the corner. After a
brief hesitation, she mustered the courage to approach.
“Renee, can I sit next to you?” she asked, her voice careful but sincere.
Renee smiled and nodded. “Of course you can!”
Laurie settled beside her, fidgeting slightly as she searched for the right words.
Before she could speak, Renee beat her to it. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t come here to ruin the wedding–I was just curious to see the spectacle.”
Laurie’s eyes widened, and she waved her hands frantically. “No! No, I wasn’t blaming you! I just—ugh, I don’t even know how to explain it.” She huffed, but then hurried on. “William and I barely know each other. We only met once, on that set–up date. Just a quick introduction, that’s all. Please don’t get the wrong idea. I swear there’s really nothing between us!”
Renee had planned to reassure her, but now Laurie was the one stumbling over her words, desperate to explain herself.
Watching her panic, Renee couldn’t hold back a laugh.
At the sound of it, Laurie finally exhaled, relief washing over her face.
For a moment, Laurie was mesmerized by Renee’s smile.
Noticing her stare, Renee frowned slightly and wiped her face, suddenly self–conscious. “What? Is there something on my face?”
Laurie shook her head so fast it was almost comical. “No, no! It’s just… you’re really beautiful. I’ve always heard people say you were the most beautiful woman in Tofral.”
Since Laurie was much younger, she had never attended the high–society events where Renee’s presence turned heads.
Renee chuckled softly. “You’re just as pretty–and honestly, way more adorable.” Her words were genuine, and Laurie beamed at the compliment.
They fell into easy conversation, laughter bubbling between them. Neither seemed to notice Esme approaching until she cleared her throat. “Ahem, ahem.”
Both girls snapped their heads up, startled.
Renee had seen Esme approaching but deliberately chose to ignore her.
Laurie, however, turned at the sound and greeted her politely. “Hello, Mrs. Mitchell.”
Esme smiled, clearly pleased. She liked girls like Laurie–polite, gentle, and well–mannered.
“There’s no need to be so formal,” Esme said warmly. “Now that you are William’s sister, you can just call me Esme.”
Laurie forced a small smile, but deep down, the whole thing unsettled her. She barely knew William, and now she had to call a complete stranger her brother? The thought alone made her skin crawl. But since Ryder had made the decision for her, she had no choice.
Ryder might have been just her cousin, but he was the future heir of the Chadwick family. And when Ryder made a decision, no one dared to question it.
Even her father, Austen, showed his nephew a level of respect she had never seen before to others.
Laurie turned back to Esme with a polite smile. “Esme, I was just chatting with my sister–in–law. Would you like to join us?”
