Filed to story: Uncategorized
She added, “But I haven’t made any arrangements yet. You know she isn’t keen on celebrating birthdays heard you had a reservation at Aide Castle Hotel for a business event. Could we use it for her birthday instead?”
“Sure,” Raymond agreed without hesitation.
Ever since Luna came into the picture, his relationship with Jasmine had become strained. Now that she was reaching out to him, he wasn’t going to turn her away.
Luna’s expression froze. “Dad, didn’t you promise to host Asher’s birthday bash here at Aide Castle Hotel and introduce him to our relatives and friends?”
The idea of Alison snagging that reservation made Luna uneasy. She wondered what would happen to Asher’s big day.
Luna knew how difficult it was to score a reservation at Aide Castle Hotel. If they missed out, her son’s birthday bash might be postponed or held somewhere else.
When Jasmine heard that, she clenched her fists tightly as she felt the pain ripple through her body. She couldn’t believe Luna, that conniving woman, was trying to compete with her mother for Asher’s sake.
Though Jasmine wanted to lash out, she knew she had to remain calm. She wasn’t her father’s only understood she had to play ninet daughter anymore, and she to reclaim what was rightfully hers and her mother’s.
Chapter 1074
Raymond was momentarily taken aback. “Well, I’ve been quite busy lately, so this slipped my mind.”
Jasmine looked at her father. “Dad, you know mom’s health is declining. So, I thought we could throw her a party to lift her spirits. We can invite Grandma and Grandpa too and have a joyful family gathering.” Raymond nodded. “You’re right. Let me check if we can still make the arrangements.”
Luna saw her chance and piped up, “Dad, why don’t you help Jasmine out and ask Aide Castle Hotel? They’d probably accommodate us for another event.”
Jasmine’s expression darkened. She couldn’t believe Luna would say something like that.
Just then, someone approached Raymond to greet him, and he walked over to the group.
Jasmine and Luna remained standing at where they were, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Luna adjusted her designer bag with a smile. “Jasmine, I understand your mom’s birthday is a big deal. But I did talk to Dad first, you know. There’s an order to these things, right?”
She believed it was essential for Asher to make his first public appearance with Raymond at Aide Castle Hotel. This would show Raymond’s regard for Asher and ensure that people took them seriously. Jasmine scoffed. “If we’re really talking about order, then you shouldn’t be here at all.”
“Oh, please. I’m older than you. If we’re talking about order, it’s my mom and I first, then you and yours.”
“A mistress like you, who’s been kept in the shadows and can’t be acknowledged publicly, talking about order? This sounds just like a former maid trying to play the role of the lady of the house!” Jasmine quipped.
Luna’s expression changed. “Let me make it clear that this party is for my son. Your mother can forget about having it for herself. You know how much Dad has been wishing for a son to carry on the family name.
“Plus, your mother has been sick for years. It wouldn’t hurt to postpone her celebration until next year. Or are you worried she won’t be around anymore?” Jasmine was livid upon hearing that. “Luna, I dare you to say that again.”
“What? Did I say something wrong?”
Just as Jasmine was about to lunge at Luna, Mia stepped in and grabbed her arm. “What’s going on? This drink is surprisingly good. Try it.”
Mia handed Jasmine a cocktail, and she subtly reminded Jasmine not to act impulsively.
With many guests present today, and knowing how much Raymond cared about his reputation, Jasmine realized that causing a scene here would only give Luna more leverage. So, she grabbed the cocktail and downed it while swallowing her anger in the process.
Disappointment flickered in Luna’s eyes. She had hoped to provoke Jasmine into acting out but she was stopped by Mia.
Luna smirked and turned around, walking toward Raymond. She knew her only support was her father.
After Luna left, Jasmine wanted to smash her glass in frustration. “Mia, did you hear what that bitch just said? I wanted to throw a party for my mom, and she’s trying to steal it for her son.
“And my dad’s being all vague, talking about contacting Aide Castle Hotel. Doesn’t he know about their reservation system…” She let her words trail off.
Chapter 1075
When Mia heard that, she knew what Jasmine wanted to say.
After a moment of silence, Mia said, “You’re aware of the policies at Aide Castle Hotel. Besides, all the reservations for this year are full. Unless there’s a cancellation or a transfer, we won’t be able to secure a spot for your banquet.”
“Mia, don’t worry. I won’t let you down. And I won’t let Luna have her way. My dad already made the reservation, and there’s no way I’m giving it to Asher.” Jasmine would never let this matter slide.
But at the moment, the most pressing issue wasn’t just finding a way to host a banquet at Aide Castle Hotel. It was about securing her father’s reservation and using it for her mother’s birthday instead of wasting it on a welcome party for Asher.
“So, have you thought about how you’re going to persuade your father to change his mind? Luna isn’t going to give up this opportunity easily. For her, hosting the event at Aide Castle Hotel is the ultimate move to flaunt her new status,” Mia remarked.
“I know, but I won’t let that bitch succeed.”
Seeing Jasmine’s determined expression, Mia figured she had a plan and didn’t press further.
It wasn’t easy to change Raymond’s mind, but if Jasmine accepted Mia’s advice to welcome Asher, Luna would undoubtedly be at a position of advantage. It depended on how Jasmine handled the situation herself, as she had her own obstacles to overcome.
Jasmine strode confidently toward her father and stood proudly by his side. Her upbringing and education set her apart from Luna. Even though Luna had been trying to change the way she carried herself recently, it was just a facade and she was easily seen through.
Soon, all attention turned to Jasmine, who effortlessly commanded the room and drew smiles from everyone. Meanwhile, Luna looked like a mere bystander and was left on the sidelines. Luna felt embarrassed, but she still forced a smile. Despite her internal anger, she couldn’t let it show. This was her first public appearance, and she couldn’t afford to make a bad impression.
Mia was relieved when she observed Jasmine regain her composure. She approached Raymond with a cocktail in hand and greeted him warmly, “Mr. Shelbert, thank you for making time to attend this event despite your busy schedule.”
He accepted the drink and gave her a courteous nod. “Since you’re so close to my daughter, I had to come and show my support.”
Mia smiled and was about to toast him when suddenly, Luna stopped him. “Remember, your health comes first. The doctor advised against alcohol. Have you forgotten?” she reminded him. “Oh, I almost forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder. But I’ll just have a sip. It should be fine.”
Luna took the glass from his hand and said, “Considering your age and health, the doctor’s orders are clear. Not even a drop of alcohol. Let’s opt for tea instead. I’m sure everyone will understand.” After Luna’s tactful intervention, the crowd exchanged puzzled glances. They were intrigued by her identity and unexpected appearance beside Raymond.
Chapter 1076
At first, some speculated that Luna was Raymond’s mistress, but that seemed unlikely, given his clean record in recent years. However, they still couldn’t help but wonder about the young woman by his side. Then, someone standing nearby asked curiously, “Mr. Shelbert, who is this young lady? I don’t believe we’ve met her before.”
Upon hearing that, Luna breathed a sigh of relief. She had attended the banquet today with one purpose, and that was to announce to everyone that she was Raymond’s daughter.
She looked at Jasmine smugly and thought, “No matter how hard you try, you can’t stop this.”
Raymond was surprised by the question.
Just as he was about to explain, Jasmine promptly chimed in, “This is Ms. Maynard. She is the daughter of one of my dad’s old acquaintances. After her mother passed away, there were some family issues, so my father graciously took her in.”
Upon hearing that, Luna’s expression instantly changed.
Just as she was about to explain, Raymond nodded and said, “That’s right. Ms. Maynard is the daughter of an old friend. Being a young girl, she’s been through a lot, and it’s the least we could do to help.” Jasmine smiled and added, “Dad, you’re always so kind and ready to help others.”
Mia said, “Yes. As the mayor of Nord City, helping a friend’s daughter is nothing out of the ordinary for Mr. Shelbert. He’s setting a great example for all of us. Let’s give him a round of applause.”
The room erupted in enthusiastic applause and the guests showered Raymond with praise. He looked visibly relieved.
But amidst the celebration, Luna couldn’t hide her discontent. Struggling to maintain her composure, Luna clenched her fists as she tried to contain her emotions. This was her one chance to reveal her identity to everyone.
By then, she wouldn’t just be an illegitimate daughter without a solid status.
However, Jasmine’s unexpected assertion that she was merely an old friend’s daughter threw Luna off guard.
She thought her father would correct Jasmine, but to her surprise, he agreed. What did that make her now?
Her mind raced with conflicting thoughts. She couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. If she didn’t assert her identity now, she might never get another chance.
Luna knew she had to seize the moment and declare her true identity. Once this opportunity passed, it would be lost forever.
At that moment, Luna made up her mind and turned to Raymond. “Dad, what about Asher if I’m just considered an old friend’s daughter?”
She wanted to remind him about his intentions to adopt Asher into the family formally. If she were only seen as an acquaintance’s daughter, that bond wouldn’t exist.
Luna calling Raymond “Dad” instantly caught everyone’s attention. They quickly exchanged glances with one another.
After all, just a moment ago, they had speculated that if Luna wasn’t Raymond’s mistress, she might be his illegitimate daughter. Such things weren’t uncommon in elite circles.
Raymond felt a mix of emotions at that instant. He hadn’t anticipated Luna openly referring to him as “Dad”.
Jasmine smiled and linked arms with her father. “Why are you all so surprised? Didn’t my dad mention earlier that he brought a friend’s daughter to live with us? Of course he has thought about adopting her.”
Chapter 1077
After Mia heard Jasmine’s words, she immediately fixed her gaze on Jasmine.
She had a strong feeling that Jasmine had made a decision.
Luna attended this banquet with Raymond today with the sole purpose of unveiling her true identity. Jasmine’s recent words have effectively thwarted all of Luna’s intended plans and left her feeling trapped.
Raymond had recently confessed that Luna was the daughter of his old friend, and he took her under his wing out of friendship. Although there might be a hint of skepticism regarding her status as an illegitimate child, no one would dare to voice such doubts in public.
Ultimately, the attendees were all highly respected and sensible individuals who would never publicly humiliate Raymond.
Raymond had revealed Luna’s true identity as a friend’s daughter when she made her first public appearance. From that moment on, it would prove challenging to alter her identity later. Luna was undoubtedly furious as her flawless plan had been thwarted by Jasmine.
Mia couldn’t help but notice Luna’s expression, which was one of pure distress. At that moment, Luna’s anger was so intense that it seemed as if she was on the verge of exploding. She had never expected Jasmine to react so quickly this time.
She believed that once she revealed this information, Jasmine would not be able to tolerate it and would immediately expose her illegitimate daughter’s identity or yell at her. If Jasmine had done so, she could have had a chance to explain or control the situation.
However, Luna was taken by surprise when Jasmine chose to remain silent instead of making a scene. Even more unexpectedly, Jasmine claimed that Luna was the daughter of Raymond’s old friend. She even stated that Raymond would acknowledge her as his goddaughter.
Jasmine’s sudden change made Luna instantly wary. This time, she had underestimated her enemy.
She wondered whether Jasmine had followed someone’s advice to do this. Luna suspected that this was the case and looked at Mia who was sitting next to Jasmine.