Chapter 356
They had guests in the house. Jennifer was discussing the upcoming charity gala at the end of the month. For the Richardson family, the end of May marked a poignant time, filled with significant events from two decades ago.
The charity gala was one of the few occasions where Jennifer and Mary could find common ground. It was a time for philanthropy and coincided with the anniversary of Curtis’ grandfather’s passing.
Among those collaborating on the event were several influential society ladies, including Penelope.
As Curtis entered the living room, the conversation paused, and someone exclaimed with pleasant surprise, “Ah, Curtis is back!”
Jennifer had been restless lately, looking quite drained. Seeing Curtis seemed to brighten her spirits somewhat.
The charity foundation’s directors promptly stood to introduce themselves with respect. Curtis responded briefly, handing some flowers and a gift to Jennifer.
“Happy Mother’s Day.”
Upon opening the gift, she found a vintage ruby necklace, drawing envious glances from the onlookers. “Jennifer, you are blessed. Both your children are paragons of virtue and thoughtful.”
Jennifer accepted the flowers and instructed the maid to fetch a vase, a smile gracing face. “Curtis has always been thoughtful, never forgetting holidays or my birthday.”
“Too much praise,” Curtis chuckled, loosening his tie and deflating his praise. “I forgot today. But your daughter-in-law reminded me this morning to celebrate.”
“Leanne is thoughtful,” Jennifer remarked. “Didn’t she come with you?”
“She was busy.”
“Leanne is such a gem, so smart and considerate,” Penelope sighed. “Then there’s Selina, in her twenties but still acting like a kid, always so flighty.”
“That’s true. Leanne could practically run a nursery now,” Curtis joked, eliciting laughter in the room.
Jennifer told him off playfully and turned to Penelope. “Don’t take it to heart.”
Penelope wasn’t mad. She smiled and added, “Selina’s much less of a worry when she’s with Leanne. I feel at ease.”
The other ladies also praised Leanne, admiring her qualities. NôvelDrama.Org holds this content.
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“It’s all your credit,” Curtis complimented Jennifer, smiling. “I’m going to see Grandma.
The conversation soon returned to the charity event.
The chairman suggested inviting celebrities to perform to increase public interest and attract even more rich donors to the auction, raising more funds for charity projects. Top of the list was Larissa.
“Huh?” a lady remarked, “I thought she doesn’t do commercial gigs.”
In the elite’s circles, the allure of celebrities was only another profession glamorized by spotlights, often dependent on capital.
Larissa was an exception, hailing from the affluent Capital City, which lent her some liberty.
The Richardson family had close ties with the Watson family, and Jennifer could ask for a favor. However, she didn’t see the need. A charity gala was more than a stage for stars.
Before Jennifer could express her views, Penelope suggested, “Isn’t Leanne close to Larissa? Maybe Leanne could ask for a favor.
Jennifer paused with her coffee cup in hand. “Leanne is close to her?”
“Yes,” Always well-informed, Penelope continued, “Larissa resembles Leanne’s late mother somewhat, so Leanne is fond of her. Larissa’s daughter also passed away many years ago, and she sees Leanne as a daughter. They get along well.”
That was news to Jennifer, who had always felt distant from Leanne.
She said nothing, simply sipping her coffee.
The exquisite fragrance of the top-grade coffee somehow felt less satisfying than usual
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