Chapter 174
174 The Weight of Favor and Contempt.
None of them dared speak out–except Grayson, who had just heard his wife being praised. He gave a cold
snort. “Utter nonsense.”
He’d been in the entertainment industry for years. In his eyes, Scarlett was indeed a beauty, and it made perfect sense that Jasper would be interested in her. Maybe back at Trenwyn, there had already been some ambiguous entanglement between them.
Pathetic .
He’d felt a bit of sympathy for Scarlett before. Now all he felt was scorn and disdain.
Because the Joyner family from Trenwyn was in no position to climb into the Fletcher family’s league . Back then, Scarlett had probably been nothing more than a pampered bird in a gilded cage.
Even the Lane family themselves weren’t worthy of forming an alliance with Jasper–let alone her.
His eyes flicked over to his older brother and sister–in–law, a faint sneer curling his lips. They had been so proper and self–disciplined their entire lives–who would’ve thought they’d let their daughter behave like this? If she were his daughter, he’d have broken her legs and thrown her out!
The rage was about to boil over when Chloe gently tugged his sleeve.
He cooled immediately.
Turning to her, the fury in his eyes faded, replaced by tenderness. Chloe wasn’t like other women. She came from an ordinary background, but she had no interest in clinging to powerful men. Back when they met on set, she’d known he was a director with money, and yet she’d gone out of her way to keep her distance–as if she feared any gossip might ruin her career.
He’d admired that. So he started paying more attention. And somehow, he ended up falling for her.
When he began pursuing her, Chloe tried to run. First, she hid in another production. Then she even considered quitting acting altogether. That’s when he realized–she didn’t care about his money or status at all.
What had begun as interest had grown into genuine affection.
That was why he, once a notorious playboy, had cleaned up his act for her.
People reveal themselves in contrast.
Scarlett had no self–respect , no dignity. Even if she somehow managed to latch on to Jasper, she’d never earn anyone’s respect. In fact, the more he saw of her, the more disgusted he became.
And then there was Jasper, claiming to be working on something like an “artificial sun“-as if mocking the entire Lane family to their faces. If not for the disparity in power and status, Grayson would’ve had him thrown out on the spot.
And all of this humiliation was because of Scarlett.
Shameless .
But the next moment, Jasper turned slowly to look at him.
13:44 Tue , 12 Aug
174 The Weight of Favor and Contempt
His gaze was calm, expression neutral.
Yet the pressure was immense.
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Compared to “artificial sun,” the term “nuclear fusion” at least sounded more grounded. Even if no one really understood the science behind it.
Jack burst out laughing. “Jasper, stop explaining. Uncle Grayson got a 380 on his SAT. If you asked him who sings well, maybe he’d know. But this? He probably thinks you’re mocking him!”
Seeing Grayson’s deflated face, Jack threw on an exaggerated expression of shock. “No way–did I nail it ? You really don’t get it? You thought we were making this up?”
Grayson’s face darkened even further. He yanked Chloe’s arm. “Let’s go .”
Chloe’s face was pale, her whole demeanor dazed. Before she could respond, he dragged her away.
The room fell quiet again.
The old lady chuckled softly. “Well, it’s good for you young people to stay busy. There are plenty of guests at today’s banquet. Don’t hover around me–go on, entertain them. I’ll go chat with some old friends.”
The elders of the Lane family immediately stood to escort her out.
She hadn’t gone far when Aurora approached, linking arms with her.
Moments ago, the Stanley family had been offering birthday greetings to the old lady, so the younger generation hadn’t been allowed to get close. But Scarlett, freshly returned to the family, had been given special permission to stay by her side.
Jasper had gone too. No one knew why.
Still, with his status, no one dared question it.
Aurora could only try to fish some information out of the old lady herself.
But to her surprise, the old woman merely smiled kindly. “They’ve got their own business. Don’t worry about them. Oh, right—I heard you’ve got a competition coming up? Think you’ve got a shot at winning? ” Aurora snapped out of her thoughts and gave a bashful smile. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll do my best.”
“You’re always so modest,” the old lady replied, smiling. “I’ll be waiting for your trophy.”.
After a pause, she added, “There’ll be a reward if you win.”
Aurora’s heart surged with excitement.
The Lane family was one of the most prominent names in Jalindale. If they backed her, her future would be limitless. She might even elevate the family’s reputation–becoming the powerful matriarch of her own lineage, just like Jasper’s mother once was.
As the music ended and the guests began to leave in small groups, someone murmured, “Do you think the
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174 The Weight of Favor and Contempt
Lane family has really accepted Scarlett?”
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