Chapter 1858


    The wedding reception was in full swing, with Morrison Langston and his bride Magdalen Sampson


    making their way around the room, toasting their guests. Sophia had stepped out to take a call, and


    one of the bridesmaids had to leave early, leaving only Estelle and Gabrielle to nk Magdalen''s side.


    Toasting wasrgely a formality. Whether Magdalen actually drank was at her discretion—no one dared


    to pressure her, and there was certainly no need for Estelle or Gabrielle to step in to deflect any


    unwanted drinks.


    As they approached the Macin family''s table, Elizabeth, eager to curry favor with the Sampsons,


    made a point of acknowledging Estelle in front of Magdalen. But before the newlyweds could reach her


    table, Elizabeth rose and called out with feigned affection, "Estelle, darling!"


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Magdalen nced at the Macins but didn''t miss a beat, continuing right to the next table.


    Morrison, his arm around Magdalen''s waist, was all too happy to indulge her impulse.


    Estelle remained cool and detached, ignoring Elizabeth''s greeting as if it were never uttered.


    Elizabeth''s smile froze awkwardly on her face. Surrounded by so many onlookers, she felt a hot flush


    of embarrassment and sat back down, pretending to ignore the snickers and murmurs from nearby


    guests.


    Her expression darkened as she hissed to Simone, "Sabina was right; your daughter really does need


    discipline!"


    Simone replied in a low, stern voice, "I told you to ignore her. She''s never paid us any mind!"


    Natalia scoffed, "And to think, you were always defending Estelle. Turns out she doesn''t even


    acknowledge her families!"


    Leonie, unbothered, retorted, "Recognition isn''t something you just talk about. And why should Estelle


    acknowledge us? Maybe we should all take a hard look in the mirror before we go criticizing others."


    Her words seemed to offend everyone at the table.


    Natalia was so angry she almost had a heart attack on the spot!


    Sabina red at Estelle''s retreating figure, the memory of a certain scene outside pricking at her like a


    venomous thorn.


    Meanwhile, Emily and her friends, including Marina Evert and Aimee Jordan, were engrossed in


    conversation when Magdalen approached. They quickly raised their sses in celebration.


    "I just saw Kya," Magdalen beamed. "She''s be the darling among the aunts, and onedy even


    took off her jade ne to let her y with it like it was a marble!"


    Emily smiled warmly, "She was thrilled to be a flower girl for once!"


    Magdalen''s eyes twinkled, "Waiting for Kya to grow up to be my flower girl was a stroke of genius!"


    Laughter bubbled up from the group.


    Marina clinked sses with Estelle, "Heard you caught the bouquet. Congrattions! Hopefully, next


    time we''ll be drinking to your and Mr. Lamont''s nuptials!"


    Estelle smiled, "And what about you and Mr. Foster? With such a long engagement, is a wedding date


    on the horizon?"


    Marina shrugged yfully, "Who knows what tomorrow will bring!"


    They shared a knowing look, immediately understanding each other''s sentiments.


    After making the rounds in the banquet hall, Morrison led Magdalen upstairs to the VIP section, starting


    with the room where Jonathan and others from their circle—like Charlie, Carson, and Andrew—were


    gathered.


    Upon seeing Estelle, Jonathan''s gaze softened, recalling the words she had said in a recent video.


    The presence of Carson and the others ensured that Morrison and Magdalen couldn''t escape without


    drinking from the bridal cup, and they even insisted Magdalen toast each person individually.


    Magdalen obliged, starting with Jonathan. "Mr. Lamont, it''s a true honor to have youe from such a


    distance. Even though it wasn''t just for me, I''m delighted all the same. This first toast is to you!"


    Charlie, half-joking, suggested, "Maybe someone else should give this toast?"


    His implication was clear—he meant Estelle—but before she could react, Gabrielle squeezed past her,


    ss in hand, and dered, "Allow me to toast Mr. Lamont on Magdalen''s behalf!"


    The room fell quiet, all eyes on Gabrielle, anticipating the drama.


    Magdalen, familiar with Gabrielle from childhood but not close, watched her eagerness with a cold


    smirk. Gabrielle had been quick to avoid toasting earlier, yet now she was more than keen to step up


    for Jonathan.


    Jonathan''s eyes were cool and distant as he turned to Charlie, "You made the suggestion, you do the


    honors."


    Charlie''s smirk broadened, "If I''m to drink, one cup won''t suffice."