Chapter 8: Florence''S Lie


    Chapter 8: Florence''s Lie


    Beatrice and Hamilton engaged in conversation, well aware of the longstanding friendship between


    Old North and Mike. In the past, the Pansy and North families had been powerhouses in the


    business industry. However, Old North had unexpectedly sold hispany and retired many years


    ago, vanishing from the public eye. While he hadn''t been in the limelight, the North family retained


    its esteemed reputation.


    Hamilton presented the gifts Old North had sent for the Pansys, which included a world-renowned


    painting and the deed to a multimillion-dor plot ofnd in the southern part of the city, among


    other things. Old North was renowned for his generous gestures.


    Jane, despite her disdain for the Pansys, couldn''t help but feel a pang of irritation at thevish gifts


    her family had bestowed upon them. Still, she was relieved that Hamilton hadn''te to the event


    to expose her true identity. Her n was to leave in three months, and if Beatrice discovered her


    true background, she might be prevented from going. Moreover, Patrick might treat her differently


    upon learning of her wealth.


    As Jane lost herself in thought, one of Florence''s friends inquired, "The North family is incredibly


    generous. Florence, didn''t you meet Old North''s granddaughter at a fashion show?"


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    "The identity of Old North''s beloved granddaughter is one of the greatest mysteries today. There


    have been numerous spections, but no one knows her name, let alone her appearance," added


    another friend.


    "Indeed, I remember she gave you her contact information. She even mentioned visiting you when


    she''s in Guavo," chimed in Florence''s other friend.


    "Wow, Florence, you''re amazing!"


    Jane raised an eyebrow and gazed at Florence with a quizzical expression. Florence, upon noticing


    Jane''s gaze, frowned deeply and asked, "Why are you staring at me like that, Jane?"


    Jane inquired, "Did you genuinely meet Old North''s granddaughter?" Florence nodded, crossing her


    arms defensively.


    Florence''s friend condescendingly remarked, "What? Are you envious of Florence? You might share


    the North surname, but you''re just a country bumpkin!"


    Jane couldn''t help but smile at these words, yet she refrained from responding. Florence, perplexed


    by Jane''s smile, wondered why she was grinning. Did she somehow see through her fabricated


    encounter with the young heiress? Florence dismissed her suspicions, concluding she was


    overthinking.


    Though Florence tried to shake off her doubts, Jane shook her head and left with a smirk.


    Something about Jane''s demeanor unsettled Florence, but she couldn''t quite put her finger on it.


    She became increasingly agitated and muttered, "She''s far too arrogant for a pauper," casting an


    annoyed re in Jane''s direction.


    During her moment of frustration, an idea took shape in Florence''s mind, and her lips curled into a


    sinister smile. Meanwhile, Jane retreated to a quieter corner with her winess, seeking sce.


    As she massaged her forehead, Jane felt someone''s gaze upon her. Raising her head, she locked


    eyes with Patrick. Patrick had been unable to look away since Jane''s piano performance, pondering


    how a countryside girl could possess such prodigious piano-ying skills and noble temperament.


    He snapped back to reality as their eyes met, and his heart skipped a beat.


    Yet, Jane seemed to avert her gaze nonchntly, as though he were of no significance. His initial


    heartache soon transformed into irritation, evident from his deep frown.


    Sipping her wine and musing aloud, Jane wondered, "Why on earth is he staring at me?" The most


    usible reason she could think of was that Patrick had harbored expectations of her failing in her


    piano performance, as she had defied his assumptions. Despite being a Pansy, Jane couldn''t care


    less about such a self-centered man. "Chill, Jane. You''ll be out of here in three months," she


    reminded herself.


    Jane sat in solitude for an extended period as the night wore on. Some guests began to depart, and


    she decided it was time to leave as well. Walking outside, she attempted to hail a taxi when


    Patrick''s annoyed voice suddenly echoed from behind, "Why are you leaving without telling me?"