Ch. 101..110
Chapter 101
Bonnie felt a little puzzled. After some thought, she realized Trina was right. She could present evidence before Vera and Gresham, but they still would not believe a word she said. Worse, they would
treat her harsher than before.
They would even lecture her to learn from her mistakes. Besides that, there was also a good reason why she kept her identity as the nation’s leading researcher a secret.
Her parents had a favorite child, and that was none other than Trina. Moreover, they always looked down on Bonnie.
In the past, she used to win various awards and trophies for things such as piano competitions, chess tournaments, F1 trophies, and more. She had shown all of them to Vera and Gresham, but all she got
in return was more lectures.
They chastised her for forging her accolades just to gain their favor. They even told her how disappointed they were in her.
Additionally, Trina would fan the flames. That was why they grew increasingly distrustful of Bonnie over time.
After some thought, Bonnie’s foster parents, who had raised her in the countryside, treated her pretty well. However, Vera and Gresham were her biological parents. The truth was that everyone wanted nothing more than their parents‘ love.
Bonnie learned the hard way that her birth parents would never love her as much as they did with
Trina. Bonnie’s childhood was the primary reason for that. The couple looked down on Bonnie because she was a country bumpkin.
Gresham’s family had repeatedly taken digs at him and his wife because of her background. That was why they could never let it go. She would always be a blemish on their otherwise perfect life.
That was why Trina was not the only wrong one here. Her stepsister merely exploited her
vulnerabilities and pulled focus on them.
“I’m tired of talking to you, Trina. I won’t waste more time with you.” Collecting her thoughts, Bonnie began to cut to the chase. “Where I live is none of your concern. It’d be wise for you to behave and lock yourself in your room. If I ever catch you doing something humiliating again, I’ll make you regret it.”
Trina was outraged. “Do you think Mom and Dad will ground me for that long? Perhaps you’ve forgotten, but my engagement party with Hadwin is three days. It’s also my birthday. That reminds me. Your birthday is on the same day as mine.
“I’m cordially inviting you to my engagement party with Hadwin. I sure hope I’ll see you on that day, Bonnie.”
Bonnie was stunned.
‘Her birthday is in three days? Gosh, it slipped my mind.‘
Trina chuckled and continued, “Mom and Dad always forget about you whenever we celebrate our birthdays. At best, they’d prepare a thoughtless gift for you. My heart breaks for you whenever we celebrate our birthdays, Bonnie.
“Here’s an idea. You can pretend you don’t know what I did, and I’ll put your name on the birthday cake this time. Since it’s my twentieth birthday, Mom and Dad will prepare a twenty–layer cake for me. You can share my glorious moment by having your name on it.‘
Bonnie would have rolled her eyes at Trina if her stepsister were standing before her. Soon after, Bonnie hung up because she did not intend to waste time arguing.
Jim frowned and asked, “Are you going to let her off the hook just like that?”
“I wasn’t going to initially, but Trina will get mad if I ignore her. If that’s the case, why should I waste my breath arguing with her?” Bonnie responded casually.
“You have a point, but she still annoys me. Trina has always schemed against you, but I can’t believe she hired someone to tail you. How about I work her over discreetly?“Jim smiled menacingly.
“Simmer down. You’re the renowned King of Combat. You’ll sully your reputation if you take things seriously with that hypocritical girl.” Bonnie smiled and shook her head.
“I’m doing it for you. What’s so disgraceful about that? Anyone who I don’t care if it does anything to my reputation!” He barked sternly.
crosses you will suffer my wrath.
Ivor pulled Bonnie to his side, saying, “You guys are too close for my taste. Mind you, Master Jim, Bonnie’s my fiancee. I can protect her myself. Don’t you think you overstepped your boundaries by saying those things?”
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“She might be your flancee now, but she’s been my close friend for a long time. You can do your thing while I do mine. We shouldn’t get in each other’s way.”
Jim then sensed Bonnie’s glance, signaling him to leave. Things could take an unexpected turn if he stayed any longer, and he might end up exposing his identity. Jim said, “Oh, look at the time. I should be going.”
“Sure. Take it easy and stay safe.”
Then, both of them recalled the car and looked at it simultaneously.
‘Uh, it doesn’t look like I can drive it away.‘
Floyd looked at Jim admiringly and said, “I’ll call a mechanic to fix your car, Master Jim. He’ll fix it before you know it.”
Bonnie approached the car and opened its hood. “It’s not that severe. You can save yourself the trouble of calling a mechanic. I know how to fix it.”
“You know how to fix cars too?” Ivor and Jim questioned her simultaneously.
Bonnie turned and nodded. “My cars used to have plenty of hiccups back in my racing days. It broke down on a hill, and there was no one within a fifty–mile radius. It was so troublesome to find a
mechanic, so I learned how to fix my cars myself.”
‘She races cars, too?!‘
Ivor was pleasantly surprised. It turned out they had a shared hobby. Not only did he love it, but it was one of his favorite ways to unwind himself. Ever so often, he’d ask Ged and the others for a race or a
cruise around the hills in the suburbs.
Jim was shocked and then grew worried, asking, “Why do you insist on doing such dangerous things? You’re a crucial figure for our nation. I can’t afford to let anything happen to you. How am I supposed
to answer
“}
“There, all fixed!” Bonnie deliberately raised her voice and interjected.
Apparently, Jim always forgot the important things whenever he got worked up. If Bonnie had not interrupted him in time, he would have exposed her real identity.
“Ahem…” Jim noticed Ivor and Floyd looking at him curiously. The former cleared his throat and added, “I meant, how am I supposed to answer to your parents?”
Ivor’s expression turned solemn, but he said nothing.
Meanwhile, Jim changed the topic and awkwardly got into the driver’s seat. “You seriously got it fixed in just a minute? Let me see. Would you look at that?! You really did fix it. Just how talented are you?”
“You’re too kind. It was just a minor issue.” Bonnie stole a glance at Ivor and noticed nothing strange
about his expression. Still, it was hard to tell if he was suspicious.
“Well, then. I’ll take my leave now.”
“Sure. See you!” Bonnie waved at Jim before turning and looking at Ivor. “Come on, let’s go home.” “Hold on,” Ivor said as he removed Bonnie’s coat and put his coat on her.
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Bonnie did not know how to respond while Jim took the coat from her, pouted, and drove off. It was not the first time Bonnie had put on a man’s coat, but the warmth from Ivor’s coat felt different
Before she could identify this unusual feeling, Ivor grabbed her hand and said, “Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?” Bonnie frowned, thinking he must have seen through her act earlier
Although Ivor was quiet for a moment, he seemed unwilling to let her hand go. He stared into her eyes and asked solemnly, “Have you ever fallen in love with anyone?”
Bonnie was stunned. She thought he was about to ask about Jim or her real identity as the nation! leading researcher. She asked, “What made you ask me that?”
“You have to answer me first since I was the one who asked first,”
“What kind of love are you talking about?” Bonnie was no fool and knew what he meant, but she could not resist questioning him.
“I mean the kind of love that compels you to be with Jim,” Ivor responded profoundly,
Bonnie raised her brow and said, “Oh, that’s what you mean, I thought you meant the not–so– serious kind of love.”
“What a mischievous young lady,‘ Ivor thought.
“Hmm, I’ve yet to love anyone that way since I’m always busy. My romantic life just isn’t part of my packed schedule. I’m not really into it, either. I think the single life suits me best.”
“Do you want to give it a shot?” Ivor looked at Bonnie humorously.
She turned to look at him, asking, “Give it a shot? Who am I supposed to fall in love with? Are you volunteering?”
He smiled. After all, this was not the time for a romantic confession. “Your birthday’s three days from now. You’ll get your answer then.”
Bonnie was about to resume walking when she heard what he said. Confused, she looked at him intently. “What are you going to do?”
“You’ll know soon enough.”
“What if I want to know about it now?” She had a hunch that Ivor would make some grand gesture on her birthday, which was the same day as Trina and Hadwin’s engagement party.
“I can tell you now, but you’ll have to do something for me in return.”
“What do I need to do?”
Ivor took Bonnie’s hand and guided it to his cheeks. “Kiss me, and you’ll have your answer.
Her lips twitched, and then she withdrew her hand, thinking it was a waste of time.
‘I would’ve been better off returning to my room and getting some sleep.
Ivor watched as she left. He could not resist bursting into laughter,
Bonnie heard his unbridled laughter and felt a chill down her spine. She then picked up her pace and entered the villa.
“Hahaha…” He laughed heartily again before trailing off into silence. After turning to look toward where Jim drove off, Ivor recalled what he said earlier. He was also very mindful of how Jim and
Bonnie Interacted.
‘If I remember correctly, Jim said Bonnie’s a crucial figure for our nation.‘
Chapter 104
Three days later, Gresham, Vera, and Hadwin’s parents reserved the entire hotel for their children’s engagement party. Many guests attended, and most came from society’s upper echelon.
Hadwin’s mother, Demetria, was delighted with her future daughter–in–law as she led Trina around to show her off to the guests. “This is my future daughter–in–law, Trina. Here’s some interesting tidbits. She’s so impressive that Professor Terry has high hopes for her.”
“Professor Terry? Who’s that?” One of the noblewomen asked.
“Why, don’t you know? I wouldn’t have brought him up if he were some random professor. Professor Terry leads a team of researchers in Ms. Bonita’s research institute.” Demetria gloated.
The crowd gasped in shock and went on to butter Trina up.
“Jeez! I can’t believe such a prestigious professor admires Trina. I must say, I’m jealous of you, Demetria! Not only is your son capable, but he also has a keen eye for picking out a wife. What a steal.”
“I’m not as fortunate as you, Demetria. My daughter–in–law only knows to argue with me. The thing is, she’s not nearly as capable as Trina. All she knows is to throw snide remarks with that wretched mouth of hers. Look at Trina, though. Professor Terry of Ms. Bonita’s research institute admires her.
Bravo!”
“Should I address you as Ms. Trina?” One of the noblewomen asked.
“Trina is fine.” She said gently.
“I heard your internship is about to commence. Now that Professor Terry favors you, will your internship be in Ms. Bonita’s research institute?”
Trina sneered inwardly and forced a smile. After all, she did not tell the Rhodes family that she had crossed the professors in Bonita’s research institute. Simultaneously, Hadwin also did not bring it up
because he was trying to preserve his reputation.
“Um… I’m not sure about that. After all, I’m just a college student.”
“Oh. Stop being so modest. If Professor Terry favors you, then you’ll surely get into the research institute. Wouldn’t you agree, Demetria?”
“Exactly! She’s going to the research institute.” Demetria chuckled.
Trina bit her lip to suppress her frustration.
“There’s more. Trina’s also getting into Pyralis University as one of the honor students.” Demetria continued to praise her daughter–in–law.
“Geez. She’s pretty and capable. How I wish my daughter is half as good as her.”
“Hmm, now that you mentioned it, Trina wasn’t supposed to marry your son, was she?”
Demetria turned solemn, saying, “Her elder sister is a good–for–nothing. She often skipped classes and loitered around. She couldn’t master anything she learned and is a pathological llar. Even her
parents hated having her around.”
“Is she as bad as you say? The way my daughter put it1 believe Trina’s sister’s name was Bonnle got into Pyralis University with a perfect score. Apparently, she also won the Best Scholar Award.”
“Are you serious?” It seemed some of them did not know about this.
“I’m as serious as a heart attack.” Demetria had a terrible headache whenever she heard people talking about Bonnie.
“I heard that, too. Still, is that supposed to impress me? Bonnie grew up in the countryside. She’s gruff and ill–mannered. She doesn’t even look at me when I talk to her. For Heaven’s sake, I’m her
future mother–in–law.
“She ought to show me respect. The way I heard it, she got in a fight with someone and got arrested.”
“Sheesh! How uncivilized.”
“Bonnie’s from the countryside? The fault isn’t with her. It’s the environment she grew up in.”
Trina could barely hide her satisfaction when she heard the insults about Bonnie. The former approached Vera and asked, “Mom, why isn’t Bonnie here yet? Is it because she’s unhappy that you have her my old dress? I guess it’s my fault.
“She fancied the dress I’m wearing now. If only I had given it to her, maybe she would’ve shown up today.”
“Why do you always have to be so thoughtful? The Rhodes family custom–tailored this dress for you. What makes her think you should give it to her just because she wanted it? Who does she
think she
is?”
Vera might have sounded like she was scolding Trina. However, she was speaking up for her. It made
Trina feel better about herself.
‘Hmph, you can’t win against me, Bonnie! You’ll have to wear my old dress to the engagement party. After all, I’ve picked out the most hideous outfit for you. You won’t show up at all if you know what’s best for you. You’ll only hurt yourself if you do.‘
Trina was in her thoughts when she heard a commotion at the entrance. “Yowza! Who’s that? She’s gorgeous!”
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‘Who’s stealing my limelight?!‘
Trina glared at the entrance, and her eyes widened in anger.
‘Is that Bonnie?!‘
What infuriated Trina most was that although Bonnie wore the old and hideous dress, the latter exuded an outstanding charm that elevated the dress to another level.
Trina had worn that dress once and thought it looked like a burlap sack. She even despised it. That was why she picked it for Bonnie. Since the latter had no suitable dresses for the engagement party, Trina thought the ugly dress would humiliate Bonnie.
However, the dress looked nothing like a burlap sack on Bonnie. Instead, she looked gorgeous and outstanding.
At that moment, Trina realized the dress was not as hideous as she thought. She simply did not have the figure for it. Once Trina realized it, things worsened for her. She was so furious and jealous that she could breathe fire.
Moreover, Bonnie put on light makeup and had her hair up, revealing her slender neck. She could grab the limelight wherever she went when she looked like this.
Suddenly, Trina had a hunch and whipped around to look at Hadwin. As expected, he was gawking at Bonnie. It was evident that he was surprised and enchanted. Trina felt gravely threatened. She detested Bonnie, gritting her teeth as she walked over.
“Woah. You look incredible, Bonnie! I’ve never seen you putting any effort into your looks. What brought on the change tonight?” Trina purposefully phrased her sentence that way so the guests would know Bonnie was out to shame her tonight.
Bonnie noticed the guests muttering about her. Still, she smiled at Trina and said, “Have you considered a future in the entertainment industry? You love putting on an act, after all. You gave me this dress and told me to doll up.
“You told me that members of the high society would attend your engagement party and that I have to be mindful of our reputation. Mom also constantly reminded me about it.
“I’m wearing your old dress. Are you pointing fingers at me because I wore it too extravagantly and stole your limelight? Sheesh. You should’ve said so sooner. I would’ve come with something more
modest.”
“You say that, but—”
Bonnie glanced at Trina disdainfully from top to bottom.
“Your figure and looks are lackluster, at best. I could come wearing a burlap sack and still look hotter than you. It’s no contest.”
Trina reddened with fury. Although she was more beautiful than most guests, things looked different when she compared herself with Bonnie.
Bonnie looked like a glowing star, while Trina looked like a firefly that was struggling to shine. The latter felt jealousy overflowing in her heart.
Trina burst into tears in response, saying, “H–How could you say that about me? I know I’m not as pretty as you, and you’re making me look bad because I took Hadwin from you.‘
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Bonnie scoffed. “Hmph, are you still trying to mislead everyone, Trina? I didn’t want to do this, but you keep saying stuff that would make yourself look good while trying to undermine me. What makes you think I’d just let you push me around?”
“Th–that’s not what I meant.” Trina continued weeping,
“Save your breath. Tears won’t make you right. You claim that I tried to
make you look bad because you took Hadwin away from me, right? I don’t care for an incompetent fool like Hadwin, but you’re right.
“You took him away from me by sleeping with him while we were engaged. You can claim you two love each other all you want, but you’re still a homewrecker. You’re just trying to make yourself look good when you dabbled in infidelity,” Bonnie said coldly.
The onlookers exchanged glances and started muttering amongst each other.
“I know Bonnie is a good–for–nothing, and Hadwin is probably too good for her. Still, I must say, she made some fine points. Trina is a homewrecker who stole her sister’s fiance.”
“I beg to differ. Hadwin didn’t care for Bonnie because she was a lazy waste of space. People like her don’t deserve to marry into the Rhodes family.”
“Must Iremind you that she’s the best scholar in our city? How does that make her a loitering waste of space? If that’s true, what does that make the other students? Some of them couldn’t even get into Pyralis University.”
“That’s besides the topic at hand. Let’s focus on the important stuff here. I’ve heard some rumors that Hadwin was already sleeping with Trina before he called off his engagement with Bonnie. Tsk tsk tsk. Judging from that alone, Trina is undoubtedly a homewrecker.”
Trina was speechless. She intended to mislead everyone into thinking Bonnie was the bad guy. She did not expect Bonnie to retaliate and turn the table on her.
Bonnie sneered and said as if she were speaking to a simpleton, “Stop trying to play games with me,
Trina. I’m in a different league than you. Your petty tricks and worrisome intelligence are nothing to
1. me.
“I’ve been ignoring you because I couldn’t be bothered to waste my time on you. Make no mistake. If you insist on playing your games, I’ll shame you at your own engagement party.”
Trina balled her fists and glared at Bonnie.
“Sit in your shame like a dog. There, that’s more like it. Hold it in.” Bonnie continued to hurl insults at Trina before turning to leave.
Trina thought she was about to lose her mind, but she could not think of a retort to Bonnie. Moreover,
Charter Tes
the latter had a hold over her. Trina remained seething when she saw Bonnic approaching the twenty -layer cake and taking a life.
“What’s she doing?!‘
Everyone else was just as shocked and puzzled as Trina. They all stared at Bonnie curiously as she motioned to cut the cake. However, the figurines depicting Trina and Hadwin were in the way. So, she removed them and flung them aside.
Immediately after, she cut the cake and helped herself to a slice.
Everyone’s jaws dropped while Bonnie took a bite and nodded in approval. “This cake is delicious. Where’d you get it from? I simply must buy some for myself.”
An eerie, pin–drop silence hung over the banquet hall while Vera and Gresham did everything they could to keep a low profile. They initially intended to lecture Bonnie, but they realized it would not have benefitted them.
Suddenly, a lady in a light yellow gown emerged from the crowd and approached Bonnie. “You’re impressive, Bonnie! Other women wouldn’t dare to speak up for herself even if her younger sister stole her fiancé.
“You, on the other hand, showed up at their engagement party and made a mess of it. Not only that, you even ate a slice of their cake. It’s one of the greatest comebacks I’ve ever seen!”
Bonnie turned and asked, “Who are you?”
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The young lady extended her hand and introduced herself. “The name’s Avril.”
Bonnie shook her hand out of courtesy, saying, “I didn’t eat the cake out of spite. I’m just hungry and needed to grab a bite.”
Avail’s eyes widened as she stared at Bonnie, realizing she was not bluffing or lying
‘She’s telling the truth. How intriguing. This Bonnie character is something else.‘
Meanwhile, Hadwin stormed over grimly. “What’s the meaning of this, Bonnie? I’ll admit I underestimated you. You aren’t as useless as I thought you were. Still, you don’t hold a candle to Trina. She’s an excellent student and is better than you in every way. You only won the Best Scholar Award because you got lucky.”
“Hey, watch your tongue!” Avril rolled her eyes, arms akimbo. She looked at Hadwin and barked, What do you mean she got lucky?! Do you have any idea what it means to win the Best Scholar Award? Stop making it sound worthless.
“Bonnie is the Best Scholar in Pyralis. Do you even know our city’s population? Not even the biggest
city in the world can match us, not to mention minor cities. Also, this year’s SATs were much more challenging than they had ever been.
“I’m something of a genius in our school, and I only managed to scrape by the SATs because my parents hired a professor from Pyralis University to tutor me. On the other hand, Bonnie aced the SAT with a perfect score!
“How do you think it’s dumb luck that she won the Best Scholar Award? Try repeating what you said to all of the students who partook in the SATs and see if they’d drown you in their spits! Get off your high horse, jackass!”
Hadwin’s grim expression deepened while Trina grabbed his arms and smiled, saying, “Let it go, dear. Bonnie can eat all the cake she wants. She’s right, anyway. We’ve been friends since childhood.
“We were engaged the minute we were born. That’s why we’ve been looking after each other ever since. Still, I didn’t know Mom and Dad weren’t my birth parents until it was too late. I’m not the one who was engaged to you.
“Bonnie was. Technically, I did become the homewrecker by stealing you away from her.” She started sobbing halfway through her little speech. She effectively silenced anyone who called her a
homewrecker.
The onlookers had forgotten about the fact that Bonnie and Trina were swapped in the hospital when they were newborns.
The Shepards and the Rhodes decided on this marriage way before Bonnie and Hadwin were born. Trina could not have known that she was not the Shepards‘ biological daughter at that time. On the contrary, that made her engagement with Hadwin seem all the more convincing.
With that in mind, Bonnie was the homewrecker instead. She was the one who came into the picture later and stood between Tvina and Hadwin.
1. e. How are you this hypocritical? You’re mouthing off, but you spun the tale in such a way that no one could point their fingers at you. Are you trying to mislead everyone into thinking Bonnie’s the homewrecker
How absurd. Your pity story could never bluff anyone with a working brain. If you didn’t know about the swap at the hospital, how do you suppose Bonnie knew about it? If the swap hadn’t happened, you would ye been toiling away at a farm while the sun beat down on you.
“Purthermore, Bonnie is the legitimate daughter who should’ve lived a wealthy, comfy life. She’s the one the Rhodes wanted their son to marry, I can’t believe you’re using your childhood friendship with Hachon as a bargaining chip.
hell with it, you bitch! You’re the one who stole Bonnie’s life from her. You’re trying to twist the truth in your favor when you should be feeling guilty. It’s baffling that you dare to accuse Bonnie of coming between you and Hadwin.”
Trina did not expect Avril to be so quick–witted. The former was already having trouble with Bonnie, and now she had to deal with Avril, too.
Avril continued, “If you’re going to steal Bonnie’s fiance, be forthright. You should say you and Hadwin love each other and that Bonnie doesn’t deserve him. I would’ve admired your honesty if you did, but you didn’t.
“You might look gentle and vulnerable, but you’re just throwing Bonnie under the bus, which leads to everyone demeaning her.”
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The guests became uneasy after listening to Avril’s rant. They never considered it before, but things looked clearer now. Ultimately, they realized Trina had misled them into thinking Bonnie was the bad guy.
Trina had phrased her words to make it look like she was defending Bonnie, and it ended up riling them up and turning them on Bonnie. However, Trina was not trying to defend her sister.
After careful contemplation, the guests realized Trina was manipulating them into thinking Bonnie was the villain. Now that they saw through her tricks, they regarded Trina disdainfully.
Trina had lost her advantage and was at a loss. Ultimately, she could only continue playing the victim. She wept as she said, “Th–that’s not what I meant! Stop twisting my words. Why would I do anything like that to my sister?”
Harold witnessed everything and could not resist roaring at Gresham, “You failed as a father! Is this how you’ve been educating your daughters? What is the matter with Bonnie?! Hadwin was right. So, what if she aced the SAT with perfect scores?
“She’s outrageous and tends to bring shame to the family! I’d rather she had a good character than winning the Best Scholar Award.”
Harold was furious at Bonnie for a different reason. Yolanda tore up Master Orson’s painting over a misunderstanding at his birthday party. So, he went to ask her for another painting from Master Orson. To his surprise, Bonnie turned him down.
He even remembered what she had said to him back then.
“Do you think I can just order Orson around? Do you think he’ll make another painting simply because I asked him to? He did it last time because I took Kay as my apprentice. Let’s say I ask him for another painting.
“How do you suppose I should answer if he asks about the previous one? Am I supposed to tell him that you guys tore it up?
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got at Bonnie. If it were up to him, he would have told Gresham to send her back to the countryside where she belonged. He would do that if Bonnie said anything unpleasant to him or his wife.
They’d then send Bonnie packing and ensure she could never return to Pyralis.
Meanwhile, Avril had enough of Trina. The former realized something and said, “Wait, if it’s Trina’s birthday today, then it’s yours, too, Bonnie! Where’s your cake?”
Bonnie casually glanced over Vera, Gresham, and the others before saying, “They’ve never prepared a birthday cake for me in my life.”
Avril was utterly dumbfounded. “Son of a bitch! I always knew Trina is your parents‘ favorite child, but I never thought they’d be this horrible.”
None of the guests noticed it before Avril brought it up. When she brought it up, they realized today= was also Bonnie’s birthday. When they shifted their gazes at the cake table, they saw two cakes there.
One of them was the wedding cake, while the other one was Trina’s birthday cake. Indeed, the family had left Bonnie out. The Shepards might have favored Trina over Bonnie, but was it too much to ask that they keep appearances up?
Gresham and Vera felt humiliated, but they were cursing at Bonnie internally. If they had known something like this would happen, they would have locked her up in the house instead. The
engagement party would have gone perfectly without Bonnie there.
“Bonnie, do you at least have a birthday present?” Avril asked affectionately.
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Bonnie remained quiet for a moment before answering, “Yeah, I have loads of birthday presents.”
Although none of her family gave her presents, she received loads from her friends and colleagues. There were so many that she could fill a train.
Avril noticed Bonnie’s brief pause and thought maybe Bonnie was lying. The former assumed Bonnie must have gotten no present at all but said she did to preserve her reputation.
‘My heart can just break for her!‘
Avril removed her necklace and gave it to Bonnie, saying, “This is my most cherished necklace. I hope you like it.”
“Um…”
Avril crossed her arms and said, “There can only be two reasons for you to turn down the offer. It’s
either you hate it, or you don’t want to be my friend.”
Since she put it that way, Bonnie could only accept it.
At that moment, Trina looked down on Bonnie, thinking, ‘How pathetic that you only get one gift, Bonnie. Look at my pile of presents. There are so many that I can probably load a car with them. It’s my birthday, and you’re not going to steal my limelight.‘
Suddenly, fireworks exploded in the sky and disrupted her thoughts.
‘Is somebody playing with fireworks? It sounds like quite the show.‘
Everyone was curious about it and hurried out of the hotel. Then, they saw a magnificent sight. There were fireworks as far as the eyes could see, exploding and glowing against the night sky.
“Wow! They’re wonderful! This grand gesture must cost a fortune. Just how many fireworks are there?” One of the guests uttered.
Immediately after, the fireworks exploded to form a brief phrase, “Happy birthday, Bonnie!”
‘Wait a minute. Bonnie?!‘
Everyone gazed at her and realized she was just as shocked as them. Then, they realized it was a surprise for her.
“Perhaps the fireworks are for someone else with the same name.” One of the guests took a wild
guess.
Trina sighed in relief.
“That was scary. I thought someone wasted all their money to make such a grand gesture for Bonnie.‘
Trina mocked, “How unfortunate, Bonnie. I know the fireworks aren’t for you, even though it says your name. Still, you can pretend they’re for you since it’s your birthday, too.”
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Trina stepped out of the crowd excitedly and glanced sidelong at Bonnie. The former then extended her hand to accept the bouquet from Floyd. She asked, “Who arranged for this for my birthday?”
“Pardon me, but I don’t mean you,” Floyd responded blankly.
Trina felt embarrassed and froze. Meanwhile, Floyd strode toward Bonnie and said, “My master wishes you a happy birthday, Ms. Bonnie.”
“Please convey my gratitude to him.” Bonnie accepted the bouquet and glanced at Trina mockingly.
Trina blushed with embarrassment, fury, and regret as she withdrew her hands.
“Hahaha!” Avril burst into hearty laughter.
Meanwhile, Trina was so ashamed that she wished she could hide in a hole. Vera then approached Bonnie and looked at the bouquet, frowning as she said, “Who would give you these?”
Everyone else was just as curious as to who would make such a grand gesture. They even wondered what kind of big shot Bonnie might know. From the looks of it, the person must come from a family wealthier and more prominent than the Rhodes.
Everyone gazed at Bonnie as she said, “The CEO of Knight Group.‘
The crowd fell silent for a moment. Some rolled their eyes, while others outright called Bonnie a liar.
Even Vera was furious at Bonnie’s answer.
‘Here she goes again. She just can’t go by a day without lying!‘
However, Bonnie had expected such reactions and merely glanced at her mother nonchalantly. On the other hand, Trina joined those who accused Bonnie of lying, “Why don’t you just tell the truth? Who could have made such a gesture when you’ve been staying home for a long while now?
“You’re living alone out there. What will we do if you get entangled with a horrible man who coerced you into doing something against your will? We’ll be concerned about you.”
Bonnie glared at Trina, knowing she was at it again. The latter tried to mislead everyone into thinking Bonnie had a sugar daddy.
‘She just doesn’t know when to quit. It looks like it’s time to teach her another lesson.‘
Bonnie said, “Is that why you hired someone to tail me?”
Trina froze again, wishing she could slap herself. She had forgotten that Bonnie had an advantage over her. The former regretted making such suggestions.
“I didn’t want to say that, Trina, but you keep trying to shame me. You can’t push me around.” Bonnie meant what she said as she was genuinely enraged.
She glanced at Hadwin and added, “You claimed you two are childhood friends. You did a good job
painting a beautiful picture. What everyone doesn’t know is that you two had sex with each other long ago”
Trina was shocked to the core, “Wh what nonsense is that, Bonnie? Why do you think I’d do something like that?”
Vera glared at Bonnie and warned, “Quit it, Bonnie, Stop trying to ruin Trina’s reputation.”
Bonnie glanced at her coldly, retorting, “Where were you when she misled everyone to slander my name? Why didn’t you step forward and defend me?”
“She was just worried about you, You’re the one who twisted her words,”
“Hmph!” Bonnie scoffed and swept her gaze across the guests. “Anyone can tell she was slandering my reputation, I also overheard some of them making cutting remarks about me, So, am I twisting her words, or did she mislead everyone into thinking the worst of me? Which is it, Mom?”
Vera said through gritted teeth. “You’re embarrassing yourself. Why can’t you wait until we get home before spouting such nonsense?”
“Why should I?” Bonnie said defiantly, “Why can’t I retaliate when Trina insulted me in front of all these people? Is it because you and Dad raised her yourself? Is it because I’m a country bumpkin, and it ruined our family’s reputation?”
Bonnie’s assessment was accurate. She had unveiled the deep, dark secrets Vera and Gresham had been trying to bury.
“Wh–Why, you little- This is outrageous!” Vera was so mad that she swung a slap at Bonnie,