Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 221

It was the first time I'd encountered someone who seemed to have "money" as every other word out of their mouth, a real-life rich kid cliché.

"Forget it, then. I'll ask around," I said, turning on my heel and heading back inside.

Just as I got home, Christine emerged from one of the private rooms, her eyes slightly red. She'd been crying.

"Let's go home," she said.

"Did you get everything sorted out?"

I put Christine’s coat over her shoulders as she sniffled, her gaze clearing up. "Yeah. It's none of my business anymore whether he marries for alliance."

I admired her ability to let go so decisively.

On the drive home, Christine was at the wheel. My phone rang. It was Mark.

After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Jane, you were with Gregory just now, weren't you?"

I was shocked but didn't deny it. "Yes, that was me. How did you know?"

Gregory had made sure to keep me under wraps. Even Bryant had only asked about my shoes, and even then, he was unsure. Yet, Mark had figured it out.

He chuckled lightly over the phone, "Wonder why Bryant couldn't guess it was you, but I could?"

"A bit," I admitted.

"More than just a big deal," Mark chuckled. "Let's put it this way. RiverCity's elite families are newcomers compared to them. Vista Town's three great families, including the Fords and the Myers, are in a league of their own."

Then, I understood why Gladys personally saw Gregory out after the banquet and why Bryant seemed wary of him. Gregory dared to challenge the Ferguson family openly.

The difference between the elite and these venerable families was stark, not just in wealth but in the intricate networks of influence built over centuries. It made me reflect on the disparities between people.

Curiously, I asked, "So, if Dorothy and Gregory's families are so well-matched, why don't they just arrange a marriage?"

It seemed like a straightforward solution.

Mark couldn't help but laugh at my suggestion, "You're onto something. There was a marriage agreement between Gregory and the Myers family, but not with Dorothy. It was with another daughter, one who got kidnapped and lost when she was young."