His Secret Child, Her Revenge: Remarrying Up novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223 Family Dinner

Chapter 223 Family Dinner

Simple yet classy.

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Her hair was pulled back into a loosely gathered bun at the nape of her neck, with a few stray strands framing her face naturally on either side. It was the kind of effortless look that carried a quiet understated charm. Even Margaret was taken aback.

“Jasmine, you look absolutely lovely.”

Jasmine smiled playfully. “Well, time marches on, doesn’t it?”

Margaret shook her head. “You’re only twenty-eight. That’s still young.”

Then she paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face before she let out a soft sigh.

“Seeing you like this… it reminds me of when you first came to live with the Vance family. But in just three years, you seem like a completely different person.”

Jasmine knew it was true.

Those three years had slowly drained the cheerfulness from her, leaving behind someone more guarded, more weighed down by feelings she couldn’t easily shake.

“Jasmine, forgive me for saying this,” Margaret went on gently, “but if you ever meet someone special again, take your time. Don’t rush into things like last time.”

Meet someone special again?

Jasmine doubted it would happen.

Margaret suddenly chuckled.

“You know what you look like right now, Jasmine?”

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. “What?”

“Like you’re going to meet the parents.”

Jasmine blinked, caught off guard.

“Really?”

“Well, think about it,” Margaret said warmly. “Mr. Crawford is an elder of Mr. Brooks. The two of you going together-it really does feel like a proper family-style introduction.”

Jasmine shook her head lightly. “Then maybe I shouldn’t go. What if someone gets the wrong idea? That would be awkward.”

Margaret lightly tapped her own lips.

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Chapter 223 Family Dinner

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“Listen to me, running my mouth again. I was only teasing. You should head out now-it’s not polite to keep people waiting.”

Jasmine gave herself one last glance in the mirror. Before leaving, she took Margaret’s hands in hers.

“Margaret, there’s another reason I’m going tonight.”

“What is it, Jasmine?”

“I can’t spend my life relying on someone else’s protection. I need to learn to stand on my own. From now on, whether it’s work or relationships…I have to handle them wisely. That’s the only way I’ll grow stronger.

and…”

She trailed off, holding back the rest.

Some things, once said, would only upset Margaret again.

Sure enough, Margaret seemed to guess where she was going. Her expression softened with concern.

“About your mother…I’m so sorry, Jasmine. These past few nights, I’ve been having nightmares. I keep dreaming she comes to me, asking for my life.”

“Margaret.” Jasmine hugged her gently. “Don’t be afraid. My mother was a kind person. She wouldn’t come for you-she’d only thank you for taking care of me all these years, like your own daughter.”

Margaret’s eyes grew moist.

“What did I do to deserve someone like you, Jasmine?”

Jasmine’s tone turned earnest.

“Trust me. I will get justice for my mother. The people truly responsible… they will pay for what they did.”

Margaret nodded, clasping Jasmine’s hands tighter.

“I believe you, Jasmine. But promise me something-no matter what happens, you won’t face it alone. If you ever feel like telling me isn’t enough… talk to Mr. Brooks. I truly believe he would do everything he could to help you.”

Jasmine pressed her lips together, saying nothing.

The last thing she wanted was Ethan going out of his way for her.

Margaret still seemed uneasy.

“And the baby… once you’re further along, it’ll start to show. You absolutely cannot let the Vances find out. If they do, they’ll fight you for custody.”

Jasmine rested a hand lightly on her still-flat stomach.

Should she tell Margaret the truth about the baby’s father?

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Chapter 223 Family Dinner

She hesitated for a long moment.

Not now, she decided. Some other time.

Dinner was scheduled for seven o’clock.

But Jasmine arrived at six-thirty.

She had just parked in the driveway and unbuckled her seatbelt when she heard a light tap on the passenger window.

Looking up, she saw Ethan standing there.

She opened the door and stepped out.

“You’re early, too?”

Ethan nodded. “I texted you.”

“Sorry,” Jasmine said, “I was driving, so I didn’t check my phone.”

A small smile touched his lips.

“That’s a good habit. Keep it up.”

Her eyes fell on the large, neatly wrapped gift bag in his hand. It looked quite heavy.

“What’s that?”

“I told you I’d handle the host gift,” Ethan replied casually.

It looks heavy. What is it?”

“A chess set.”

Jasmine looked surprised.

“Richard’s biggest passion is chess,” Ethan explained. “Give him this, and he’ll be over the moon.”

Jasmine felt a twinge of embarrassment.

“You really didn’t have to do that. That was supposed to be my responsibility”

Ethan’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, his eyes softening almost imperceptibly.

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