True Tycoon Her Empire, Her Rules (Winnie and Suzan) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34 

At this point, it was crystal clear what kind of folks the Hendersons were, Sympathy and eagerness quickly turned into scorn and disdain. 

Barton and Kathryn were practically shocked and embarrassed, clueless as to why Suzan had gone off the rails so spectacularly. 

Kathryn, tears welling up, attempted to salvage the situation, “It’s not like that at all, my mother’s talking nonsense. We never treated my sister that way.” 

But before she could finish, a snicker rippled through the crowd, starting with the girl who had earlier mocked her for acting like a princess, “Cut the act, the Henderson family’s schemes are exposed to everyone. What’s with the charade?” 

Peals of laughter tinged with sarcasm followed. Kathryn, who had never faced such humiliation, pushed through the crowd in a blind escape, tears streaming down her face. 

But no sooner had she taken a few steps than she bumped into someone. 

The collision sent her staggering to the floor. Gazing up, backlit by the light, she saw a tall, imposing figure, cool and solitary. 

Her heart skipped beats as she took in the chiseled features, far more severe and commanding than Horace’s appearance. His dark, Indifferent eyes seemed to draw her in completely. 

Sitting there on the floor, Kathryn was spellbound, overhearing the murmurs around her. 

“Isn’t that Mr. Patterson? His presence is intimidating.” 

“I heard Mr. Patterson hates these social events. What’s he doing here?” 

“Oh no, I hope my dress is okay. Mr. Patterson despises flashy attire. I hope he doesn’t notice 

me.” 

That’s when Kathryn realized she was face to face with Drake Patterson, heir to one of the four great families of Emerald Bay. Rumors had it that the Patterson heir was reclusive, rarely photographed, with scant information about him online. 

Seeing him in person for the first time, Kathryn felt even Parker couldn’t hold a candle to Mr. Patterson. 

It was like a scene from a romantic drama: in the crowded ballroom, she was the vulnerable damsel in distress, and he the towering hero, standing in silhouette, ready to swoop down and carry her away. 

Imagining such a scene, Kathryn momentarily forgot her mortification and looked up at him, a mix of shyness and helplessness in her eyes. As he finally reached out, she trembled with anticipation and extended her hand to him. 

Drake regarded the outstretched hand with a furrowed brow. 

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Had he been anywhere else, he might have stripped off his jacket, which she had just dirtied. 

Fighting the discomfort, just as he was about to pull out a handkerchief to wipe off the scent she had left on his suit, she reached out her hand to him. 

Was she expecting him to help her up after a mere tumble? 

His deep eyes swept over her manicured nails, sparkling with diamonds, his frown deepening. Turning to a waiting server, he commanded without a shred of chivalry, “Aren’t you going to help her up?” 

The server, initially taken aback, quickly stepped forward and, with another server, hoisted a bewildered Kathryn to her feet. 

Kathryn was confused, This wasn’t the script she drew in her head! 

Amber, who had been watching from the sidelines, was also taken aback by Drake’s personal intervention. But then she remembered Drake’s relationship with Horace and calmed down. Drake must have come out of respect for Horace. 

Drake simply bypassed Kathryn and approached Winnie, succinctly stating, “Congratulations, Miss Bryant. My apologies for the delay.” 

Though brief, his address of Miss Bryant publicly acknowledged her status. Representing the Patterson family, his acknowledgment meant that post this night, regardless of what others might think, the elite circle of Emerald Bay would have to recognize Winnie’s position. 

Winnie, facing the influential man with gold aura, simply smiled, “You’re right on time, Mr. Patterson.” 

Turning back to Barton, her smile fading, her voice low and steady, she said, “The Henderson family raised me for eighteen years, the cost not exceeding five million. I’ve already transferred that amount in care fees to your account.” 

Η 

Barton’s eyes narrowed, his facade crumbling under the weight of his daughter’s words while the guests were incredulous. Five million to raise a child might sound reasonable to the average person, but to these elites, it was a pittance. Considering the Henderson family’s wealth, spending only five million on a child highlighted years of neglect, and their gaze on Barton turned scornful. 

Winnie continued, her gaze fixed on Barton, her voice calm but firm, “Furthermore, I’ve already paid back the debt of being raised by substituting my life for Kathryn’s. From this day on, I owe you nothing.” 

Barton’s face twitched with anger, but he could no longer maintain the pretense. 

Clifford felt a pang in his heart, realizing the hardships his daughter had endured with the Hendersons. Aligned with Winnie’s declaration, he spoke out coldly, “From today on, the children of the Bryant family and those of the Henderson family have nothing to do with each other. Out of respect for you having raised Winnie, we won’t take any action against the Henderson family. But should you dare to parade around using the Bryant name, don’t blame 

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us for what comes next.” 

With that, the voice turned Icy. “Show them out.” 

Barton and Suzan were nearly hustled out in disgrace. As they passed by Winnie, she whispered in a voice only they could hear, “Forgot to mention, your black magic to change fate didn’t work.”