Chapter 4
I bought a ticket and flew to France overnight.
The old housekeeper at the winery was visibly surprised to see me.
“Ms. Burton, what brings you back? I thought you said Mr. Harrison could use the estate for a party today. You even asked to have all the family members cleared out.”
A wave of anger surged through me instantly.
As I was about to respond, my phone rang. It was Kenneth.
“Sandy, I’m in a cross–border meeting. I’ll fly to you as soon as it’s over.‘
Before I could say anything, I faintly heard an affectedly sweet female voice from the other end of the line.
“Kenneth, how do I look in this?”
In the next second, Kenneth covered the phone and stepped away.
“Sandy, talk to you later. The meeting’s about to start.“.
Almost at the same moment, the ornately carved gates of the winery swung open. A procession of luxury cars pulled in, lining up around the fountain plaza.
Dozens of guests I had never met were ushered to their seats, while I remained hidden in a secluded corner.
Once everything was in place, Jasmine made her entrance. Dressed in a fiery red haute couture gown, she strode confidently to the front, a
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Chapter 4
triumphant smile on her face.
200 Vouction
“Hello, everyone. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Jasmine Rowe, the new owner of this winery.
“Mr. Harrison has entrusted everything to me–the wines, the castle, even every single grape in the vineyard.
“To celebrate, all the wine here today will be sold at seventy percent off. Consider it my treat–a warm welcome to you all.”
Seventy percent off? How generous of her. Even the cheapest wine here was worth 150,000 dollars.
Some were collector’s editions–irreplaceable vintages I would never have sold, at any price.
The old housekeeper, who had watched me grow up, was livid when he
heard Jasmine’s words.
“Her winery? Since when?
“And Mr. Harrison actually cheated on you? He’s so done for!”
As he was about to storm out, I gently shook my head and stopped him. It wasn’t the time to expose Kenneth–not yet.
My goal was clear–to make him admit with his own words that he had cheated on me with Jasmine and then to make sure their reputations were down the drain.
Just then, the ornately carved gates were swung open again, and Kenneth stepped through, dressed in a bespoke suit.
At the sight of him, Jasmine trotted over eagerly and threw herself into his arms, shaking his arm with a syrupy smile.
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Chapter 4
“Kenneth, what did I say? You look perfect in this brand’s suits.”
Kenneth’s body stiffened almost imperceptibly, but he nodded anyway, his face an unreadable mask.
Meanwhile, I was burning with rage.
The founder of that suit brand came from a family that was my family’s sworn enemy. They had framed my father, and he ultimately died of anger and humiliation.
Kenneth knew the whole story better than anyone. Yet here he was, wearing the brand’s suit in front of everyone. It was no different from a slap in my face.
Just as I could no longer hold back and began to step forward, Kenneth’s friends all surrounded him and Jasmine.
“Kenneth, you surely have great taste. Jasmine’s smile is just radiant. She’s the very picture of effortless youth!”
“Jasmine, the winery is worth 15 million dollars, and Kenneth just handed it to you. Isn’t he the greatest guy in the world or what?”
“Now that the winery’s yours, how are you going to thank him?”
Amid their rowdy cheers, Jasmine lowered her head, blushing.
Just then, the winery manager approached with a tray of wine, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“I’m sorry, but there must be some mistake. Mr. Harrison, you merely borrowed the winery from Ms. Burton for today, didn’t you?”
The guests present all heard him. Instantly, they exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.
Lateefa Khanam is a spirited writer who finds freedom in horse riding. She cherishes her mare and the newborn foal, calling them her little happy family.
