Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

Beatrice and Hamilton engaged in conversation, well aware of the longstanding friendship between Old North and Mike. In the past, the Pansy and North families had been powerhouses in the business industry. However, Old North had unexpectedly sold his company and retired many years ago, vanishing from the public eye. While he hadn’t been in the limelight, the North family retained its esteemed reputation.

Hamilton presented the gifts Old North had sent for the Pansys, which included a world-renowned painting and the deed to a multimillion-dollar plot of land in the southern part of the city, among other things. Old North was renowned for his generous gestures.

Jane, despite her disdain for the Pansys, couldn’t help but feel a pang of irritation at the lavish gifts her family had bestowed upon them. Still, she was relieved that Hamilton hadn’t come to the event to expose her true identity. Her plan was to leave in three months, and if Beatrice discovered her true background, she might be prevented from going. Moreover, Patrick might treat her differently upon learning of her wealth.

As Jane lost herself in thought, one of Florence’s friends inquired, “The North family is incredibly generous. Florence, didn’t you meet Old North’s granddaughter at a fashion show?”

“The identity of Old North’s beloved granddaughter is one of the greatest mysteries today. There have been numerous speculations, but no one knows her name, let alone her appearance,” added another friend.

“Indeed, I remember she gave you her contact information. She even mentioned visiting you when she’s in Guavo,” chimed in Florence’s other friend.

“Wow, Florence, you’re amazing!”

Jane raised an eyebrow and gazed at Florence with a quizzical expression. Florence, upon noticing Jane’s gaze, frowned deeply and asked, “Why are you staring at me like that, Jane?”

Jane inquired, “Did you genuinely meet Old North’s granddaughter?” Florence nodded, crossing her arms defensively.

Florence’s friend condescendingly remarked, “What? Are you envious of Florence? You might share the North surname, but you’re just a country bumpkin!”

Jane couldn’t help but smile at these words, yet she refrained from responding. Florence, perplexed by Jane’s smile, wondered why she was grinning. Did she somehow see through her fabricated encounter with the young heiress? Florence dismissed her suspicions, concluding she was overthinking.

Though Florence tried to shake off her doubts, Jane shook her head and left with a smirk. Something about Jane’s demeanor unsettled Florence, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. She became increasingly agitated and muttered, “She’s far too arrogant for a pauper,” casting an annoyed glare in Jane’s direction.

During her moment of frustration, an idea took shape in Florence’s mind, and her lips curled into a sinister smile. Meanwhile, Jane retreated to a quieter corner with her wineglass, seeking solace.

As she massaged her forehead, Jane felt someone’s gaze upon her. Raising her head, she locked eyes with Patrick. Patrick had been unable to look away since Jane’s piano performance, pondering how a countryside girl could possess such prodigious piano-playing skills and noble temperament. He snapped back to reality as their eyes met, and his heart skipped a beat.

Yet, Jane seemed to avert her gaze nonchalantly, as though he were of no significance. His initial heartache soon transformed into irritation, evident from his deep frown.

Sipping her wine and musing aloud, Jane wondered, “Why on earth is he staring at me?” The most plausible reason she could think of was that Patrick had harbored expectations of her failing in her piano performance, as she had defied his assumptions. Despite being a Pansy, Jane couldn’t care less about such a self-centered man. “Chill, Jane. You’ll be out of here in three months,” she reminded herself.

Jane sat in solitude for an extended period as the night wore on. Some guests began to depart, and she decided it was time to leave as well. Walking outside, she attempted to hail a taxi when Patrick’s annoyed voice suddenly echoed from behind, “Why are you leaving without telling me?”