Kenneth and Louisa were surprised. How on earth did the two know Ophelia’s na?
Hunter, too, glanced at Sean with a hint of surprise. Ophelia’s identity was not common knowledge, so how Sean could know that, since he had always been in Belloria?
Had Ophelia visited Belloria, crossing paths with Sean in the process?
The other siblings exchanged curious and puzzled looks, turning their eyes towards Sean.
It was not strange for Hunter, a seasoned businessman, to know the Almonds, but how did Sean co to know Ophelia?
Kenneth and Louisa hadn’t expected that Rose’s friend would turn out to be Ophelia Almond, the sole.heiress of the Almonds.
"Your father and I go way back," Hunter began, "We’ve had a few dealings in the past, and then his business focus shifted abroad, and we lost touch. I rember when we were out playing golf, he ntioned you were still in school. He spoke so fondly of you, it’s hard to believe you’ve grown up to be such a graceful young woman."
Kenneth, realizing she was the Almonds’ daughter, looked at her with a newfound warmth, as if seeing an old friend’s child.
"Just two years ago, I read in the news that your father handed over the reins of the family business to you. It was quite a significant event back then," Louisa chid in.
Ophelia responded with a light chuckle, "Yes, a lot of people doubted back then, thinking I couldn’t fill my father’s shoes."
"This proves that your father was a man of vision," Hunter said. That was a rare complint from him, especially for soone he had just t.
Since taking over the Collins family business, Hunter hadn’t worked with the Almonds directly. However,he had heard of the feats of the Almond heiress in their business circle.
At such a young age, she had propelled the group to new heights, turning skepticism into respect in just two years.
It was said that she was a sports enthusiast, a skydiving aficionado, a legend on the ski slopes.
A young woman of her caliber, sharing hobbies with his sister. It was no wonder they had beco such good friends.
"Hunter knows of ?" This ti, it was Ophelia who was taken aback.
Hunter nodded, "You’re doing great, keep it up."
"Hunter rarely dishes out praise. That ans you must have a solid reputation in the business world,"
Rosemary said with a smile.
Ophelia was thrilled to receive Hunter’ comndation. "Having Hunter’ approval ans the world to .I’ll definitely keep it up."
Sean, standing to the side, struggled to get a word in. Just as he was about to speak, the group had already made their way into the living room.
There were six elders seated on the sofas, of whom Ophelia was stunned at first glance.
Not only did Rosemary’s grandparents and aunts and uncles rise to greet her warmly, shaking her hand and engaging in friendly conversation, but they also treated her almost like a mber of their own family!
Ophelia thanked them profusely for their hospitality and followed their lead, calling them Grandma Darren, Grandpa Belinda, Auntie, and Uncle, just as Rosemary did.
"In the future, you don’t need to bring gifts when you co to our ho. We’re all delighted to have you here. Feel free to visit anyti you like," Eunice expressed warmly with a smile. "Now, you and Rose
enjoy your chat. We elders will leave you be."
Eunice and Bard were the first to head upstairs, not wanting to overwhelm the youngsters with too many people around.
"Stay as long as you like, treat this place like your own ho, no need to be formal," Bard added kindly before leaving.
"Thanks, Uncle and Auntie," Ophelia said. Hardly had she finished speaking before Bernard ca over with a fresh cup of tea and Cornelia followed, presenting a plate of pastries.
Ophelia quickly stood up to accept them, saying, "Grandpa and Grandma, you’re too kind. I can manage on my own, but thank you."
Bernard and Cornelia fussed over her a bit more, saying, "Well, you and Rose have a nice chat. We’re going to head upstairs."
"Take care, Grandpa and Grandma," Ophelia called out as they left.
Ophelia watched their retreating figures. But she barely had a mont before Rosemary’s maternal grandparents ca over with a fruit platter, urging her to help herself generously.
"Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma. It’s just, I feel bad seeing you serving fruit to soone younger like ," she said, her voice with genuine concern.
"That’s what we should do, dear," they replied warmly. "It’s more appropriate for us the elders to look after you. Now, you and Rose enjoy your ti. It’s not often we have you over, so don’t rush off. Both
our family, and Rose in particular, are happy you could co."
"I’ll stay a while longer," Ophelia assured them, grateful for their hospitality.
Louisa, afraid she would impose on their gathering, also parted with Kenneth. They soon left the living room, leaving behind the brothers and the two girls.
With the elders gone, the atmosphere beca more relaxed.
"Rose’s never been one to invite friends over, so the family’s excited, maybe a bit too eager. Hope we didn’t startle you, Ms. Almond," Hunter said.
Ophelia was quick to reply, "Oh, not at all. I’m just so happy for Rose. To co back to such a loving family, and to see how much you all care for her. It makes happy, too. Rose’s been through so
rough tis, but it looks like she’s finally found her silver lining."
Then she quickly changed the subject, not wanting to delve into past sorrows, adding, "This family’s hospitality is truly sothing else, a cut above the Harris. The Harris were awful, except for Grannie Grace, of course."
She shot Rosemary a smile, careful not to offend.
She knew all too well the place Grannie Grace held in Rosemary’s heart.
The brothers were surprised by Ophelia’s candor in openly criticizing the Harris in front of everyone.
It was clear she harbored deep resentnt on Rose’s behalf.
"Thank goodness fate turned the tables, letting them get a taste of the hardship Rose endured,"
Ophelia added, her words full of empathy for her friend.
"Rose’s lucky to have such a caring and genuine friend like you. I’m pleased for her," Hunter said with a soft smile. "I hear you’ve just returned from abroad, Ms. Almond. You were pursuing opportunities
overseas?"
"Yes, I was involved in a project in Belloria, but soone kept throwing wrenches in the works, so it hasn’t been going smoothly," Ophelia explained—that accounted for her extended stay abroad.
"Soone causing trouble? Rose’s brother Sean has so influence in Belloria; he might be able to help. Who’s been giving you trouble?" Hunter asked, then turned to Sean, "Did you know Ms. Almond before this?"
"Not personally," Sean replied. He knew of her, but she was unaware of him.
To the outside world, he was just the infamous Sheen, and she was none the wiser.
"Well, this is a good ti to get acquainted. It’ll be great to have soone to watch your back in Belloria. From my knowledge, you both share a passion for sports and racing," Hunter said, looking
between Sean and Ophelia. "My brother’s team, Drift Swifts, has made a na for itself in Belloria.
Ever heard of it, Ms. Almond?"
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