Miss Hart smiled faintly. "It's not late," she said.
"Yeah, there's always a chance," Sandra replied, in a good mood. Previously, when dealing with Tiffany, she'd had no helpers, and her unhelpful parents had only made things worse. But now, things were different.
The two women exchanged a tacit smile.
After resting, Sandra returned to the banquet. The hall was filled with flowers and colorful balloons. A large, multi-tiered cake slowly rotated. Even the air felt extravagant and luxurious.
While it couldn't compare to a truly lavish, high-society wedding, it was the best outcome she'd fought for.
Sandra took Jordan's hand and walked down the long red carpet, romantic music filling her ears. Passing a large round table, she turned and her gaze swept across the crowd, settling on Tiffany.
As if sensing something, Tiffany looked up, and their eyes met. To Tiffany's surprise, Sandra's gaze held no hatred; instead, she was calm, even faintly smiling, appearing quite satisfied with the wedding.
"Congratulations, then," Tiffany smiled, turning away to adjust her brother Eric's hair. She'd cut it the day before yesterday—it wasn't a great haircut, but unlike many children, Eric was pleased, even hugging her for a long time.
The wedding progressed quickly. Midway through, Tiffany went to the restroom and encountered Melody. She was surprised Kenneth had brought Melody. Tiffany raised an eyebrow, slightly disappointed; this wasn't how she'd envisioned it. She'd expected a confrontation between Sandra and Melody.
Instead, she found herself the target of most of the hostility. She couldn't help but think it was her enviable beauty that drew such attention.
Melody was the first to speak. "Tiffany, you're here too? Kenneth mentioned you're the bride's cousin." Since Kenneth had announced their relationship, Melody no longer addressed him as Mr. Harper.
Tiffany smiled and mimicked her tone. "Did your Kenneth also mention the bride is the girl he's been protecting for almost two years?"
Melody's expression changed dramatically; the mockery was clear. She started to speak, but Tiffany elegantly walked away.
The wedding continued smoothly. When Tiffany returned to her seat, the bride and groom were toasting the guests. At the Kelley family's table, Sandra abruptly knelt.
"Well" Charlie and Thalia exclaimed, shocked. "Get up. Why are you kneeling?"
Sandra choked back tears, speaking emotionally, "Uncle Charlie, in my heart, you're like a father. Today's my wedding, and Aunt Thalia, please consider me your daughter. I want to thank you for your kindness and care over the years."
Her words sounded sincere, but a sneer cut through the air. "You treat them as parents, but does a father not provide a dowry? They gave you nothing."
Several voices echoed the sentiment. They were Booth family relatives—poor, foolish, and unkind. "Even without considering him a father, I've never seen such a stingy uncle!"
Other guests noticed the Kelley family hadn't brought a dowry. Charlie and Thalia exchanged awkward glances. Their gifts were still at home; they'd heeded Tiffany's advice and not sent them.
Sandra, however, remained kneeling, saying sincerely, "I owe Uncle Charlie and Aunt Thalia so much. How could I ask for a dowry? I want nothing but my family's best wishes; to walk with my husband, holding their hands. Uncle Charlie, Aunt Thalia, please?" Tears streamed down her face.
Charlie and Thalia were surprised. Under the guests' scrutiny, they nodded. "Then get up."
Tiffany returned to witness this scene. Sandra has changed, she thought. Her cousin was more patient and calculating, as if guided by someone.
Adjusting the pin on her chest, Tiffany stepped forward, raising her voice. "Such a happy day! It's a shame Uncle Stan is still on the run, and Aunt Selena is gone; she would have been so happy to see this."
Her voice carried, ensuring everyone heard. Jordan's parents' faces darkened. The guests suddenly remembered Sandra's parents were ruthless, accepting the Kelleys' care while plotting to kill them for their assets—hence Stan and Selena's fugitive status. Charlie's generosity in bringing his family to the wedding became apparent.
The guests looked at Charlie with admiration. "Mr. Kelley's integrity is renowned," someone praised. "You deserve the name."
"Not at all," Charlie replied humbly.
Sandra, still kneeling, felt humiliation burn her face. She was torn—continue the charade or not. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her flesh.
She could have used this to mislead the Booth family into believing she had the Kelleys' support; Charlie's soft heart might have forgiven her. The effect had been good; Charlie was touched. But Tiffany's words shattered her plan.