Besides, for a long time, she had been copying the habits and preferences of Pearl Howard, who disappeared years ago She did this to win the affection of Pearlâs family, hoping they would pour all their love for Pearl onto her.
Like Balfour, who treated her like his own sister and spoiled her rotten.
However, the Bagleys werent so easily swayed by her attempt to resemble Pearl.
Patricia was frustrated by this, but she hadnât given up trying to win over the two old folks from the Bagley family This was because the Bagleys held a significant position among the rich and powerful families, and they were old friends with the Blanchets. If she could get on their good side, she would have a powerful network backing her, which would help if she were to marry into the Blanchet family.
Thus, she had been trying hard to make the two old Bagleys treat her like their longâlost granddaughter, but she had been unsuccessful all these years âOld Mr. Bagleyâ
Someone called out softly Everyone turned to look at a middleâaged man in a grey suit who was walking over slowly Old Mr. Bagleyâs friendly face instantly turned sour upon seeing the man and he grumpily asked, âWhat are you doing here?â
The middleâaged man was polite and said, âItâs your birthday today I came to give you a gift and wish you a happy birthdayâ
Old Mr. Bagley grumpily said. âTake it away! The Bagleys donât need your stuff!â
The middleâaged man didnât get angry and just sighed resignedly. He gave the gift to old Mr. Bagleyâs servant and instructed, âAdd a little of this when you make soup for old Mr. Bagley itâs good for his health, but remember not to add too much Too much wonât be effectiveâ
The old servant just nodded and took the gift Having delivered the gift, the middleâaged man politely said, âI wonât disturb your birthday celebration, Til come see you another time.â
Old Mr. Bagley waved him away grumpily, âGet out! Donât come to wish me a happy birthday, donât come here at all, you bring nothing but trouble!â
The middleâaged man didnât say anything and just sighed. He seemed used to old Mr. Bagleyâs attitude and turned to leave.
By this time, Byran and Patricia had come over.
Byran said, âDadâ
Patricia said, âDad, are you leaving?â
McNeil Howard nodded to his two children, âYou two stay here and keep your grandfather company on his birthday. Byran, donât make trouble and annoy your grandfather. Patricia, put on more clothes, donât catch a coldâ
Byran said, âOK, I got it. Iâm not a kid, I wonât cause trouble!â
Patricia nodded, âOK, Dad, Iâll go put on a coat laterâ
Ellinor, an outsider, stood aside, quietly observing their interactions.
The middleâaged man was McNeil Howard, head of the Howard family, and her biological father Ellinor felt a mix of emotions upon seeing her biological father for the first time. She smirked with a hint of sarcasm on her face The man was in his forties, dressed neatly but not overly refined. He was tall and handsome, with fine lines at the corners of his eyes, which were just signs of age.
As Ellinor watched him, Mr. Howard senior walked towards her.