"You're always so clever."
Mary chuckled with a twinkle in her eye, leaning closer to whisper, "Just wait. I'm about to score a two-for-one deal."
Jennifer was busy coordinating auction items with the foundation's chairman when the servant approached her. "Ma'am, Lady Mary wants to see you," they said.
Nodding, Jennifer ended her discussion and headed over to where Mary was seated.
The sight of Larissa chatting with Mary made Jennifer pause momentarily.
The Richardson and the Watson families were well-matched, influential families. Their once-planned alliance through marriage had been mutually beneficial. The Richardson family held no grudge when Tina unexpectedly broke off her engagement. In a gesture of goodwill, the Watson family had shown their sincerity, keeping the business relationship between the families tight.
Jennifer had personally confirmed the guest list for the evening. Larissa hadn't been on it.
But since she was there, she was surely an honored guest.
Jennifer approached with a warm smile, exchanging pleasantries with Larissa. Mary then interjected, "You've met Anne, haven't you? She's been looking forward to seeing you."
"Not yet. I came to see you first," Larissa replied, standing up. "I'll go chat with Anne now."
Right after Larissa left, Jennifer turned to Mary. "Did you invite her?"
"I did. I have a big announcement to make today," Mary revealed.
Already wary of her mother-in-law's penchant for dramatics, from adopting Leanne to orchestrating her marriage to Curtis, Jennifer felt a hint of anxiety at the mention of a 'big announcement.'
"What is it?" she asked cautiously.
"Tina's aunt, Larissa, and Anne hit it off. You know Larissa's situation. Since her daughter passed away in the car accident, she's been alone and never had another child. She wants to make Anne her goddaughter, and I've agreed."
Jennifer was shocked, her brows knitting together. "Such a big decision! Shouldn't you have discussed it with me and Maddox first?"
"I'm discussing it with you now," Mary said defiantly, "You've never been fond of Anne. You lost a daughter, and then the good Lord sent you such a wonderful girl, but you don't care."
Jennifer was momentarily speechless.
"Regardless, Anne was raised under your roof. To make her someone's goddaughter, I needed to inform you," Mary continued, giving her a sharp look. "If you have no objections, I'll announce it publicly today."
Jennifer's frown deepened. "This isn't child's play. Making her part of the Watson family means sharing with the inheritance. The Watsons aren't easy going. Would they accept an outsider?"
"We don't care about the Watson family's wealth. I will handle it, and they will agree."
Jennifer started to protest, but Mary sighed heavily. "I'm an old lady, Jennifer. I might die tomorrow. When I'm gone, who will cherish Anne? How can I rest easy knowing she might end up alone and helpless?"
Her voice choked up with emotion, leaving Jennifer helpless. "Why do you keep speaking such ominous words? Even if, God forbid, you weren't here, there're Curtis, Maddox, and me. We won't let her be alone."
"Really?" Mary looked at her with a hopeful yet intense gaze. As Jennifer was about to reassure her, Mary's expression drooped with disappointment, clearly unconvinced.
"Never mind," she sighed, her face clouded with sadness. "You've never treated Anne like your daughter. You don't want to be her mother. If I find a godmother who can cherish her, what's the harm?"
Jennifer was left speechless.
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