Chapter 280 Beyond Her Reach
Meanwhile, Francis was on his way to the villa with his wife and daughter. Naomi and Erica were overjoyed because this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to attend such a grand banquet.
Hayley, on the other hand, drove herself to the villa. She wasn’t afraid to tell Erica what she had now because she had revealed all of her cards to her. Erica was a money-minded person as well, and she could simply use the money to pull her over. She had to get Erica to her side to deal with Anastasia. At the same time, Erica could also cover up for other things.
Anastasia’s phone rang just at the right moment. She took a glance at it and said, “Old Madam Presgrave, my father is probably here.”
“Answer the phone.” Harriet nodded.
With that, Anastasia walked to the balcony to answer the call while Harriet extended her hand to Jared. “Come here, Jared. Let me take a good look at you.”
Jared felt drawn to the gray-haired old lady as well, though he didn’t know why. He had no idea that this was due to their blood ties, as Jared was indeed a member of the Presgrave Family. Obediently, he came over to Harriet, and she scanned him from head to toes. With him before her, she felt shocked and amazed at the same time.
Why does he look so similar to Elliot? Is this fate?
In the meantime, Anastasia answered her father’s call.
“Anastasia, I’ve reached Old Madam Presgrave’s birthday banquet, along with Naomi and Erica. Are you here as well?” Francis asked excitedly.
“Yes, I’m here.”
“Where are you? Since the banquet hasn’t started yet, we’ll look for you first. I want to see Jared as well.” Francis was uneasy in the villa as he did not know the Presgrave Family well, and there was no one else he was familiar with.
“Sure! I’m resting at villa number ten. Come here!” she replied.
After hanging up the call, she walked over to Harriet and said, “My father and the others will come over for a while, Old Madam Presgrave.”
“Sure. I can meet with your father as well.” Harriet nodded, after which she then looked at Anastasia lovingly and asked, “Did your stepmother treat you well?”
To this, Anastasia went against her conscience and nodded, not wanting to worry Harriet. “I’m not staying with her, and for the time being, we get along fine.”
After a few minutes, Francis and his family alighted from the guest coach. When Erica saw Anastasia’s villa, she was filled with jealousy. Anastasia’s life after being with Elliot was really beyond Erica’s reach.
They then made their way to the lobby. Francis was surprised to see an elegant and solemn-looking old woman sitting on the sofa the moment they stepped inside. Naomi was also taken aback. Is this the noble madam of the Presgrave Family?
“Hello, Mr. Tillman. Have a seat.”
“Old Madam Presgrave, you’re here too. It’s been a while.” Francis was a businessman, to begin with, and he had in his nature to defer to wealth. Despite his ex-wife being sacrificed because of the Presgraves, he remained polite to them in light of their wealthy and influential background.
“Mr. Tillman, so many years had passed before we realized it. Time really flies!” Harriet bemoaned.
“That’s true! I haven’t seen you in over ten years.” His demeanor was as if he were her junior, being very polite to her.
“Good day, Old Madam Presgrave. I am Naomi, Francis’ second wife. This is my daughter, Erica.” After her words, Naomi quickly made eye contact with Erica and said, “Erica, greet Old Madam Presgrave.”
Erica immediately greeted me in a sweet voice. “Hello, Old Madam Presgrave. I am Erica.”
“Nice to meet you all.” Harriet smilingly nodded.
“You look young, Old Madam Presgrave!” Naomi took the opportunity to praise her.
“Well, I’m getting old!” Harriet waved her hands with a smile on her face. At this point, Anna approached her and said, “Madam, you need to welcome the guests now.”
“That’s right. I’m leaving for the main banquet hall first. Have a great time here, and do come over earlier,” Harriet said to the Tillmans.
“Sure. Let me send you off.” Francis stood up, and Naomi immediately followed. Before she left, Harriet turned around and looked at Jared. “I’ll see you later, Jared.”
