THE LOST HEIRESS RETURNS AFTER DIVORCE
Chapter 83: What Do You Bring To The Table?

Chapter 83: What Do You Bring To The Table?

"Hello, Mr. Thorne," Mr. Lionel said as he stood up quickly from his seat. His voice was warm, but a little too eager, like a man who had been waiting a long time for this very moment. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you."

Heather watched him closely, and she didn’t blame him for sounding so excited. Gerald Thorne wasn’t just any man—he was one of the most powerful people in all of Velmora.

She remembered hearing about him when she was a teenager. There were stories, whispered rumors, like the time he shut down the entire city for a full day just for his wedding.

Streets were blocked, flights grounded, even city services paused. People still talked about it like it was a fairy tale.

But even with all the talk, no one ever really knew much about the Thornes. Gerald only ever shared what he wanted people to see. He was a very controlling and calculative man.

Heather never guessed that Caius was his son. He had never spoken about his family, not even in passing. She used to think maybe he didn’t have one.

And even if the last name was "Thorne," there were plenty of copycats in Velmora—families who tried to look important by mimicking the name.

Gerald gave Lionel a short but polite nod and accepted the handshake before sitting down silently.

Dinner became more alive as the maids began to serve dishes across the long table.

The rich aroma of spiced meats, roasted vegetables, and warm breads filled the air.

The dinner had already started, but the whole place was silent.

"I’ve always admired young women like Heather," Amaranth said, breaking the silence. "She carries herself with strength. She is quiet and calm. It’s in her eyes. The kind of strength that’s learned, not inherited."

Heather looked up slowly. She wasn’t sure what was happening or why Amaranth was suddenly praising her. Or using her name to break the silence.

It must be because of the Ledger of Inheritance she signed today. She thought.

Amaranth smiled at her. "You have a very graceful resilience, my dear. That’s not something anyone can teach. It’s earned."

Despite know the reason why Amaranth was saying those things, she didn’t know how to respond.

Compliments were rare for her—at least among her family. And this was different,

Heather wanted to believe it. Because it came from a woman who could see through masks.

And worse, it was in front of Evelyn.

Evelyn laughed too quickly.

"Oh, Lady Amaranth," she said, waving her hand delicately. "You’re being too kind."

Amaranth simply tilted her head, still looking at Heather.

Evelyn’s smile twitched. "She was always a clever girl," she said, louder now. "But cleverness doesn’t make a good woman, does it? Lauren, now she was always steady. Always knew her place. Heather..." she chuckled softly and reached for her wine glass. "Heather has always been a little... difficult."

Of course. Evelyn couldn’t seat through one compliment without feeling threatened that Heather was stealing attention from her precious daughter.

Heather felt the muscles in her back tighten, but her face stayed composed.

"She never listened," Evelyn continued. "Always had her head in the clouds. Always running from something. You know the type—start something, never finish. Chaos in a pretty dress."

Amaranth looked at Evelyn now, her face was neutral.

"But Lauren," Evelyn pressed on, clearly sensing the attention shifting away from her, "Lauren is a woman of substance. Industrious. Very committed. Very loyal. And she raised her son almost entirely on her own."

That was a lie; all of it. But Evelyn smiled through it, proud and oblivious.

"Your son is so lucky, you know. My daughter is just... exceptional."

She placed her hand gently over Lauren’s, as if to emphasize her point. Lauren gave a small smile, like she was embarrassed by the praise but secretly enjoying every second of it.

"Is that so?" Amaranth said softly, sipping her wine. Her eyes were calm but curious.

"Oh, yes," Evelyn nodded quickly. "Lauren is very devoted. She’s the kind of woman who will always stand by her man. She cooks, cleans, takes care of the house... She’s the definition of a good wife. Always has been. And she raised Asher all by herself, you know, even as an actress."

"Well, mother. Add that to the list," Lauren and her mother laughed.

Heather just simply stared at her plate, one eyebrow raised, she didn’t know what was funny about that comment.

"And she’s not just a housewife," Evelyn went on proudly. "She is a businesswoman. Even runs Star H Company now. We have the highest shares in the entire market." She smiled proudly as if that were fact.

Heather breathed in slowly. This wasn’t new, it was just louder than usual.

"You know," Evelyn said, her voice now syrupy sweet as she looked at Amaranth again, "Heather’s always been a little rebellious. Never content. Always wandering. While Lauren kept everything together. She’s the kind of daughter you dream of. The kind you build a legacy with."

Heather didn’t need to look up to know Evelyn was enjoying this—flourishing under the illusion that she was finally being listened to.

"She’s the real treasure," Evelyn added with a soft chuckle. "A true woman of value."

All this Lauren being a good housewife and a mother was getting funnier by the minute. She knew everything Evelyn said were all lies. She had always been good at making things seem far better than they originally were.

She let out a short, sharp laugh—too loud for the moment.

The room went still, and for a second, all eyes turned to her. They looked startled. Even the servers paused.

Evelyn frowned immediately.

"What’s funny?" she asked, her voice was cool, teeth clenched beneath the smile.

Heather leaned back slightly in her chair and smirked. "I guess I just never realized how perfectly you raised Lauren, Eve."

There was venom in the nickname and Heather knew it poked Evelyn, so bitterly, she practically tasted it before she felt it.

Evelyn blinked, her expression faltered but snapped back almost instantly.

"If you have something to say, say it."

Heather tilted her head. "Why don’t you tell everyone what I bring to the table?" she said casually.

Evelyn crossed her arms. "Oh no. You’re the one who laughed. Tell us." She looked at the table, drawing everyone else into her accusation. "Go ahead, Heather. What exactly do *you* bring to the table?"

In Heather’s mind, the list came instantly.

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