All Novel XO
Chapter 13
After handing over the gifts, Chloe and Lucas made their way to their table near the door. Since no one else had arrived yet, they had to wait on the side.
Partway through, Lucas' phone rang. He glanced at the screen and quickly headed towards the garden through a side door. Chloe knew it was Linda calling, but she didn’t mind and started admiring the antiques in the banquet hall. 'An entire wall of Renaissance-era porcelain—truly breathtaking.' She was amused.
Before long, a young girl approached her. "Are you Mrs. Moncada?"
Chloe turned gracefully. "How can I help you?"
"I'm Tiffany. Eldridge City's Military District Commander is my grandfather. Could I boldly ask for the recipe for your Royal Immersed Rose?"
Before Chloe could respond, the girl added hastily, "I can buy the recipe from you. Name your price."
Chloe smiled. "The recipe isn't a big secret. I just made it for fun. If you like it, I'd be happy to give it to you."
The girl’s eyes lit up with joy. "Really? You’d give it to me?" Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
"Yes, just add me on Messenger, and I'll send you the recipe tonight."
The girl quickly added Chloe on Messenger. Then, several other young ladies gathered around. "I want it too! Can you give me your contact as well?"
Chloe was a bit bewildered but added them one by one, promising to send the recipe that night. Joke aside, these young ladies were either the mayor's daughter, the top tycoon's heiress, or even
the granddaughter of a famous politician.
From a distance, Lisa watched a group of the Eldridge Elites crowding around Chloe to add her on Messenger. Fuming, she complained to Leah, "Mom, are they serious? Why would the Eldridge Elites go out of their way to please Chloe? What are they after?"
Leah responded coolly, "They're far from foolish. Among all the guests who brought gifts, only Chloe's caught Marian's eye. They want the recipe to curry favor with Marian in the future."
Leah sighed softly. "Among them, one will inevitably become the wife of Connor Sartori."
Lisa snorted. "What's so important about winning Marian's favor? Connor’s the one who decides whom he marries. Maybe Connor doesn’t even like those rich ladies conditioned by various doctrines and prefers a rebellious girl instead."
Leah seemed to see through Lisa's thoughts. "Lisa, our family is among the top in Riverbrook, but compared to these heiresses of the Eldridge Elites, we’re far behind. Moreover, the Sartori family isn’t just the wealthiest. They also have a prestigious background, which is not something our small family can aspire to be."
Leah reassured her, "I will find you a very good match in Riverbrook."
"Mom, you said it yourself. Riverbrook is nothing compared to Eldridge City. People always aim higher. Besides, how do you know Connor won’t like me if I don't try?"
Leah shook her head, a look of helplessness on her face. Sometimes, social status was an insurmountable mountain. The wealthy were more pragmatic, especially the noble families, who paid more attention to matching social statuses. The tale of a Cinderella only exists in fairy tales.
Meanwhile, several young ladies were calling Chloe "babes." Chloe went along with it, which pleased the young heiresses immensely. But their friendly demeanor was reserved only for her.
Among themselves, they were still competitive and unwilling to give in to each other.
"Last month, I met Mr. Connor, and he even said I’ve become more beautiful," one of them bragged.