Chapter 5 Don't You Recognise Me
Chapter 5 Don't You Recognise Me
Chapter 5 Don't You Recognise Me?
Elianna didn't grow up in the Gentry family and was not from a patriarchal upbringing.
When she discovered her fiancé's infidelity, she was genuinely disgusted and could no longer bring herself to flatter him.
What happened between her and Jefferson yesterday was driven not only by impulse but also by her intention to seek protection.
In case they found out the truth in the future, she hoped that Jefferson might be willing to help her, for the sake of their one-night stand.
However, Jefferson was also troublesome.
Thinking of the coat he left behind, Elianna seethed with anger.
For the past six months, she had been mimicking every word and action of the real Ms. Gentry. She was afraid of making any mistakes, so she always chose her words carefully and avoided any misinterpretations.
If it weren't for her encounter with Jefferson yesterday, she was ready to spend the rest of her life hiding behind the mask.
But Jefferson just pulled her out of her shell.
Taking a deep breath, Elianna sat up straight.
Even if she had to live the rest of her life as an imposter, she couldn't allow anyone to control her.
However, Jefferson was too dangerous, so she should stay away from him. Otherwise, instead of seeking shelter, she would only get herself into trouble.
...
In Larsen's mansion...
Elianna, along with a few servants, was busy setting the table.
As she reached to place a wide-mouthed wine glass on the head seat, someone stopped her hand.
"Today, we won't be serving red wine. Using Bordeaux glasses might get you scolded."
Elianna looked up and saw a pretty woman talking to her with a warm smile that made her feel at ease.
She introduced herself naturally, "I'm Clare Craig, and you can call me Clare."
"Nice to meet you, Clare."
Clare had someone bring over the appropriate wine glasses and helped Clare set the table.
During the process, Elianna felt a subtle gaze on her. Looking up, she saw Kenley, who was holding the arm of Asher's mother, namely her aunt, Joyce Koch. As they were talking, Kenley occasionally pointed in Elianna's direction.
Suddenly, Elianna remembered that when she went to get the glasses, Kenley had just left the kitchen.
It seemed that someone had intentionally set a trap to make her look embarrassed.
Clare noticed her gaze and smiled, saying, "Kenley has been raised by Omar and Joyce, and Asher treats her just like a little sister."
Elianna sneered.
But there was no need to share Asher's affair with outsiders, so she laughed it off and continued with her tasks.
Once everyone took their seats at the dining table, the servants helped Brice settle into his chair at the head of the table.
As he sat down, the room fell silent.
Brice glanced around and asked, "Where's Jefferson?"
Hearing Jefferson's name made Elianna fidgety, and Asher beside her shot her a sharp glance.
The man in a wheelchair who was seated at the right hand of Brice said, "Calling for Jeff isn't easy, Grandpa. Why not invite him by yourself?"
Brice's face turned grim, and he looked annoyed.
"That rascal."
As soon as Brice scolded him, a playful voice interrupted.
"Careful with your words, Grandpa. Speaking ill of others can make one short-lived."
Jefferson walked in from the doorway. His 6-foot height made him look imposing.
At this family banquet, everyone was cautious and tried to please Brice without exposing their intentions.
Elianna was shocked to hear Jefferson's remark and even choked on water.
Coughing several times, she attracted an extremely dissatisfied look from Asher.
He lowered his voice and asked, "What are you doing!"
Just as she drank water again, Jefferson casually pulled out the only empty chair.
While everyone else was sitting upright, he lazily slouched in the chair and stared at Elianna who was trying to avoid attention for a few seconds. Then he turned to look at Brice again.
Brice's expression was grim, and when everyone thought he might explode in anger, he restrained himself.
"Where have you been? You're so late."
Jefferson took a sip of wine and replied, "Where was I? Let me think."
He glanced at the man in the wheelchair across from him and said, "I just took care of a traitor who was spying on me. I had to gouge out his eyes and stab the dagger into his eyes and twisted it. Blood gushed out and splattered all over me..."
As he spoke, he gestured with his hands, and his eyes looked bloodthirsty.
"Shut up!"
Brice reprimanded him.
Everyone at the table showed disgusted expressions on everyone's faces, and the women covered their mouths with napkins as if they were going to throw up.
Jefferson's eyes were full of mockery. These people had been involved in dirty business and were just pretending to be compassionate.
Among the disdainful and fearful gazes, only Elianna remained calm and detached.
Jefferson looked at Elianna with great interest and raised his glass in her direction.
Though he did it casually, it sent a shiver down Elianna's spine.
In the next moment, all eyes were focused on her, and even Brice turned to look at her.
Brice stared at Elianna with intimidating eyes, which made it hard for Elianna to breathe.
Her heart pounded in her chest as if it were going to jump out of her throat.
When she was at a loss, Asher seated beside her stood up, raised his glass, and forced a stiff and flattering smile.
"Jeff."
It was no surprise that Asher misunderstood the situation. Normally, Jefferson wouldn't spare a glance at anyone, so he especially would not toast to Elianna, a woman from a declining family.
Such a family like the Gentry's who traded their daughters to solidify the family's position could hardly stand on the same level in front of the prestigious Larsen family.
After Asher stood up, Jefferson's view was blocked.
Asher didn't dare to wait for Jefferson to respond and quickly drank up the wine in his glass.
Elianna, trying to hide in the back, let out a heavy sigh. Her chest was aching from holding her breath for too long.
Just as she took a breath, Jefferson spoke to her again, "Anna, don't you recognize me?"
Elianna's heart skipped a beat. She deeply regretted provoking devilish Jefferson.
There was no way to avoid it; she had to stand up as well, gracefully raised her glass, and said, "Cheers, Jefferson."
Even Asher was now puzzled. Did Elianna really know Jefferson?
She couldn't show any signs of guilt. The more she seemed guilty, the easier it would be for people to uncover her secrets.
Everyone at the table was astute; even a slight slip in her facade could expose her hidden past.Even Brice had to use this family banquet as an excuse to meet Jefferson, so how could she have this honor of being greeted by him?
Facing the scrutinizing gazes of everyone present, Elianna desperately tried to maintain her composure.
Brice appeared suspicious and asked Jefferson, "Do you know her?"
Elianna didn't dare to make any unnecessary expressions. To stay calm, she tightly gripped the stem of her wine glass, turning her knuckles white. She nearly crushed the delicate rim of the glass.
If it were someone else, she wouldn't be worried about them revealing their insignificant history. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
But this was Jefferson the more chaotic the situation, the more thrilled he seemed.
Regret was futile now; all she could do was silently pray that Jefferson would act like a regular person and spare her a way out.
She couldn't show any signs of fear. The more she seemed scared, the easier it would be for others to uncover her secrets.
Everyone at the table was astute; even a small mistake could expose her hidden past.
Brice appeared suspicious and asked Jefferson, "Do you know her?"
Elianna didn't dare to show any unnecessary expressions. To stay calm, she gripped the wine glass so tightly that she nearly crushed the delicate rim of the glass.
If it were someone else, she wouldn't be worried that he might tell them that he had slept with her.
But this was Jefferson. The messier the situation got, the more thrilled he seemed.
Regret was futile now; all she could do was silently pray that Jefferson would act like a regular person and spare her life.