But even as Marianne spoke, her eyes were fixed on the gifts in the Coles' hands.
Just from the packaging, she could tell they were all high-end items—at least several hundred thousand dollars' worth.
“Marianne, you shouldn't say such things." Mr. and Mrs. Cole weren't offended by her passive-aggressive tone. Instead, they smiled broadly and handed the gifts to a servant. "As Hailey's future parents-in-law, we had to come and congratulate her personally when we heard about her wonderful achievements."
At these words, the other socialites who had been vying for Hailey's attention stared in astonishment.
Marianne forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Please, Mrs. Cole, don't say that. The Wynns are from a humble background. We're not worthy of your family."
In the past, Mrs. Cole, priding herself on her prestigious family, had always looked down on the Wynns.
She had been especially disdainful of Hailey after learning she had been lost for so many years before being brought back.
Now, seeing them visit in person with apologetic smiles, Marianne felt a surge of vindication and was secretly thrilled.
Mrs. Cole maintained her graceful, high-society smile, acting as if there had never been any unpleasantness between the two families. “Marianne, our families have a long-standing marriage agreement... And now, I heard Hailey is participating in Ms. Rainsford's jewelry design competition. I came specifically to cheer on my future daughter-in-law."
As she spoke, she took a delicate box from her purse and pressed it into Hailey's hands. "Hailey, I bid on this bracelet specifically with you in mind. I hope it brings you good luck."
Hailey blinked, looking a bit helpless, and glanced at Marianne.
Marianne lifted her chin. "Open it and see.”
Hailey then looked at Mrs. Cole, who nodded with a gentle smile.
She finally opened the box.
Inside was a jade bracelet. Even though Hailey wasn't an expert, she could tell at a glance that it was incredibly valuable-worth at least a million dollars!
Hailey's eyes lit up instantly.
A satisfied smile touched Marianne's lips as well.
The gift had hit its mark, and her attitude toward the Coles lost its earlier sharpness.
Mr. Cole went to chat with Patrick, while Mrs. Cole remained with the group of socialites.
When the other women realized that the Wynn family's future in-laws were the Coles-a family they themselves aspired to connect with they knew they couldn't compete.
They quickly abandoned any thoughts of a marital alliance with the Wynns.
Where had those rumors about the
Wynn family going bankrupt come from? With access to
connections, how such top tie
could they
possibly go under?
Adrian looked at the incredibly demure Hailey. It had been a while since he'd seen her and he found himself thinking agam how perfectly ent and gentle she was.
He walked slowly to her side. "Hailey, would you like to go for a walk with me?"
Hailey clutched the small box containing the jade bracelet, mentally weighing her options.
Compared to the families of the socialites here, the Cole family's status was in a different league entirely.
Since her goal was to marry into a wealthy family, she had to choose the best one.
She hadn't managed to attract anyone more powerful than the Coles at Brianna's coming-of-age party.
So, for now, Adrian was still her best option.
Especially since he was clearly feeling guilty...
With that thought, Hailey nodded and gave a soft, "Mm-hmm."