Chapter 816: Chapter 816 Jealousy_1
The white roses were freshly cut from the greenhouse, their pristine petals adorned with crystalline droplets of water. Caitlin Carter’s repeated attempts to warm up to Purple Summers paled in comparison to the heartfelt warmth of this bunch of white roses.
Purple spread the roses at the head and foot of her bed. She gently lay down, closed her eyes, and upon smelling the fragrant scent of the flowers, she felt that everything was still with her, that she had lost nothing at all.
When it was time for lunch, Caitlin came to call Purple downstairs to eat. She brought a brand-new, light purple dress and a full set of pearl jewelry, hoping to dress up Purple for the occasion.
Purple said, “No need, I have my own clothes.”
It was just a meal; dressing up to make it overly formal would have appeared affected.
Purple changed into a white lace dress embroidered with dual patterns. She wore no jewelry, sticking instead to a simple elegance by letting Caitlin help her tie up her long hair. She secured it with two pearl hair clips on either side of her bun, maintaining a decorous grace without losing the freshness of a young girl.
However, her facial expression was far too aloof, and her smile, a strained effort, was so faint it was almost invisible.
When they reached the first-floor dining room, everyone else was already assembled. The long table was filled with people on both sides, with two empty seats on the right reserved for Caitlin and Purple.
Purple scanned the room briefly.
The individuals were easy to recognize. The old man sitting at the head of the left side was Old Master Simonson, whom she had met before. Naturally, beside him sat the old lady, and next to her was Violet Nelson, whom she also recognized. As for the rest, clad in their suits, they must be staff from the Presidential Office, like consultants, assistants, secretaries, and the like.
Such a large group would not typically dine together; they were gathered today solely to introduce her identity.
Caitlin introduced her, “Purple, these are your grandparents.”
Purple’s lips slightly moved as she greeted them, “Good day, elder sir, elder madam.”
She refrained from directly calling them “grandfather” and “grandmother,” causing a momentary chill to settle over the atmosphere.
The old lady’s gaze turned cold immediately, and Old Master Simonson looked somewhat disappointed as he said, “No matter, you can still change your address after the formal adoption ceremony. It’s all the same.”
Caitlin smiled and said, “Yes, the arrangement was just confirmed today. It would be hard for her to abruptly change how she addresses family.”
She then introduced Purple to the administrative secretary, press secretary, and presidential advisor, among others.
They sat down for the meal, and Old Master Simonson discussed with the officials the planning of a banquet. The secretaries suggested setting the event for a month later, to celebrate the president’s recovery and to announce the adoption of Purple to the public. Before then, the household registration procedures could be completed.
Caitlin felt this was very appropriate and turned her head to ask for Purple’s opinion, to which Purple had no objection.
Violet Nelson looked at Purple’s calm and indifferent demeanor, feeling a painful scratching in her heart.
Ever since Christopher Simonson fell ill, she had sensed that such a day would come, but even with Purple actually sitting before her, she still struggled to contain the anger in her heart.
Violet’s hatred for Purple stemmed more from jealousy, especially when she saw Purple effortlessly receiving everything she had long desired and displaying an air of indifference. Violet’s heart would burn with envy, tormented and in agony.
The Presidential Palace needed only one daughter. Since Christopher Simonson had adopted Purple, he would not adopt a second daughter.
Violet’s future was thus blocked by Purple! No matter how much the old lady doted on her, the glory that should have been above her head was unmistakably snatched away by Purple!
In the future, when people talked about her, they would no longer say, “Oh, she is the most cherished daughter of the Presidential Palace.”
Nor would they say, “The president treats her as his own daughter.”
The president already had a daughter now, and Violet Nelson would have to step aside. Purple had destroyed her future, and between them, a deep and bitter hatred was forged!
“Why aren’t you wearing the clothes the aunt brought for you?” Violet asked with a winning smile, eyeing Purple. “The dress you’re wearing is pretty too, but isn’t the color a bit inappropriate? Ever since uncle became ill, the family has avoided white.”