All eyes were on Winnie Winslow for a moment.
Winnie laughed scornfully. The Shaw family recognized her as a goddaughter because they had a financial shortfall recently, selling her to the Hawthorne family to make up for the deficit.
Only her mother genuinely believed the Shaw family sincerely wanted her as their goddaughter!
"Nina Shaw, welcome back home."
Winnie said dismissively.
Nina said aggrievedly, "Winnie, don’t you recognize me as your sister?"
Harrison Shaw also sternly said, "Winnie, remember your status."
Nina is the true eldest Miss of the Shaw family!
A servant whispered, "This Winnie really thinks she’s something. As a maid’s daughter, being considered a goddaughter is a huge blessing for her, yet she has this attitude."
Winnie was not afraid of their words at all, smiling slightly as she said, "How do you want me to welcome you, with three kneels and nine kowtows? Nina, you couldn’t even handle a single bow from me."
This Winnie is absolutely shameless!
Nina was furious; before she could speak, Helen Langley slapped Winnie on the arm: "Who allowed you to speak to Miss Shaw like that? Apologize quickly!"
Julian Hawthorne’s expression was extremely displeased. No matter what, Winnie was his wife in the Hawthorne family, and being bullied in public, where did that leave him?
Seeing Winnie didn’t move, Julian walked over himself and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
This move clearly indicated to anyone that Winnie had his support!
In an instant, Nina was furious, grinding her teeth, thinking both Winnie and Ivy Kensington were two despicable women!
Just then, Sebastian Blackwood arrived.
Nina’s anger eased a bit knowing Sebastian would be her dance partner today!
Nina approached happily, holding Sebastian’s arm.
At this moment, Ivy had just entered the welcome party, standing among the crowd. She saw the two embracing, and her heart started to ache sharply.
Though she had told him that day, Nina wanted to harm the baby in her stomach, yet he still came here today...
"You must be Miss Kensington?"
A chubby man with glasses patted Ivy’s shoulder.
Ivy snapped back to reality and nodded, "Yes."
"My assistant told me that you wish to discuss a collaboration with Shaw Herbals. I made a special trip here today, and your attitude is quite sincere."
The chubby man continued, "But I need to wait until Miss Shaw’s welcome party is over before discussing the collaboration. Can you wait?"
Ivy was a bit surprised, not expecting someone from The Shaw Group to be so agreeable.
"Alright then, please go wait with my assistant first."
After he finished speaking, the assistant who spoke with Ivy yesterday stepped forward: "Miss Kensington, please come with me."
Ivy made a sound of agreement and pondered for a moment before sending Sebastian a message: [I came to the Shaw family today too, let’s go back together later.]
At this moment, the welcome party officially began.
Nina donned a pink gown, walking down from the second floor like a princess.
She walked toward Sebastian, smiling as she reached out her hand: "Brother Sebastian."
Sebastian responded with a nod, accepting her hand and dancing.
To him, it was merely an opening dance that didn’t matter.
Nina, however, was extremely happy, believing only a man like Sebastian deserved to stand by her side!
Julian watched the two in the dance floor with a gloomy expression. He had always known Nina liked Sebastian, but there was nothing he could do since he had met Nina when they were little... He had liked Nina early on.
Seeing his disappointed face, Winnie was infuriated.
She was right next to him, yet he dared to think about another woman!
She called him, abruptly stood on her toes, and kissed him forcefully.
Julian’s eyes darkened, his fists clenching tightly, wanting to push Winnie away.
However, Winnie had already grabbed him firmly, saying domineeringly, "I’m your wife; the only person you should care about is me!"
Julian’s thoughts shifted, yet suddenly—
"Ah! Sorry, Young Master Hawthorne!"