Chapter 125

With so many eyes and ears around, it didn't take long for word of what happened at the Todd famnily's villa to reach Lainey.

Instead of being upset, she felt a rush of excitement.

If Jonny patched things up with Eleanor, that meant Nolan would be single, and all hers! Trading someone useless for a real catch felt like the ultimate win!

So, when she spotted Nolan's tall frame making his way into the banquet hall alone, her spirits soared.

Holding up the elegant skirt of her designer dress, she strutted toward him. "Nolan!"

Nolan was already in a foul mood after being ditched by Eleanor, and seeing Lainey, queen of manipulation,only made things worse, with his scowl deepening.

Without a word, he stepped aside, making sure to steer clear of her path.

Right then, Lainey stumbled, completely losing her balance, and ended up sprawled awkwardly on the floor.

Guests nearby let out a few stifled laughs, unable to hide their amusement, though none dared to do it openly.

Lillian, on the other hand, didn't bother hiding her reaction.

With arms folded and an unimpressed look, she scoffed, "Well, if it isn't the star of the evening. What's wrong, Lainey? Isn't having a husband enough for you? Or are you so desperate that you have to chase after someone else's boyfriend just because his girIfriend isn't here? That's downright disgraceful!"

Her blunt words left Lainey completely exposed, her pride shattered in front of everyone.

Rage burned inside Lainey.

She,however, had changed. Gone was the version of the timid girl from before. In the past, she would have been forced to swallow Lillian's insults.

Now, as the Benton family's only daughter, why should she tolerate any of this?

Her gaze grew cold, and she braced herself to fire back, until she caught sight of Jeff and Hilda making their way over.

Immediately, all traces of anger disappeared.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she let them spill over."Ms. Brooks, I know you've never been fond of me.But today marks my official return to my family. Even if you can't stand me, did you really have to humiliate me in front of everyone?"

Just as her voice broke, Jeff arrived by her side.

Spotting his daughter looking utterly defeated, he rushed to help her up, worry written all over his face."Sweetheart, what's going on?"

Trying to keep her composure, Lainey wiped her tears and forced a gentle smile. "Dad, really, it's nothing.1don't blame Ms. Brooks for anything. I'm probably just difficult to be liked. Please, don't take it out on her."

Seeing Lainey's gentle nature on display, willing to defend the very person who had hurt he, even after being humiliated, Jeff felt a surge of pride and frustration. Her patience was admirable, but in his eyes,nobody had the right to mistreat his beloved daughter this way.

Jeff gave Lainey's hand a reassuring squeeze and let out a weary sigh. "You're far too forgivingfor your own good. You can't just let others treat you however they want."

Hilda, on the other hand, barely glanced at Lainey. Her gaze remained locked on Lillian,her expression soft yet unreadable.

Was Lainey targeting this girl?

Did she dislike her for some reason?

Maybe there was something more to it... But after she watched Lillian closely for a while, Hilda's hope faded. She didn't resemble her at all.

This wasn't the child she had lost.

Even all grown up, her own daughter would still look like her.

Lillian shifted uncomfortably under Hilda's intense gaze.

When Lillian finally got a good look at Hilda's face, she grew even more confused.

Seriously?

Wasn't this Lainey's birth mother?

How could she resemble Eleanor so much?

The resemblance wasn't exact, but their eyes were uncannily similar.