Unexpected Fiancée novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19: The Diamond Ring

This meant that Jane wasn't the girl Patrick had met when he was a child, and a disappointed expression clouded Patrick's handsome face.

Oblivious to his disappointment, Jane eyed him with suspicion. What did he mean? Did he expect her to get kidnapped? The rest of the ride passed in silence, and when they arrived home, Beatrice handed Patrick an invitation, remarking, "Don't forget that Old Doyle is hosting a banquet for his seventieth birthday this weekend."

The banquet was to be held at the Imperial Hotel, the city's most luxurious establishment, and all the attendees were either wealthy, influential, or both.

Jane had already experienced her share of such events after the company's recent anniversary celebration, much to her displeasure. Beatrice had woken her early in the morning and given her a stern lecture. "Get up! You mustn't bring shame to this family," she warned, wagging her finger at Jane.

The banquet hall buzzed with activity as well-dressed guests chatted and reveled in their finery. But the whole affair bored Jane, so she retreated to a corner, scanning the crowd until her gaze fell on Patrick, who stood out like a star.

With a sigh, she decided to escape to the rooftop for some fresh air. However, her path was blocked by a group of young women, including Florence and her snobbish friends.

Florence flaunted a dazzling diamond ring and bragged, "This is a limited edition piece designed by the world-renowned Ada. My grandfather bought it at an overseas auction for my birthday last year."

One of Florence's friends chimed in, "Oh, it's exquisite! It suits you perfectly. No one else could pull it off like you do. Gorgeous!"

Their sycophantic behavior revolted Jane. She frowned at their audacity, finding nothing special about the ring. It was undeniably beautiful but featured a relatively small diamond compared to the sizable ones her own grandfather had gifted her.

"Excuse me, ladies," Jane uttered, sidestepping them and proceeding without a second thought.

"Bumpkin! She's so gauche!" Florence and her friends whispered behind her back.

Jane spent a considerable time on the rooftop. When she reluctantly returned to the banquet hall, a uniformed waiter pointed at her and yelled, "It's her! She's the one I saw earlier!"

Jane halted, baffled by the waiter's accusations. Where had he seen her, and why was he shouting? Florence swiftly approached, squeezing through the gathering crowd.

"So, you're the one who stole my diamond ring!"