Chapter 20
Two hours later, the car drove into a sprawling estate. The ornate wrought–iron gates slowly swung open. Inside, it was lit up as brightly as daylight.
Jessie had always known the Stafford family was wealthy, but she had never realized just how wealthy.
The rumors that the Stafford family possessed riches rivaling nations were clearly not exaggerated. The car stopped outside the mansion. Zane stepped out first and extended his arm toward Jessie. She slipped her arm through his and took a deep breath.
A dozen housekeepers came out to greet them, “Mr. Stafford, Mrs. Stafford.”
It was Jessie’s first time attending such a formal occasion. She couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy and instinctively took a few steps back.
Zane gently wrapped an arm around her waist and said, “Don’t be afraid. You’re the lady of this house. Relax.”
With that, he led her inside.
Although it was just a family banquet, the living room came alive with lights. Crystal chandeliers spilled brilliant radiance everywhere, and people were gathered all around.
The moment the two stepped into the villa, every pair of eyes in the room landed on Jessie.
“Mr. Stafford, Mrs. Stafford.”
Everyone they passed greeted them respectfully.
Jessie whispered, “We haven’t even officially registered our marriage yet. Isn’t it too soon for them to be calling me ‘Mrs. Stafford‘?”
Zane smiled faintly. “It’s only a matter of time.”
The living room was enormous, easily ten times the size of the Hickman residence. It took several minutes just to walk across it. And since Jessie was in heels, her pace was even slower.
They finally reached the far end of the living room, where an elegant lady was surrounded by many other women. She was just like the moon encircled by stars,
For once, Zane was humble. “Mom.”
The elegant woman lifted her eyes to study Jessie. Her gaze was so calm it was impossible to read her thoughts. “So, this is Jessie? The heiress of the Hickman family?“.
With a hint of defiance, Zane added, “She’s also your daughter–in–law.”
Eileen Sutton looked up and shot him a sharp glare before turning back to Jessie. “I heard that you disowned your family. Your parents brought you into this world and raised you. Now that you’re grown, you sever ties with them. Aren’t you afraid of earning yourself a bad reputation?
“I
Her tone was flat, betraying no hint of anger or approval.
Although Jessie was nervous, she kept her tone calm and steady. “There’s no need to keep the relationship when they only gave birth to me but didn’t raise me. And besides, it’s my own business. Why should I care what others think of me?”
The room fell into utter silence.
Zane lost his father early on. Back then, many of the Stafford family’s extended branches tried to seize their wealth and power. It was Eileen who single–handedly held everything together. Half of Stafford Group’s success today was thanks to her.
Zane might be powerful outside, but he treated Eileen with absolute respect at home. There was even a saying in their circle-“Whatever status Zane holds among the men, Eileen holds the same among the women.”
The silence in the room was almost stifling.
Suddenly, Eileen laughed, raising her brows as she looked at Jessie. “Jessie, you’re the second person in our circle to have ever done something so controversial.”
Jessie was slightly taken aback. This wasn’t something to be proud of. Who else would have done the same?
Eileen then picked up the soft fur blanket draped over her lap and stood up. The women around her immediately rose and stepped aside to clear a path. She walked up to Jessie, a radiant smile blooming on her face. “The first person to cut ties with their family was me.”
Jessie’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Back then, when I cut ties with my parents, everyone in our circle called me an ungrateful traitor. They tried to make things as difficult for me as much as they could. Zane’s father was the only one who didn’t judge me. Despite all the opposition, he insisted on marrying me. More than 20 years have passed, and now, Zane is walking the same path as his father.”
