Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Mr. Jimenez, trembling slightly, extended his hand to shake Kathryn's and said, "You are kinder and more dignified than your mother." Kathryn had been raised by Clarissa, she might not even be alive today.

It was clear from Kathryn's eyes that she wasn't as cruel or malicious as Clarissa. In a way, God had spared Clarissa a better legacy-Kathryn, her biological daughter, hadn't grown up under Clarissa's influence and had developed a different character and values. If "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Jimenez," Kathryn said with a smile, thanking him before greeting the people she recognized.

For those she didn't know, she simply smiled and nodded.

Since Audrey didn't seem interested in introducing them, Kathryn didn't take offense. She guessed they might be old friends of Mr. Jimenez.

Pedro had told her that her mother had sent assassins to kill Mr. Jimenez. If no one had saved him, knowing her mother's ruthlessness, Mr. Jimenez would have been dead long ago, with a grave taller than a person. He had been out of contact for decades, possibly taken away by those who rescued him. Clarissa had searched for him for years without success, assuming he was dead. But to everyone's surprise, he had survived and returned.

a terrible mistake, thinking that killing everyone involved would bury the truth

actually Hayden who had called them, but she did so at Audrey's request. Audrey wanted to take revenge

Audrey, as the daughter of the former matriarch, held little status. Even Kathryn, the current successor, didn't have much influence in the city, certainly less than heirs

actually a woman. This made her a true celebrity in the city, known even by the street cleaners. The Queen family's influence in Jensburg far surpassed that of the Farrell family. Hayden only had to make a phone call to bring the

and the gathering tonight was filled with important people. Several major families from Wiltspoon had sent

Meadspring was there, though they claimed they were just visiting for

of the York family, and Jane, the eldest young lady of the Johnson family, were close friends. The head of the Lafayette family was from Jane's mother's side, and it seemed likely that Jane had asked her brother to come and see if he could offer