Female Novel
Chapter 1858
The wedding reception was in full swing, with Morrison Langston and his bride Magdalen Sampson
making their way around the room, toasting their guests. Sophia had stepped out to take a call, and
one of the bridesmaids had to leave early, leaving only Estelle and Gabrielle to flank Magdalen's side.
Toasting was largely a formality. Whether Magdalen actually drank was at her discretion—no one dared
to pressure her, and there was certainly no need for Estelle or Gabrielle to step in to deflect any
unwanted drinks.
As they approached the Macclain family's table, Elizabeth, eager to curry favor with the Sampsons,
made a point of acknowledging Estelle in front of Magdalen. But before the newlyweds could reach her
table, Elizabeth rose and called out with feigned affection, "Estelle, darling!"
Magdalen glanced at the Macclains but didn't miss a beat, continuing right to the next table.
Morrison, his arm around Magdalen's waist, was all too happy to indulge her impulse.
Estelle remained cool and detached, ignoring Elizabeth's greeting as if it were never uttered.
Elizabeth's smile froze awkwardly on her face. Surrounded by so many onlookers, she felt a hot flush
of embarrassment and sat back down, pretending to ignore the snickers and murmurs from nearby
guests.
Her expression darkened as she hissed to Simone, "Sabina was right; your daughter really does need
discipline!"
Simone replied in a low, stern voice, "I told you to ignore her. She's never paid us any mind!"
Natalia scoffed, "And to think, you were always defending Estelle. Turns out she doesn't even
acknowledge her families!"
Leonie, unbothered, retorted, "Recognition isn't something you just talk about. And why should Estelle
acknowledge us? Maybe we should all take a hard look in the mirror before we go criticizing others."
Her words seemed to offend everyone at the table.
Natalia was so angry she almost had a heart attack on the spot!
Sabina glared at Estelle's retreating figure, the memory of a certain scene outside pricking at her like a
venomous thorn.
Meanwhile, Emily and her friends, including Marina Evert and Aimee Jordan, were engrossed in
conversation when Magdalen approached. They quickly raised their glasses in celebration.
"I just saw Kya," Magdalen beamed. "She's become the darling among the aunts, and one lady even
took off her jade necklace to let her play with it like it was a marble!"
Emily smiled warmly, "She was thrilled to be a flower girl for once!"
Magdalen's eyes twinkled, "Waiting for Kya to grow up to be my flower girl was a stroke of genius!"
Laughter bubbled up from the group.
Marina clinked glasses with Estelle, "Heard you caught the bouquet. Congratulations! Hopefully, next
time we'll be drinking to your and Mr. Lamont's nuptials!"
Estelle smiled, "And what about you and Mr. Foster? With such a long engagement, is a wedding date
on the horizon?"
Marina shrugged playfully, "Who knows what tomorrow will bring!"
They shared a knowing look, immediately understanding each other's sentiments.
After making the rounds in the banquet hall, Morrison led Magdalen upstairs to the VIP section, starting
with the room where Jonathan and others from their circle—like Charlie, Carson, and Andrew—were
gathered.novelbin
Upon seeing Estelle, Jonathan's gaze softened, recalling the words she had said in a recent video.
The presence of Carson and the others ensured that Morrison and Magdalen couldn't escape without
drinking from the bridal cup, and they even insisted Magdalen toast each person individually.
Magdalen obliged, starting with Jonathan. "Mr. Lamont, it's a true honor to have you come from such a
distance. Even though it wasn't just for me, I'm delighted all the same. This first toast is to you!"
Charlie, half-joking, suggested, "Maybe someone else should give this toast?"
His implication was clear—he meant Estelle—but before she could react, Gabrielle squeezed past her,
glass in hand, and declared, "Allow me to toast Mr. Lamont on Magdalen's behalf!"
The room fell quiet, all eyes on Gabrielle, anticipating the drama.
Magdalen, familiar with Gabrielle from childhood but not close, watched her eagerness with a cold
smirk. Gabrielle had been quick to avoid toasting earlier, yet now she was more than keen to step up
for Jonathan.
Jonathan's eyes were cool and distant as he turned to Charlie, "You made the suggestion, you do the
honors."
Charlie's smirk broadened, "If I'm to drink, one cup won't suffice."