Heartstrings on Fire Chapter 575

Chapter 575 

Ryder kept it short and simple, only introducing Agnes by name. But everyone was curious about the relationship between him and the girl living in his room. They had no idea how far along these two had come. 

Agnes politely greeted Cilian, “Mr. Thomas, I’ve always admired you.” 

Cilian replied, “Please sit, we can chat over dinner.” 

Once Agnes took her seat, she noticed Jared across from her, looking a bit under the weather. He hadn’t glanced her way since she walked in. 

A little later, Beatrice strolled into the dining room, heading straight for Jared, “Mr. Whitfield, you’re back.” 

Kevin joked from the side, “Beatrice, I remember you usually call him brother–in–law, why the switch to Mr. Whitfield now?” 

Beatrice used to call him brother–in–law because Jared didn’t mind. She knew Jared enjoyed it. But now, with Agnes around, the address had to change. And none of the Thomas family even knew who Agnes was. 

Little did they know, Beatrice had been calling him brother–in–law way before Jared had met Valeria. Now, she can’t do that anymore in front of Agnes. Beatrice shot Kevin a look and didn’t say anything, just sat down next to Jared. 

Agnes watched all this, finding it rather ironic. Jared seemed perfectly at ease, with Valeria on his left and Beatrice on his right. 

Cilian turned to chat with Agnes, “Valeria just told me, you and Ryder have known each other for three years in Manhattan?” 

Agnes replied, “We’ve known each other much longer than that.” 

In fact, many people present, including Valeria, knew about her past. Would their attitude towards her change if Cilian knew she was Jared’s ex–wife, or Ryder’s aunt? 

However, throughout dinner, Cilian didn’t overly focus on her relationship with Ryder. He just asked about her work and life as usual, as if she were just an ordinary guest of the Thomas family. 

But everyone knew that in Cilian’s mind, Agnes was already Ryder’s girlfriend. He just didn’t want to make a big deal out of their relationship to avoid putting pressure on them. 

Throughout dinner, Jared didn’t say a word, just kept drinking. 

Valeria couldn’t bear it, advising him, “Your stomach hasn’t recovered yet. You better lay off the booze.” 

Raleign joked, “Valeria, you’re already nagging about Jared’s drinking before you’re even married. I’ve had quite a bit myself, how come you’re not worried about me?” 

Valeria retorted, “Don’t make fun of me. You’ve built up your alcohol tolerance on the social circuit, I don’t need to worry about you. You have plenty of friends, they can take care of you.” 

Raleign said, “Look at Valeria, so sharp–tongued. I was going to respect Mr. Whitfield, but I’m a bit scared now.” 

Kevin chimed in leisurely, “Jared’s her fiancé, you as a cousin can’t compare, don’t embarrass yourself here.” 

Cilian, hearing their banter, casually asked, “By the way, you two have also been together for so many years. Since you’ve already announced your engagement, when do you plan to hold the ceremony?” 

All eyes were on Jared and Valeria.