Chapter 204
Veronica’s POV
Grand Del Hotel – Hall
Today’s gathering was going to be penned in the history of jewelry houses as today the representative was going to proceed with handing over the inheritance of the River family.
The atmosphere was formal with a touch of speculation as some were still thinking Alex will be the one.
The River name was in everyone’s conversation.
I arrived arms crossed with Jonathan.
Daniel arrived with Isabella and Adrian as now Adrian was part of Harmon Designs.
The Staf and Rollings name plates were on the same table so we all took our places.
Alex was seated a little away from us.
But as I sat, my gaze fell on an unexpected person p>
Imelda.
And she was not hiding in the corner like she has been ever since she wasn’t allowed to use the Harmon name.
She was going about with confidence.
I got shocked when I saw she was introducing herself as Mrs. Imelda Rollings.
She knew everyone knows who Veronica is so she can’t use that name here.
But soon enough, whispers could be heard all around us as everyone began whispering on what’s going on.
Some were looking at Jonathan while some were watching me.
Imelda changing her plan was not as simple as it looks.
If she’s changing her strategy, then she must be planning something big.
Finally, the river representative came onto the stage.
“I welcome every jewelry house representative here who all have gathered to witness the River inheritance hand over p>
“Mr. Jonathan Rollings is the surviving River heir p>
Gasps and whispers erupted across the hall as he gestured to Jonathan to come onstage.
“And, I would like Mrs. Rollings to come on stage as well p>
Imelda didn’t waste a second as she climbed onto the stage and stood beside Jonathan.
She stood with a composed smile.
“Hello, I’m Imelda Rollings p>
My fingers tightened slightly around my phone as a wave of whispers moved across the hall.
Imelda, her face looked like she had won a battle.
I was correct about one thing she knows she cannot pose as Veronica.
But now she’s portraying a new identity.
Jonathan stepped forward and shook hands with the representative.
“She’s not p>
Imelda cut the representative’s words midway.
“It’s truly a privilege to be part of the River inheritance hand over, and I’m obliged to be here p>
The attention of everyone shifted from Jonathan to her.
The representative’s confusion was closed by her words.
I could see clearly what her intention was.
She was trying to block any way that Jonathan could get to tell she’s not Mrs. Rollings.
“Actually my wife is p>
Imelda cut again.
“I understand the River inheritance is of grave responsibility p>
“I assure you, me and my husband, Jonathan, will take full care of the responsibility you are going to hand over p>
“I would like to also ask p>
“Will all of the jewelry houses abide by the treaty, once we invoke it p>
Her question brought everyone to conversate on the matter.
I could see Jonathan was feeling uncomfortable standing beside her.
And was forced to listen to her pretending to be the perfect wife.
She was doing the same thing, forcing him into a corner until all he could do was tag along.
If Jonathan accused her here in public, she could portray him as unstable cause there are some who recalled him being Imelda’s fiance back then.
As for the River proceedings, they were proceeding under scrutiny.
Jonathan’s eyes met mine for a brief moment and I could see uncertainty in them.
The same uncertainty I had back then.
When I used to serve at the parties.
When I used to work under her at Harmon Designs.
Seven years of living without a husband even though I had one.
Seven years of watching Imelda hold onto my man as if he belonged to her.
I remember feeling so powerless back then.
How Fredrick and Imelda manipulated us for their benefits.
And the worst,
How they were so close to breaking our marriage back then.
But that woman who had no voice, for that matter a back bone,
Is gone and now the woman standing before her, won’t let her take her man ever again.
I looked straight at her with certain eyes as I knew what and who I was up against.
Jonathan attempted a few times to clarify, but she intervened every time.
I knew he had too much to carry on p>
On top of his own business,
He now had the River and Rollings inheritance,
The safety of the Blue Heart.
Rollings House.
Alex Vale, and now again p>
Imelda.
I stood up.
“Veronica?” Isabella called as she held on to my arm.
“I won’t let him fight her alone p>
“Back then it was different,” I said.
“No one knew about me p>
“Now everyone knows I’m his wife, and I will do just what a wife does p>
I walked straight onto the stage, and as I walked closer and closer to Jonathan, the conversations stopped.
Everyone saw I was approaching Jonathan.
Daniel and Isabella were watching me with anticipated eyes.
Adrian was worried as I knew no matter what Imelda was his mother.
He wouldn’t want any bad for her.
I smiled as the moment I came close enough to them, Imelda’s confident smile faltered.
She didn’t look away, instead she was about to grab Jonathan’s hand, but he walked over to me.
I didn’t argue with her nor did I confront her.
I could have accused her head on, but attention was the least I wanted to give her.
I simply moved along with Jonathan, holding hands.
I knew this gesture was more than enough to shut her for a while.
Jonathan looked at me as I gave him a quiet, reassured nod.
I knew he understood what I wanted to tell him.
He’s not alone and I’m with him.
I reached for his hand, making sure everyone saw he was comfortable with me.
Whispers erupted across the hall again.
I remembered all those parties when I so badly wanted to stand beside him, but couldn’t.
Now I would be the only woman who can stand beside him.
I gazed at Imelda, then I looked at the representative.
I didn’t have to tell or defend anything to anyone.
Now my marriage didn’t need approval from anyone as everyone knew about it.
I turned towards the representative.
Now Imelda was a few steps away from us.
The representative looked at her and then me.
Then his gaze fell on our hands,
We had held firmly.
I remained calm as I knew anger would only ruin things for us.
I exhaled as today I was going to speak clearly and only the truth.
Today I won’t let anyone define what my marriage is or what it should be.
I won’t let Imelda take over like she did back then.
Jonathan is mine and will only be mine.
I looked directly at the representative as my fingers tightened around Jonathan’s hand.
“You wanted to meet Jonathan’s wife, Mrs. Rollings,” I said as I paused for a brief moment.
“Well, let me tell you then p>