Honey, You're a Billionaire?

They had never seen this version of Jonathan before. Although they were aware of how differently he acted toward Rose from the other night, they never knew such an aloof and cold man could be this compassionate. Eleanor looked at Rose with an added hint of curiosity. Cyrus, on the other hand, relaxed his shocked expression and focused on Rose. As for Lizzie...

Although she wore her usual, gracious smile, an unmistakable coldness flashed in her eyes. However, she wasn't looking at Rose, but rather Yara. Although she was crowned as a renowned international actress, it was obvious that she had the worst acting skills among everyone in the room. The way she looked at Rose revealed her utter jealousy. Had it not been for Jonathan's presence, she might've gone up and attacked Rose.

Lizzie raised her brows seamlessly. She thought luring Rose into the manor would make her susceptible to Eleanor's challenges, but Jonathan's actions gathered more resentment toward Rose. It seemed her efforts weren't in vain.

The surrounding gazes made Rose ignore her dizziness and quickly snap to reality. Then, she scanned the individuals in the room.

Whether it was people she knew or didn't know, they were all looking at her. She couldn't help but raise her guard. "Rose..." Jonathan's voice pulled her focus to him. Right then, she saw the concerned look on his handsome face. Seeing that Rose was in a daze, Jonathan wanted to call the doctor, but she grabbed his hand. "Where is this?"

She vividly remembered that she was in the car, looking for Dawn at Ebott Road. For some reason, she got into a crash and...

She looked at Jonathan, the only person in the room who would answer her question. Upon hearing her voice, he heaved a breath of relief and hurriedly replied, "This is Finch Manor. You were in a car crash outside just now. Are you in pain or anything?" Rose met with his concerned eyes; he remained worried upon not receiving any answers. "I'm... fine," she said while gripping his arm.

She felt perfectly fine, but the thought of her being at Finch Manor and Ebott Road...

At that instance, she finally realized why it felt familiar while she was on her way here. She had been here with Jonathan once!

Due to the darkness and her distraction from the incident that night, she didn't pay attention to the scenery outside. That was why she couldn't recognize the place earlier.

"Did you say I was in a car crash outside the manor?" Rose thought it was too coincidental for some reason.

Sensing her suspicion, Anastasia quickly said, "It's my fault, Rosie. I didn't know a car was coming, let alone see you inside..."

Then, she repeated her story to Rose. In the end, she even held Rose's hand worriedly. "Thank goodness the doctor says you're fine. Rosie, why didn't you tell me you were coming to the Finch family banquet tonight? I could've picked you up and gone together..." Since they were both Oliver's adopted granddaughters, it made sense for them to be close. However, only Rose knew how unnatural it all felt.

She knew better than anyone that she didn't share such a relationship with Anastasia. She hated pretenses and facades. Moreover, she wasn't there for the family banquet.

When recalling her reason for being at Ebott Road, she sprung up. "I need to get going. Sorry about this."

Perhaps due to the concussion earlier, she was rather wobbly in her steps. The next moment, Jonathan's arms held her.

"I'll take you." His voice sounded above her head.

Yet, before they could step forward, Eleanor asked, "Anna, how's the kitchen doing?"

"Everything is ready, Mrs. Finch Senior." The dinner was ready long ago but had been interrupted by the car accident.

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"If it is, let's start. Jon..." Eleanor supported herself with the walking stick. Her tone was gentle and amicable yet carried a note of authority. "Help out Ms. Shaffer, I bet she hasn't had dinner. Since we're all here, let her join us." That could only mean one thing.

"Grandma..."

Jonathan locked eyes with Eleanor. He thought he had reached an agreement with her. Their collaboration with Lerain Group was supposedly the cost for excusing Rose's attendance, yet... "Is Ms. Shaffer unwilling to accept my invitation?" Eleanor ignored Jonathan and looked at Rose. Her smile made her look amicable.

Rose fell silent. The person before

her was none other than the most respected member of the Finch family. If she refused her invitation, it was equivalent to embarrassing her. That would be rude. But Dawn though...

At the thought of her, Rose was about to speak up when someone interjected. Ms. Shaffer, you better not disappoint Eleanor. You said you needed to get going. What's so important that requires your presence? If it's not important, just order anyone here to do it

It was Bella who had suddenly spoken. Not only did Eleanor intend for Rose to stay, but so did Bella.

"Bella is right. Ms. Shaffer, why don't you tell us about the matter?" Lizzie appeared eager to help.

It seemed like everybody wanted her to stay... Faced with their "enthusiasm", Rose knew it would be hard for her to leave.

"Don't be scared. If you want to leave, I'll go with you." Jonathan's deep voice sounded above her and warmed her heart.

Still, was she scared though? Of course not. However, that would be their perception if she left then....

Showing weakness meant a chance of being manipulated. Even if she would leave Regalia soon, she had Yvonne to care for. She couldn't back down!

Rose flashed everyone a smile and changed her mind. "Thank you, Mrs. Finch Senior, for your generous invitation. I happen to be hungry, so don't mind me if I stay." While the crowd assumed she would refuse and were prepared to gaslight her, they were stunned that she had actually accepted the invitation.

"Rose" Jonathan furrowed his brows and wanted to say something but was interrupted.

Meeting his eyes, Rose said, "My friend had a little incident at Ebott Road, and I was supposed to pick her up. Can you ask someone to do that for me?"NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.