Goodbye, My Love

Judie was an arrogantly condescending individual. Even though she had rescinded her earlier statements and insisted Eloise's presence at the banquet, there was no telling what other strategies she could employ to harm Eloise.

While Loraine could offer protection to Eloise this time, she couldn't assure her safety indefinitely. Therefore, she could only rest easy once the Cooper family was dealt with conclusively.

Naturally, Loraine kept these thoughts to herself, unwilling to burden

Eloise with her concerns.

She simply smiled and reassured, "I've matured now, and I'm no Longer the Little girl who was easily intimidated. I can protect you now, and be your pillar of strength. So, don't worry about me. Let us accompany you. Regardless of Judie's schemes, I won't allow her to triumph."

Eloise was touched by Loraine's words, although she still appeared somewhat apprehensive. To allay Eloise's concerns, Loraine pushed Marco in front of her with a casual smile.

"Besides, I now have a boyfriend. He'll ensure my safety even if Judie attempts to harm me."

Intention Revealed

Hearing Loraine's admission of him as her boyfriend, Marco's grin broadened as he moved forward, exuding sincerity.

"Mrs. Harvey, you have my word, I will look after Loraine well!"

Reflecting on Marco's impressive display of strength when he single-handedly confronted a group of black-clad men at the orphanage entrance, Eloise hesitated momentarily but didn't reject his assurance.

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Marco had leapt to Loraine's defense earlier, an act which attested to his genuine affection. He appeared quick-witted, and with him at her side, it seemed less likely that others could mistreat Loraine. Considering Loraine's decision to stay for her sake, Eloise saw no need to object.

She soon found an empty table for them to sit at. All around them, the villagers were heartily enjoying the feast. For these folks, accustomed to modest meals, the lavish spread on the banquet table was a rare indulgence, and they were making the most of this celebration.

However, Loraine and Marco found the oily, rich dishes unappetizing.

Eloise, given her age, had a weak appetite and set her tableware down after a few bites.

As the banquet reached its zenith, some guests began to depart.

Loraine figured that Judie might make her move now. After all, a banquet would Lose its purpose once everyone had left.

Sure enough, as the next dish was served, Judie took center stage, a microphone in hand, ready to address the crowd.

"Fellow villagers," she began, "Today, we celebrate the harvest festival, and while this feast is a way for us to share the bounty, we also have an important issue to discuss!"

The villagers glanced at her as they ate, but most remained engrossed in their meals.

Clad in red and clutching a modest microphone, Judie was reminiscent of a rural performance host. Her passionate speech, filled with dramatic highs and lows, echoed throughout the space. "The Cooper family may be prosperous now, but there are many in our village who still face hardship. As we enjoy our prosperity, we, the Cooper family, have no intention to monopolize it. As members of this community, we aim to lead our fellow villagers towards affluence!"

Loraine's lips twitched ever so slightly, her face impassive. She nearly wanted to applaud Judie's theatrical display.