Page 15 - Test 1 The tennis club - Copy –Kopi_Neat

"I apologize to the esteemed company for my frivolity. Forgive me."

The children were on the verge of laughter, familiar with the playful dynamic that
highlighted the contrasting natures of Jonathan and Marianna yet bound by their mother-
son relationship. However, Samantha, not grasping the subtle nuances of the scene, felt
frightened. Marianna could be stern with Jonathan, but she was the epitome of kindness

towards Iben, Andrew, and Samantha, showering them with love, generous gifts, and
warmth. Just as the laughter was about to subside, Marianna, followed by everyone else,
erupted into hearty laughter. Jonathan's irresistible charm was such that even the most
reserved person couldn't help but succumb to it.

Marianna Von Hoff Steiner was Despite her advanced age, she remained an incredibly
beautiful woman. Her hair, which had once matched the dark brown splendor of
Jonathan's, Iben's, and Andrew's, was still impressively thick but now adorned with a shiny
silver-gray color.

Samantha held a deep admiration for Marianna, yet she refrained from challenging her
mother-in-law in any manner, even if she had the desire to do so. She kept her thoughts to
herself, not even confiding in Jonathan. Marianna belonged to a different social echelon,
having been raised amidst wealth and affluence. Her father, Jonathan's grandfather, was a
highly esteemed businessman. While Jonathan himself wasn't close to royalty, his mother
maintained those connections. She was a fixture at royal events, often appearing in the
media alongside the former Danish queen. Their friendship was genuine, as evidenced by

their shared activities like bridge and sailing. The family's ties to royalty were longstanding,
and although Samantha didn't grasp the entire history, she cherished being part of the elite
circle.