Orlander's act of leaking the news about Freddy and Lauren's marriage had sent shockwaves through the high society of Solana City. Everyone congratulated the Hodgsons, but they were secretly taunting the family, who had settled for a mentally ill future daughter-in-law just to social climb.Newton caught wind of the gossip, which added to his opposition to the marriage. When he voiced out his disapproval, Javier would counter him with the way the Harpers had bullied Lauren."I vehemently opposed Lauren dating that brat, but you insisted on blessing the wrong match. You sent my beloved daughter to that loser and made her the laughingstock of the city!"On top of that, you scolded me in front of Jasper and Landon, ignoring my concerns and humiliating me. Look where your love for your granddaughter led to. You made her suffer."Newton frowned deeply and let out a frustrated sigh. "Do you think that, as your father, I can't read your mind? You never really cared for Lauren. All you car
Lauren remembered being aroused by the bumpy ride on Landon's erection. She scratched Landon on his back in the heat of the moment, leaving behind red marks."Which dress should we pick?" Landon, carrying Lauren in his arms, stood in front of the massive wardrobe. He planted moist kisses on her flushed cheeks."Mm… Anything is fine…" Lauren leaned against his sweaty chest and panted. She struggled to keep her eyes open."Is it difficult to make a pick?"Soon, she gasped from the dizziness as she was plunged into the wardrobe filled with expensive evening dresses. Landon quipped, "I'll help you out."Surrounded by soft fabric, they continued making love and inching toward the climax."Ms. Lauren, here's your teddy bear," said the maid, who jolted Lauren out of her daze.Face burning in embarrassment, Lauren turned her back to the maid and covered her cheeks. She replied, "I won't carry it with me tonight."The maid looked worried, knowing that the bear was Lauren's emotional sup
"Cyrus…" Lauren stared at Cyrus. His surprise appearance instantly soothed her nervousness.The woman who showed up with Cyrus was no stranger to Lauren—she was Cyrus' mom, Mandy Lovelace.The next moment, Lauren's heart leaped into her throat. Orlander was a diplomatic and shrewd politician, according to Sophia's description of him.Orlander wouldn't have invited the Taylors if he had already invited the Becketts, as he was smart enough not to make the two archenemies meet.As expected, the Hodgsons looked shocked. Javier's expression clouded as well.Orlander explained in awkwardness, "Mr. Javier, this is certainly surprising. We did not invite the Taylors. What do you—"Javier waved at Orlander with a faint smile. "It's fine. You're the host, anyway. You don't have to explain every minor detail of your event to me."Despite Javier's assurance, Orlander and Minnie felt fearful. Anyone could tell that Javier was upset at the Taylors' arrival.At the same time, the guests start
Just as Cyrus was about to speak with an icy gaze in his eyes, Mandy went ahead with a smile. "Really? I shall ask Mayor Hodgson about this. Does he not see me as a Lovelace, or do you not take me as a Lovelace?"Orlander, who was mentioned without warning, coughed after choking on his wine. "Anyway, it doesn't matter whether or not I'm a Lovelace." Mandy cast an unreadable look at Orlander. "After all, I'm here with my son, representing the Taylor family. Mayor Hodgson, Minnie, you'll welcome us, won't you?""Ah! It's our mistake." Minnie hurriedly approached them with an apologetic smile to break the tension. "We thought you'd attend the event with Joseph since you are family. We did not think it through. We'll be more careful next time!"Mandy replied coldly, "I'm no longer a Lovelace after I married Winston Taylor. If you are sending out invitations, please address them to the Taylor family of Belbanks.""Mandy, that's enough." Joseph took a step toward her. He lowered his vo
"My son has his eyes on Lauren. For that, he's argued with me many times. He even swears that he won't marry anyone else except for Lauren. He wants to make her his woman no matter what it takes." Letting out a soft sigh, Lauren added, "Cyrus takes after his dad in his stubbornness. Since he's my only son now, whatever he wants, I'll make it happen at any cost."So, Mayor Hodgson, do you think you could show some grace and kindness? Can you give Cyrus and Lauren your blessing?"Mayor Hodgson's jaw fell. He was confounded by Mandy's proposal, which was no different than daylight robbery."A-Are you kidding me? The news of the marriage has spread through Solana City. We've started ironing out the details. Ms. Lauren is our family now. Why would you meddle in their marriage at this time?" Mandy lowered her gaze as she blew away the loose leaf on the surface of the tea. Looking nonchalant, she quipped, "But they aren't engaged yet, are they? You aren't hosting a grand ceremony for the
The guests blinked in disbelief. Those invited to the party understood that the event was set up for Freddy and Lauren. To be frank, the guests were merely there as supporting characters.They could not believe their eyes when Cyrus openly invited Freddy's fiancée to a dance. More surprisingly, she chose Cyrus over Freddy without hesitation.It made sense that a woman would prefer Cyrus, given his wealth, family background, and good looks. However, the Hodgsons and the Becketts were in the stage of discussing marriage. Lauren's action had only humiliated the Hodgsons in public.Under the lights from the opulent crystal chandelier, Cyrus stared right into Lauren's eyes. The people around them danced around with ease. They were the only couple who stood stiffly like two logs. If this went on, Cyrus knew he'd soon be a standing joke."Um, Cyrus, aren't we going to dance?" Lauren asked him softly as she blinked.Cyrus, the police chief, sweated profusely. Gulping, he admitted, "I… I d
"How could she dance with another man in public? What does she take me as?" Freddy grumbled.Javier frowned in displeasure. "Stop spewing nonsense. It was Cyrus who forced her to dance. How could you blame it on her?"You should blame yourself instead for dawdling. By not claiming your place by her side from the start, you gave a chance to the other guys.""What are you saying? I was the first to approach her!" Feeling anxious and furious, Freddy shook from head to toe. "Your daughter took Cyrus' hand right before me! You might not have seen it, but I saw it clearly with my own two eyes!"Freddy attracted the attention of the guests around him after he raised his voice at Javier. Fortunately, the blaring music drowned out his speech.After being confronted, Javier's expression crumpled. He fixed a piercing gaze at Freddy, whose heart sank.At that moment, Freddy finally came to understand how frightening and intimidating the chairman of the Beckett Group could be. Even Jasper was
"Thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Taylor." Lauren shyly blushed.Cyrus stood in silence behind Mandy. He fixed an intense gaze on Lauren without once looking away.Meanwhile, Mandy, with a friendly smile, removed the emerald bracelet from her wrist and put it on Lauren's without warning. She remarked, "I showed up in haste and didn't have time to prepare a gift for you. I hope you don't mind this gift."Rory gasped in shock at Mandy's generosity. Did she just casually gift Lauren the emerald bracelet worth tens of millions?Rory was moved by Mandy's magnanimity. "No, Mrs. Taylor. I can't accept the gift. It's too expensive." Lauren proceeded to remove the bracelet, but Mandy stopped her. "Hey, do not decline gifts from your elders."Besides, the Taylors never take back what we gifted. I'll be upset if you refuse to accept my gift.""Well… Thank you, then." Lauren blushed again as she carefully held the bracelet. Mandy was tickled by her adorable action. At that moment, she u