Chapter 5

The party commenced, and the guests took their seats. They offered their blessings to Grandpa, who responded politely with small talk.

As I gazed at Matthew seated across from me, Jeffrey interrupted me.

Dismissing his cousin, who seldom visited, he murmured to me, "I can make it up to you for what happened earlier, but you must announce today that Rosalie will join Larson Group. Otherwise, our engagement won't proceed smoothly."

I said nothing and just watched some of the people around me compliment Jeffrey.

Suddenly, Grandpa said solemnly, "My granddaughter isn't little anymore. It's time for her to get married." Grandpa looked at Hector as he spoke.

Jeffrey casually fixed his hair in response.

"Since Hannah and Matthew are in love with each other, I decide to arrange the engagement for them. I'll transfer the shares at the same time. Larson Group will be handed over to Hannah from now on." After Grandpa finished speaking, the guests applauded enthusiastically. Everyone suddenly came to their senses after a long while.

'No. Isn't it supposed to be Jeffrey?'

Jeffrey appeared momentarily shocked. Upon realizing Matthew was being mentioned, he lifted his head and inquired, "Mr. Larson Sr., is there a misunderstanding?"

Hector glanced at him sternly. "Nonsense! Marriage is no joke."

Grandpa clarified that the one to wed into the Larson family was Matthew.

A hush fell over the room—no one dared to speak.

To lighten the mood, I stood up and expressed gratitude to Hector. "I've always wished for the union of our families. Thank you for your blessing, Mr. Zachary Sr."

Hector regarded me warmly, visibly pleased.

To everyone's surprise, Jeffrey suddenly exclaimed, "This can't be! Matthew? How is that possible? There must be a mix-up!"

He sprang to his feet, hurried over to Hector, and incredulously questioned, "Grandpa, this can't be right. You must have made a mistake, didn't you say I was going to marry Hannah?"

Hector sadly shook his head. "Forcing a union won't lead to happiness. Hannah has chosen Matthew."

Hearing this, Jeffrey immediately turned back to me, hopeful. "Hannah, you must have misunderstood, right? You chose me that day. Our grandfathers must have misheard, right?"

I could not help but chuckle and replied coldly, "No, I have always chosen Matthew. Jeffrey, why did you assume I would pick you?"

Jeffrey's expression turned to shock as he processed my response. He gazed at me in disbelief, taking a step back and accidentally bumping into a table. Suddenly, as if awakening from a trance, he exclaimed, "Ridiculous! You love me. It's well-known that you have feelings for me. How could you choose him—a bastard whose mother was disowned by the family!"

Hector's demeanor swiftly shifted upon hearing this. Feeling remorseful towards his youngest daughter over the years, he wouldn't tolerate Jeffrey's disrespectful words. He promptly scolded the butler next to him. "What are you waiting for? Take Jeffrey home at once!"

The Zachary family members regained their composure and had the bodyguards to pull Jeffrey out.

Realizing the situation was escalating, Jeffrey cried out, "Grandpa, this can't be right! Hannah and I have loved each other for a long time and secretly agreed to be together! Grandpa, are you going to stand by and watch Hannah marry someone else against her wishes?" Jeffrey pleaded desperately, as if grasping at straws.

All the guests turned their heads, and Matthew furrowed his brow upon hearing Jeffrey's outburst.

I stepped forward graciously. "Mr. Zachary Sr., I'm not sure why Jeffrey made that claim. I have always regarded him as a brother. I have never crossed any boundaries or harbored romantic feelings. The individual who reciprocates Jeffrey's love may be my cousin, Rosalie."