Chapter 4

It was at that moment that Wendy finally seemed to understand. "I understand now, Mrs. Lane. You're only doing this out of respect for the Shaw family…."

Wendy straightened her back and spoke as if she were in charge. "As the Shaw family's future daughter-in-law, I'll make the decision today on behalf of the Lane family. From now on, Cheshire is yours to discipline as you see fit. You can do whatever you want as long as she stays alive. The Shaw family won't interfere."

The people nearby stared at her as if she were insane. They slowly backed away, worried she might drag them down with her.

Mrs. Lane's expression darkened further as she quickly apologized to me, "Ms. Shaw, we would never. Whatever happened today was all a terrible misunderstanding..."

Everyone in the crowd started murmuring when my parents came near, with Joey acting like a scaredy-cat behind them. "What's going on? Why is everyone gathered here?"

Wendy's eyes lit up. She hurried over, her voice sweet and bright. "Mr. Richard! Mrs. Holly..."

Without waiting for my parents to respond, she proudly told them what had happened. "No need to be angry. I've already handled everything."

She then sighed. "Cheshire went too far this time. She fooled around with a man at Holly's birthday party, humiliating the whole family. But everything's fine now. I've already reached an agreement with Jessica, and we can settle the marriage today. We'll send Cheshire to the Lane family tomorrow. If we act before word gets out, we can put this behind us."

She linked her arm through Joey's and blushed. "Speaking of which, Joey and I should settle our marriage soon, too. I know you're eager for a grandson. I've been taking care of myself lately, so I'm sure my first child will be a boy. I understand how important the Shaw family's first grandson will be."

My parents said nothing while Joey pulled his arm away from her as if she were some monster. He was so furious he nearly blacked out. "What have you done?! Have you forgotten everything I warned you about?"

Resentment flashed across Wendy's face. "Joey, you take her far too seriously!"

Her voice was full of fury and irritation. "Do you really think I'd believe that nonsense about Cheshire being the heiress? You're the Shaw family's only son. Your parents would have to be insane to leave the family fortune to a woman!"

My mother gave her a mocking smile. "So, in your eyes, my daughter is an outsider, but you're part of the Shaw family?"

Wendy straightened her back. "Of course."

She turned to me and started lecturing me. "Cheshire, I'll overlook what happened just now. After you marry into the Lane family, you need to be a proper wife and take good care of your husband and his parents. Stop acting like a spoiled heiress. No one there will indulge you anymore."

She then sneered. "A marriage of alliance affects both our families' reputations. If anyone mistreats you, just put up with it. Think about the greater good and stop being so dramatic."

The room fell silent. Two seconds later, my father finally spoke. "That's true. A marriage of alliance is a serious matter."

Wendy's smile widened. Then, my father looked at Joey. "Get yourself prepared, then. Tomorrow, you will meet with Anita, the Lane family's third daughter, and finalize the marriage. Behave yourself after you marry into their family. If anyone mistreats you, put up with it. This is an arranged marriage, so the greater good comes first."

Wendy's smile froze. "No..."

She shook her head violently, and her voice instantly became sharp. "How could you send Joey into an arranged marriage?! Shouldn't it be Cheshire? She's the woman! She's the one who should be married off!"

My father looked surprised. "Cheshire owns forty-three percent of Shaw Group and is the Shaw family's rightful heiress. Why would we marry her off?"