Chapter 21
Melinda’s jaw nearly hit the floor at the scene.
Over the years, the Lambert family had milked plenty of benefits from the Lynch family thanks to Laurel and
Land George’s engagement
If the marriage fell through, not only would they lose their golden connection to the Lynches, but they’d also risk ticking off George’s family.
Upsetting Roderick was one thing, but crossing George? That was a whole different ballgame.
Everyone knew George was the frontrunner to take over as the Lynch family head someday,
“Laurel must’ve lost her mind, tossing George aside to chase after Roderick, Melinda thought. She clenched her fists, barely resisting the urge strangle Laurel
The only person smiling in the Lambert family was Regina. She practically glowed with joy when she spotted Laurel strolling in with that notorious playboy. Roderick.
Who would’ve thought? Laurel, the so–called clever one, pulling such a stupid stunt right when it counts the most, Regina thought with glee.
‘First, she screws up the engagement party, and now, she’s flaunting her thing with Oslonia City’s notorious playboy right in front of the Lynches.
I didn’t even have to lift a finger. She’s digging her own grave. Laurel, I can’t believe you’d fall this low. Don’t worry–Fll make sure to sweet–talk everyone about you later and tie you nice and tight to that playboy!
Meanwhile, George’s parents–especially his mother, Prunella–looked like they’d swallowed something bitter.
Prunella had already been upset yesterday when word got out that Laurel intentionally sabotaged the engagement party.
Still, considering her son’s questionable behavior, she’d been willing to let it slide if Laurel showed up today and apologized sincerely
After all, Laurel was no ordinary fiancée. In just two years, she had turned George into Oslonia City’s most eligible bachelor and even won Warwick’s approval for him.
Laurel by his side, George had a real shot at becoming the Lynch family head in just five years.
but Prunella had expected Laurel to come crawling with an apology, not to waltz in cozying up to George’s biggest rival. Laurel and Roderick acting all close was nothing short of a slap in her face.
Before Hill could say anything. Prunella broke the silence. “It’s clear the Lambert family never taught their daughter a thing about decency.
“Engaged to my son, yet shamelessly hanging all over another man? And they call her Oslonia City’s top socialite? What a joke”
Laurel glanced at Prunella, her expression calm but unreadable.
Prunella wasn’t exactly beautiful–plain, really, compared to the other women in high society–but her gentle, approachable demeanor had always made her seem warm and kind
In her previous life, that façade was one of the reasons Laurel had gone all out to help George.
Knowing the Lamberts were strict with Laurel, Prunella had gone out of her way to show kindness.
She’d even bought Laurel an expensive thoroughbred after learning she loved horseback riding, saying she only wanted Laurel and George to be happy together.
Her concern had felt genuine, and over time, Laurel had come to see her as a second mother.
But in the end, it was Prunella who persuaded her to take the fall for George’s mistakes. When Laurel looked back, it was obvious–George w every bit his mother’s son. They were both masters of manipulation.
Laurel’s gaze shifted away from Prunella and sended on Warwick, seated at the head of the room
“I’m sorry for keeping everyone waiting,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “My father reminded me yesterday to come and apologize, but something urgent caine up”
She turned to Roderick with a playful pout. “This is your fault. You said it’s a happy occasion, so no one would mind if we were a little late. Now
Chapter 21
look, you’ve made everyone anxious.
Hearing Laurel’s words, everyone froze, confused about what “happy occasion” she could possibly mean.
George, however, zeroed in on the look she had just given Roderick, a sinking feeling twisting in his chest.
Laurel had always been composed and poised in front of him–or confident and resolute when the situation called for it. But she had never shown this kind of playful, flirtatious side.
That glance just now, with her eyes full of charm, had him completely hooked. For a moment, he found himself imagining how it would feel if she had looked at him like that instead.
Laurel noticed George’s lingering gaze and briefly met his eyes before turning away.
In that split–second, her expression was cold, distant, and unmistakably laced with disdain.
The warmth and affection she’d shown Roderick moments ago were nowhere to be found. It was as if she had spent the last five years with Roderick, not him
George’s jaw clenched, and a flicker of anger sparked inside him. Laurel obviously has feelings for me. So why is she acting like this! This doesn’t make sense, he thought.
Standing nearby. Regina wasn’t oblivious to George’s fixed stare. Her fingers curled into her palms, nails biting into her skin as she seethed silently.
She had also caught Laurel’s coquettish look at Roderick and thought bitterly. Not only is she prettier than me, but now, she’s pulling this vixen act, stringing men along like it’s a game. What a shameless bitch”
Meanwhile, Roderick, caught off guard by Laurel’s sudden performance, froze for a a moment. But when he noticed her subtle signal, he quickly caught on and played along.
Turning to face her slightly, he smiled indulgently and said. “You’re right. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have kept them waiting”
The affectionate tone in his voice and the way he seemed utterly doting–made George’s face darken further, and the rest of the room wasn’t much different.
Do they even realize where they are! Flaunting their relationship like this in front of the Lynch family, in front of Warwick, of all people, huh? they thought.
Warwick himself remained stoic, his face betraying no emotion.
On the other hand, Winona and Sienna exchanged amused glances, clearly more entertained than shocked.
Winona glanced around and was the first to speak, her tone warm and curious. “Laurel, you mentioned a happy occasion. Come on, tell us what’s the good news! Don’t leave me in suspense.”
Unlike most in the Lynch family, Winona had no objections to Laurel ruining the engagement party and being with Roderick instead. In fact, she silently approved of Laurel’s actions.
George might’ve been her grandson, but she wasn’t blind to the shady things he and his father Elliot had done behind the scenes,
Knowing about George’s ambiguous relationship with Regina, Winona had little patience for the hypocrisy.
Plus, she had watched as Prunella and Bill tried to
tried to pin the engagement party disaster entirely on Laurel, and it only added to her disapproval.
Laurel smiled shyly. “Roderick and I registered our marriage earlier today”
The room exploded into chaos.
Bill, in particular, shot to his feet, his face a mask of disbelief, “What did you just say? You you registered your marriage!”
Before Laurel could respond. George cut in, his expression grim, “Laurel, I get it. Maybe you misunderstood my relationship with Regina and got upset. Maybe you don’t want to go through with our engagement anymore.
“Fine. But you’re
e still my fiancée. You can’t just throw out claims like this. If word gets out, it’ll humiliate both of our families.”
He turned to glance pointedly at Roderick. “And what about him! Roderick’s still single. Making a joke like this could ruin his reputation, too.”
2/3
Chapers 25
The room wet silent, but the unspoken tension hung heavy. George’s words sounded polite on the surface, but everyone who knew him could
He by accused Laurel of sabotaging the engagement party out of jealousy and even dismissed his “relationship” with Regina as a harmless
understanding
As for his mark about Roderick’s reputation? That was pure irony. Everyone in Oslonia City knew Roderick was a notorious playboy whose
ahrady tar beyond saving
George was subtly hinting to Laurel that even if he had something going on with Regina, he was still far more respectable than the notorious
Roderick couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. George just can’t resist getting a jab in, can he? It’s almost pathetic, he thought.
Wong
a beat Rodenck draped an arm around Laurel and pulled her closer to his side, his smirk widening “Laurel, you’re ruining my
Leon here. What do you think we should do about it?”
