Chapter 281
Aaron, the Grant family suddenly has a party. Is there something important happening that I need to dress up for!” Ellie asked, glancing down at her relaxed trousers and short top
Aaron, looking effortlessly charming in a sleek, casual suit, stood under the crystal chandelier. “Since it’s a party, it shouldn’t be too formal. Go change. I’ll wait for you in the car,” he suggested before heading out of the living room.
An hour later, the siblings pulled up at the Grant Manor. Stepping out of the car and noticing a row of hesury cars at the entrance, Ellie exchanged a
look with Aaron
Earber that afternoon, Lacey had told her that Mark had agreed to a secret marriage, which they were keeping quiet. But this extravagant setup felt more like a wedding that was missing only a red carpet and a veil.
Aaron was guided by Declan into a group of elders as they entered the hall. “Come on, let me introduce you to everyone.” Declan then said elders. This is Aaron, my brightest student”
to the
Aaron stood beside Declan with ease, shaking hands with the guests. “Today’s meal feels a bit rushed, Aaron, could you u assist me in hosting Declan
asked
“Don’t worry. Mr. Grant. I’ll help out Aaron replied confidently
Meanwhile, Ellie stood arm in arm with Diana, watching Aaron work hard entertaining guests beside Declan. She shifted her gaze to take in the sprawling hall which boasted nearly a hundred tables. Not too far away, Alex stood out in a striking black outfit.
Leaning against a window, he held a regal Maine Coon cat in his arms while Layton sat beside him, holding a child. Nearby, a few young wealthy guests were engaged in hushed conversations.
Suddenly. Alex’s eyes flickered in their direction, locking momentarily with Ellie’s before she quickly looked away. “Diana, it’s past eight. Where are Mark and Lacey!” Ellie asked, her eyes darting around.
“They should be here soon, Mark is usually on time, Diana answered, peering eagerly towards the en
entrance.
In the garden of the Grant Mansir, Lacey twisted the fabric of Mark’s sleeve, anxiety written all over her face. “Mark, why are there so many cars at the entrance?”
Mark calmly held Lacey’s wrist and replied, “We have a lot of family members, they probably all drove themselves.”
Lacey’s sharp eyes darted around Mark grasped her hand tightly. Her knees were slightly buckling as she hesitated to move forward. “Mark, I think I’ve spotted members of the four prominent families here,” she murmured
Mark turned her head, studying her closely. “Maybe you’ve been on your phone too much today, I can’t see anyone.” he lied, the two of them tugging at each other as they made their way to the main hall
Peeking through the glass doors, Lacey gasped at the sea of guests inside, nearly collapsing under the weight of her nerves, “Mark, let’s just postpone this I’m really feeling anxious.” She tried to push past him, wanting to escape.
With a steady expression, Mark replied, “Your family are all inside. Are you really going to leave them hanging!”
Jarry turned back towards him, her eyes filled with tears. “Mark,” she called out
Unfazed, Mark said, “Since we’re already here, we might as well make the best of it. You don’t need to do anything special, just nod at whatever I say”
Lacey hesitated, and Mark said “You made the bet and set the stakes. I’ve lost to you all these years, and I’ve accepted all the bets. Given the long- standing friendship between our families, I don’t want to pressure you.
“If you truly don’t want to do this, just return the things I gave you, and we can get a divorce.”
“That’s absolutely out of the question, Lacey interrupted, her voice firm. The things I’ve won from you are rightfully mine; you can’t just take them back?
“Then that means you’ve surrendered yourself to me” Mark extended his hand toward Lacey, “What’s your decision! Are you coming in with me?” After deliberating for a minute. Larry finally placed her hand into Mark’s open palm. “If you can’t unage a smile, we should leave so our elders won’t worry” Mark added, observing her closely.
Lacey forced a smile, an exaggerated grin offered to Mark. Mack smirked slightly
ded her through the door into the hall.
guided
As they stepped inside, a chorus of cheers erupted. Colorful Bower petals fell from the second floor like butterflies, transforming the white floor into a vivid tapestry.
“Mark” Lacey yelped in surprise, quickly hiding behind him.
1/2
*
Chapter 251
Mark was unfared and pulled her closer. “You usually don’t scare easily, this shouldn’t rattle you”
Nearby, Nalami asked Layton, “Darling has Lacey really gone shy?”
shy?” Layton nearly laughed “More like she’s guilty?
“What a playful girl. She simply wouldn’t listen. She has lost herself entirely,” Layton teased, ensuring his daughters in the stroller were covered.
Stop changing diapers and take your sister out sometimes to test her 10” Alex said with a smirk, scratching his cat.
“Alex, keep your cat away from my husband.” Nalani shot back, annoyed at the thought of her husband being harassed by Alex at odd hours,
Alex replied playfully. “Why are you getting upset about my son if you can’t control your husband?
“Layton, you should marry Alex. We’ll clear the way for you three,” Nalani urged her husband, pushing the stroller along
Layton looked at Alex asking, “What’s with your attitude”
“Because you’re too nice, Alex responded, though his eyes remained fixated on Ellie in the distance.
He bent down to gently place Luck on the floor before discreetly trailing after Luck toward Ellie. Spotting Alex’s eagerness, Barry hurried to catch
up
DID!”
Following his gaze toward several middle–aged men chatting,
Alex took a few steps before Nancy intercepted him. She asked, “What are you up she felt relieved.
“I want to introduce you to so
to someone,” Nancy insisted, pulling Alex toward a side room.
Moments later, a distressed girl hurried out from the side room, followed by two older women. Nancy remained still, observing her son leave the room with a calm demeanor.
“Did you harass that girl?” Nancy asked, crossing her arms
Alex’s lips twitched “Mom, do you really think so poorly of me?
Nancy gritted her teeth. “Did you say something silly to her?”
Tm just being truthful, and she couldn’t handle it. If we were to really share our lives together, wouldn’t she eventually stab me in the back?” Alex stuffed his hands into the pockets of his suit as Jais piercing eyes scanned the party crowd.
Nancy was clearly frustrated. “You scoundrel. I worked hard to find a good match for you, and what did you say to that girl? She left in tears after just a few minutes”
Alex shrugged. “I just said that the had too much hyaluronic acid in her face, I was worried that if we had a child, they might look like a toad”
