Chapter 122
Chapter 122
Felicity stepped out of Chloe’s room, only to see Grithin approaching with a rather unpleasant expression
The moment Griffin caught sight of Felicity and the now–closed door behind her, he halted in his tracks and gestured for her to come over.
The two of them made their way to the spacious and lavish balcony.
Felicity rested her hand on Griffin’s arm. “What’s wrong with you? Today is Chloe’s big day, and a great day for the Stewart Family too. Why the long face?”
“If only it were truly a day worth celebrating, Griffin muttered, his expression dark as he walked over to the ornately carved railing, placing both hands on it and gazing ahead. “Do you know why the Baker Family suddenly agreed to accept Chloe? Why they were willing to meet with us and discuss the marriage between our children?”
Felicity spoke without hesitation. “Because Ethan is head over heels for Chloe. He won’t marry anyone else. And besides, the Baker Family and the Stewart Family already had a marriage agreement in place. Sure, the Stewart Family isn’t as powerful as the Baker Family anymore, but the contract still stands. They have to honor it.”
Unless, of course, the Baker Family was willing to throw their reputation away and become the laughingstock of the high society in Virelia.
Or unless they were prepared to offer proper compensation. But that all depended on whether Ethan was willing to walk away from the engagement.
And even before Ethan knew Chloe’s true identity, he was completely, hopelessly obsessed with her. He didn’t even care about Sophia, though she had pursued him for three years. Ethan was utterly, madly in love with Chloe.
Griffin shot Felicity a look, feeling, for the first time, utterly exasperated by his wife’s ignorance. “If it were that simple, they would have shown up at the banquet we threw for Chloe.”
That night, all the elite in Virelia had attended, except for Howard and Gloria. Their absence had been a blatant display of disdain for Chloe, a clear message to the Stewart Family.
In go after the
If Ethan hadn’t made such a grand gesture of devotion, Griffin would have used that banquet as an excuse to go Baker Family for compensation.
“Women always think so simplistically,” Griffin said, his fingers tightening around the railing, his brows furrowing deeply. “I’ve heard that the Baker Family has run into some trouble recently, serious trouble. They’ve been trying to keep it under wraps, but word has leaked”
Felicity’s eyes widened in shock. “So… does that mean they’re trying to use the Stewart Family to help them out of this
mess?”
Griffin’s face remained grim as he gave a slow nod.
Felicity’s brows knit together. “That’s insane! You just said their troubles aren’t small. If the Baker Family can’t even handle it themselves, what could we possibly do to help?”
If things had reached this point, it could only mean one thing. The Baker Family was in such deep trouble that they might not even be in a better position than the Stewart Family anymore.
In this situation, moving forward with the marriage agreement would only drag the Stewart Family down with them.
Felicity clutched Griffin’s arm tightly, her delicate, well–manicured fingers pressing against his sleeve. “No way. If the Baker Family is in trouble, Chloe absolutely cannot marry into that family. We need to cancel tonight’s dinner, right now.”
She turned sharply, ready to head back inside to find Chloe..
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Chapter 122
But Griffin grabbed her arm, frustration mounting at his wife’s inability to see the bigger picture. The Baker Family was never happy with Chloe’s background, yet they never formally rejected the marriage. Do you know why?” he asked, his tone heavy with meaning. “It has nothing to do with how much Ethan loves Chloe. The real reason is that whichever side wants to break the engagement first will have to pay the price.
Now, the tables had turned. If the Stewart Family wanted to stay out of this mess and sever ties with the Baker Family before their troubles pulled them under, they would have to offer compensation as well.
Felicity looked unsettled, unsure of what to do. “Th–Then what should we do now? Is the Baker Family’s trouble really that
serious?”
“If it were not, they would never have turned to the Stewart Family for help, Griffin said, his eyes deep and thoughtful. “I am afraid the Bakers are trying to use Chloe to get close to the Roscente Family.”
Chloe had a deep bond with Xandra, the Roscente Family’s only daughter. Their friendship was so strong that they had even planned to open a studio together back home.
品
Ethan must have told Howard and Gloria about that. That was why, all of a sudden, they had become so eager and why they had invited the Stewart Family to meet and proactively discuss the engagement.
Felicity was clearly irritated. “Mrs. Baker usually acts all high and mighty, looking down on everyone, always belittling Chloe. But now that she needs Chloe and she realizes the Stewart Family is actually worth something, she is suddenly coming to
“Alright, enough of that. Complaining will not change anything, Griffin snapped, shaking off her hand. “Tonight’s dinner has to happen, but as for the marriage, we will see. Talk to Chloe ahead of time and tell her not to let Ethan sweet–talk her into anything. We need to figure out exactly what kind of trouble the Baker Family is in before we even consider what comes
next.
Felicity was still a little annoyed, but she nodded in agreement. She wasted no time returning to Chloe’s room to tell her everything.
By the time Chloe was ready, Ethan was already waiting in the Stewart Family’s grand hall, chatting warmly with Griffin. Even though Griffin had made it clear to Felicity earlier that the Stewart Family would not be rushing into a marriage with the Baker Family, he did not let a single trace of that show now. Facing Ethan, Grillin appeared as composed and enthusiastic as ever as if he had no clue about the Baker Family’s current predicament.
Felicity and Chloe descended the grand staircase together.
Chloe was dressed in a stunning white gown. The off–shoulder design framed her delicate, slender shoulders, while the expertly placed shadows on her collarbones made them look even more alluring.
The dress was cinched at the waist, highlighting her graceful figure, slim enough to hold with just one hand.
The flowing skirt reached her ankles but featured a high slit. With each step she took, the fabric shifted, revealing glimpses of her long, sculpted legs, a teasing play of concealment and allure.
Her long hair had been elegantly styled into an updo, and a sparkling tiara sat atop her head, giving her the appearance of a noble princess, elegant and breathtaking.
Even Ethan, who had seen more than his fair share of beautiful women, was momentarily stunned at the sight of her.
“Hey, C
Chloe,” Ethan said as he rose to his feet, his gaze locked onto her.
Chloe felt her face heat up under his intense stare. She quickly walked toward him in matching heels and took his arm. “Ethan, you are here.”
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“Chloe, you look absolutely stunning tonight, Ethan said, his compliment entirely genuine.
Chloe lowered her gaze shyly, her voice carrying a soft, playful lilt. “Ethan, you are teasing me again.”
Ethan let out a low chuckle. “I am just telling the truth.”
Watching the two of them acting so sweet together, Griffin and Felicity exchanged a look.
