Helen, on the other hand, allowed a flicker of disappointment to crease her brow. Vanessa’s words didn’t anger her as much as they disgusted her. Slowly but deliberately, Helen stepped forward. The crowd parted for her as if she were royalty, her silk gown brushing the marble floor with every step. When she reached Adrian’s side, she slipped her arm through his and turned to Vanessa with a smile sharp enough to draw blood.“Oh, Vanessa,” she said sweetly, though her eyes gleamed like blades. “Why do you scream with so much intentionality, yet slander your ex-husband’s name? I know Adrian’s character. He’s no gold digger.” Her smile widened, every word cutting deeper. “In fact, I should thank you. If you hadn’t ditched him, I wouldn’t have this outstanding boyfriend.” She leaned into Adrian ever so slightly, her cheek brushing his shoulder, as if to twist the knife she had just driven into Vanessa’s pride.The hall gasped. Phones snapped more and more and more photos. Reporters nearly c

Dinner had been a quiet affair, the kind where too much lingered unsaid between bites. Afterward, Helen took it upon herself to drive Adrian and Aria alone to a modest apartment the Cross family had arranged as a temporary spot. John had promised a villa was being prepared, but for now, this was home. Adrian couldn’t help but notice—it was still twice the size of the house he used to share with Vanessa. Twice as much space, twice as much silence, thrice as much peace.Inside, Aria padded in on small feet, setting her beloved bunny on the counter like she was claiming the territory for herself. Adrian’s eyes softened at the sight before turning to Helen. Aria’s sweet voice cut through the temporarily awkward silence, “Thanks for everything, Helen. I like you so much already.”The words caught Helen off guard. Her cheeks warmed, and she laughed nervously, brushing it off. “Aw, sweetie. It’s nothing,” she said, though her smile lingered softer, warmer than she meant it to. Her composure

Helen listened as Aria narrated the full story and she was disgusted and angry.She rose to her full height, her red dress flowing around her like a banner, her eyes blazing with fury. “You’re out of line,” she said, her voice cutting like glass as she stepped toward Mrs. Larson. The crowd instinctively pulled back, giving her space. Aria clung to her side, tears streaking her cheeks, the very image of a child wronged.Mrs. Larson crossed her arms, her chin jutted high, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes. Helen didn’t miss it. “Apologize to Aria. Now,” Helen commanded. Her tone left no room for debate.Gasps rippled through the crowd. Helen wasn’t just defending Aria —she was challenging the unspoken rules of their little social hierarchy. Aria buried her face in Helen’s side, her small hand gripping Helen’s dress. Helen rested a hand on the girl’s shoulder, steadying her, her voice still hard. “And you,” she turned sharply to the teacher, “you should be ashamed of yourself

The drive to the Cross estate was silent at first, the roaring sound of the engine filling the car. Outside, the city blurred past, glass towers of New York City giving way to sprawling gardens as they neared the family villa. By the time they passed through the golden ornate gates, Adrian could already see lanterns strung along the courtyard, servants and maids bustling to and fro with trays and decorations. The entire estate shimmered with expectation. He smiled calmly.Helen pulled the car to a stop before the grand hall. From the wide staircase, dozens of figures stood waiting. Uncles, aunts, young children –all impeccably and beauitfully dressed, their eyes sharp with curiosity. The Cross family was a sea of shiny, polished shoes and tailored suits, every eye turning toward the car as the engine quieted.Helen stepped out first, her presence commanding attention. Then Adrian followed, his figure modest beside her. They left their car with the valets, who then drove it to the gara

Beside John Cross, Adrian leaned closer, lowering his voice so only John could hear. “Why wasn’t I told about this beforehand?” His brows furrowed, his tone calm but edged with steel. He wasn’t exactly pleased yet. This whole spectacle caught him off guard. John hesitated. For the first time that evening, his face cracked with embarrassment. His voice dropped. “Master, years ago, Aaron West, head of your prominent family, promised that you would marry one of my granddaughters. When I saw how Helen looked at you… I took the liberty of arranging it. I.. i am terribly sorry if you feel offended.”Adrian’s breath caught in his lungs. He stared at John, stunned. He searched his words, but only silence came out first. Finally, he swallowed hard and whispered, “I won’t contradict you in front of them. But I’ll definitely confirm everything with my grandfather.” His tone was calm, but final. His eyes did not waver.John’s lips pressed tight, but he gave a small nod.The whispering did not go