ala in high society, with the opulent banquet hall bustling and o

d passed early, and her father had always shown her a cool detachment. It was common knowledge among their circle tha

und herself isolated d

ing she wanted, especially after enduring Clayton's ordeal, which left her feeling physically drai

en? At least keep

o her, his tone hushed yet charged with annoya

uis. You better keep in line, or neither St

proposal last night and hardly slept. I just stepped out to touch up my makeup

What are you implying? Louis is set to be your brother-in-law. Mind your words, and make sure no one else

spent mastering dance, piano, and proper manners-were they all just preparations to au

ok to expand Lawson Group from a simple hardware store with my mother's fortune?

d! Stella has invested so much in you, aiming to secure you a prosper

e truly the type of man who would exploit his o

ife triggered a visceral reaction in h

od

ckly moved to his side. "The Gibsons have just arrived. If you need t

ed the main table designated for the two families. He carried hims

enigmatic and formidable uncle of Louis

as crucial for the Lawson family not to stir any trouble. Cody's aspirati

urting favor with Clayton, who wielded con

re! I've been looking fo

rolled over to Clayton, his hand

in construction materials. I'm confident that joining forces would bene

pletely disregarding his compliments. Clayton took his seat at

g, so gifted... and quite the character," Cody noted, his expression stiff. Ne

a returned to their seats, instantl

h things over when somet

ed frown on his face. "Uncle C