Chapter 16
Ronan and Evelyn immediately grasped their intentions upon seeing the array of gifts. They were more than happy to facilitate the connection.
Lynette took Lillian's hand and showered her with compliments. "Lillian, you're becoming more beautiful with each passing day. It's no wonder Steven is lovesick and unable to focus on anything else."
Evelyn chimed in with a smile, "Steven is a remarkable young man. Lillian can't stop talking about him."
Lillian interjected, "Mom, what nonsense are you talking about? That's not true."
"You see? She's too shy to admit it," Evelyn teased.
"Indeed. A young lady should be reserved," Lynette added with a knowing smile.
The two women exchanged banter, portraying Steven and Lillian as a budding couple deeply infatuated with each other.
Meanwhile, Ronan and Quinton were already discussing future collaborations and ambitious plans after the union.
While Steven was thrilled, Lillian was furious, feeling like no one cared about her feelings.
With a chuckle, Lynette suggested, "Since we're already at this point, let's finalize their marriage."
Evelyn promptly agreed.
Ronan nodded, too. "Let's settle it, then. We'll pick a day for their engagement."
"I'm the one directly involved in this. Why didn't you ask for my opinion?" Lillian demanded.
She felt deeply hurt as she realized her parents were only concerned about their own interests, completely disregarding her feelings.
"Steven is such an outstanding young man. What more is there to hesitate about? This matter is settled," Evelyn stated firmly, leaving no room for Lillian to voice her concerns.
Steven quickly chimed in, "Lillian, please give me a chance. I promise to treat you right and never let you down."
"No, I won't agree to that." Lillian couldn't bring herself to accept her fate. She couldn't marry someone she didn't love.
"You don't have a say in this. Whether you agree or not, you'll have to go along with it," Ronan retorted coldly.
"I'll go talk to Grandpa." Lillian knew she couldn't stand up to them alone. But thankfully, she still had her grandfather, who cherished her deeply.
"I've heard everything you've said," Elijah said as he descended from upstairs.
Lillian rushed over to him, pleading, "Grandpa, they're forcing me into marriage. Please, you have to help me."
Lillian had expected Elijah to come to her defense immediately, but this time, she was wrong. All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.
"Lillian, Steven is a pleasant young man. Why don't you just agree to it?" Elijah suggested.
Ronan and Evelyn, who had been nervous about Elijah's response, suddenly felt ecstatic upon hearing his words.
Lillian stood frozen. She was stunned that even her grandfather wasn't on her side anymore.
"No, I won't agree," Lillian cried, shaking her head in a final act of defiance.
"You don't have a choice. If you refuse, I won't consider you my daughter," Ronan threatened bluntly. Despite his earlier hesitation, with Elijah now supporting him, he had no qualms about his decision.
Feeling utterly defeated, Lillian ran back to her room in tears.
Once again, she was consumed by waves of nausea. She darted into the bathroom and heaved for what seemed like an eternity, but nothing came up.
At that moment, her eyes fell upon the pregnancy test kit. Two crimson lines stared back at her, confirming her worst fear.
The pressure from her family to marry, coupled with her unplanned pregnancy, nearly pushed her to the brink of collapse.
After crying for a while, she made a crucial decision and reached for her phone to dial Sebastian's number.
Meanwhile, Sebastian was seated in his office, listening to Natalie's report.
"Mr. Wilder, we've just been informed that members from the Dragonheart in Islanda and the Novastar Organization in Bandaskar have covertly infiltrated Ravenview City. Their intentions seem to be targeted at you," Natalie reported.
"If they're targeting me, then the situation would be straightforward. I'm concerned they may have other intentions." Sebastian frowned, suspecting that they might have discovered something.
"Besides you, what else in Ravenview City could alarm them?" Natalie asked in confusion.
"Summon Lord Hydra and Lord Cyclops in my name. Swiftly ascertain those people's whereabouts," Sebastian commanded.
Sebastian didn't further explain why he issued that command. His return this time was ostensibly to fulfill his engagement, but in reality, he was searching for a particular treasure hidden in Ravenview City.
This treasure was of immense significance, akin to a national treasure, and must not fall into outsiders' hands.
At first, Sebastian had planned to conduct his search discreetly. However, those people had picked up on something, compelling him to summon Lord Hydra and Lord Cyclops urgently for assistance.