After watching Alaric Davenport leave, Herman Lowell dropped his fawning expression. "Now that it's come to this, just do your duty when you marry into their family. Don't disgrace the Lowell Family."
Rosalind Lowell nodded obediently, much of the blush fading from her face. "Yes, Father."
"The family will still need your help in the future. Don't think you can just wash your hands of us once you're married."
Rosalind Lowell nodded. After a moment of hesitation, she looked up. "Does our previous agreement still stand?"
Herman Lowell's brow furrowed. "What agreement?"
"That I'm marrying him in Faye's place, and in return, all past debts will be cleared."
Herman Lowell suppressed a surge of anger. He almost raised his hand to slap her, but then let it fall, forcibly restraining himself because of the number of people around. "Fine. If you want to sever ties, we'll talk after the company's situation has stabilized. You just make sure you build a proper bridge to the Davenport Family. Once the company is doing well, you can go wherever you please."
...
"Man, after all that talk, you didn't even bat an eye. I thought you were going to be the one to go up there," Skylar Morrison complained.
"I did."
'Fair enough, he did go up on stage.'
"But didn't you say you wouldn't compete with me for her? Some brother you are, screwing me over like this."
"I didn't. She was mine from the start."
"You..." Skylar Morrison let out a breath. "Fine. Now that you're married, treat her well. If you don't, I'm going to steal her back. The best man's spot is mine."
"Mm. No one's fighting you for that."
To outsiders, Skylar Morrison always seemed good-natured, but Alaric Davenport always managed to piss him off royally.
Just then, Skylar Morrison saw Rosalind Lowell walking their way. "Hey, Rosalind..."
"Young Mr. Morrison..." Rosalind Lowell replied with a polite smile.
"Were you forced into this? If you don't want to go through with it, it's not too late to back out. I can take you up on that stage instead."
"You're very amusing, Young Mr. Morrison. Please don't joke around like that."
She unpinned the brooch and handed it to Skylar Morrison. "I was worried I'd lose it if I just carried it in my hand, so I pinned it to my dress. Thank you, Young Mr. Morrison."
"It's okay, you can keep it. My family has plenty. How about you consider it a gift for our first meeting?"
"Thank you, Young Mr. Morrison, I appreciate the thought, but it's too valuable for me to accept." After speaking, she turned to Alaric Davenport, her cheeks flushing again. "Thank you... for before."
She was thanking him for coming to her rescue in front of her adoptive parents, saving her a lot of trouble.
"Mm," Alaric Davenport responded softly.
"Alright, I'll leave you two to it." Skylar Morrison caught a frosty glare from Alaric Davenport, shrugged, and left the "war zone."
"Though we've agreed not to interfere with one another, we should maximize our benefits in public."
"Mr. Davenport, I understand."
"Use my name."
"Huh?" Rosalind Lowell hadn't yet processed his words. 'This Mr. Davenport is so unpredictable.'
She coughed lightly to cover her embarrassment. 'Does he think I'm an idiot?'
Alaric Davenport glanced at her. "Some acquaintances from our circle are having dinner tonight. You'll come with me."
"Okay." Rosalind Lowell lowered her gaze slightly. 'Meeting people from his circle... does that mean I'll need a formal dress?'
'But all of her gowns were hand-me-downs from Faye, old styles she no longer wanted. Would any of them be presentable enough?'
Alaric Davenport noticed her hesitation, his deep eyes unreadable.
...
Faye Lowell was still fuming. Her livestream account had been banned, and since it wasn't often she got to be in such a luxurious place, she was determined to take a few photos to post on social media.
As she passed a lounge area with a good view, she saw a handsome man surrounded by several women, each with a distinct style and perfect posture.
Just as she was about to leave, she heard a woman's voice from behind. "Young Master Davenport, your older brother is getting married. What about you?"
"I'm in no rush."
'Young Master Davenport? Older brother...' Faye Lowell mused. 'The Davenport Family has two sons?'
She deliberately slowed her pace.