"Aurora is a child I’ve always been fond of, and everyone here knows her abilities," Diana said firmly.

"Edwin, you’ve been away and don’t know this, but Father has already given her an imperial emerald bracelet, along with the heirloom that symbolizes the Carter matriarch. She is officially our family’s daughter-in-law. I hope you’ll show her the respect she deserves. She’s your niece-in-law as well.”

Philip also gave Edwin a disapproving look.

At that moment, Edwin felt completely isolated. He waved his hand helplessly. “Alright, alright, no need to be so serious. I’ll just avoid making that kind of joke again.”

“It would be best if you didn’t,” Philip said bluntly.

His stance was clear to everyone in the room. He stood firmly on Aurora’s side, even at the cost of contradicting his youngest and most pampered son.

The guests exchanged glances, realizing Aurora truly had skill. She had barely entered the Carter family, yet already half of them were standing by her.

From now on, they would have to tread carefully when speaking to her, minding every word.

Tessa’s hands curled into tight fists as she watched. She had counted on Edwin to put Aurora in her place, at least enough to keep her from flaunting so triumphantly.

But now it was clear her hopes were in vain. Too many people were defending her–even Philip stood behind her without hesitation, disregarding the son he adored most. Why? What was so special about Aurora? Tessa couldn’t make sense of it.

Even Aaron couldn’t help but sigh. “This is the first time I’ve seen Mr. Philip defend someone like this. The world always said his favorite was Edwin, but now… not so much.”

He added, half in awe, “Looks like our future matriarch has quite the charm. Best to stay on her good side.”

The next moment, Aaron shifted the topic and turned to Tessa. “Don’t you agree?”

Tessa quickly smoothed the malice from her expression and nodded awkwardly. “You’re right, Aaron.”

The way she softly said his name made his heart melt. To him, Tessa was exactly his type. Meeting a woman he truly liked in this lifetime felt rare, and he wanted nothing more than to keep her by his side.

Chapter 1398 +25 BONUS

But Tessa never took him seriously. To her, he was nothing more than a stepping stone–not worth her true feelings.

At this banquet, Aurora was without question the star. All eyes were on her. Lucas and the others clustered around, speaking to her with warmth and concern. Even Edwin, once the most indulged, had become a sidelined figure.

It was a scene none of them had witnessed before, leaving them at a loss for how to comfort Edwin. After all, what could be said? What others possessed, he lacked. What others didn’t have, he still lacked. There was no comfort to offer. Though momentarily out of favor, his life and position were still far above theirs.

Watching Aurora surrounded by Philip and the others, Edwin propped his chin on his hand, a faint, knowing smile tugging at his lips. It seemed this woman was far more formidable than he had imagined. Sooner or later, he would have to come up with a plan.