Chapter 24: Under the Spotlight of Deception
Victoria truly lived up to her status as Scott’s chosen fiancée for Easton. Born into privilege, she effortlessly attracted love and affection, things that Ellis couldn’t attain even in a different life.
Was she jealous of Victoria? Of course, she was. At this moment, her jealousy had turned to disgust. Ellis loathed how Easton had completely disregarded her dignity by embracing Victoria, making her the laughingstock of the room.
Carly’s repeated glances only deepened her despair, plunging her heart into an icy abyss. Has Carly ever seen me as a daughter? Or was I merely a tool?
The tension in the air was about to reach its peak when Carly swiftly stepped forward, pulling Victoria away from Easton’s embrace. With an unwavering smile, she turned to her adoptive daughter, saying, “Ellis, come over here.”
Under the gaze of so many, it was impossible for Ellis to ignore Carly or embarrass her. She reluctantly took step after heavy step toward Scott. “Grandfather, happy birthday. May your life be as long as the mountains and your blessings as vast as the sea.”
As she spoke, Ellis struggled to maintain her composure, deliberately avoiding any glance at Easton or Victoria.
Yet Victoria, seemingly unable to stand being ignored, spoke up with a sweet voice, “Easton arrived early today. Since Ms. Ellis is Easton’s wife, why did she arrive so late? And didn’t you bring a gift for grandfather?”
Her sickly sweet tone made Ellis feel nauseous. Easton? Really? Ellis thought in disgust as she eyed Victoria from head to toe, barely restraining the urge to roll her eyes. Lover? More like Easton’s exclusive wench!
Carly’s gaze briefly darkened as she glanced at Victoria. Still smiling, she said, “Ms. Victoria, that’s not quite right. Easton already gave his gift to Scott. Easton and Ellis are a married couple; what Easton gives is the same as Ellis giving it.”
Under her gentle words was a subtle but firm slap, reminding Victoria not to overstep and to show some respect. For a split second, Victoria’s body leaned toward Easton, her lips pouting in feigned grievance, “Easton, Ms. Carly said I was wrong. Was I really wrong?”
With her words, all eyes fell on the man beside her. Easton’s expression remained unchanged, his emotions as unreadable as ever. His gaze swept over the crowd before his lips parted slightly. “Enough.”
Two simple words, seemingly impartial, but everyone who understood could see that Easton was subtly defending Victoria. Otherwise, why didn’t he stand by Ellis? He hadn’t even given her a second glance.
Ellis’s tightly clenched fists slowly relaxed in a bitter realization. Just moments ago, she foolishly hoped, like before, that Easton might speak up for her. How laughable.
As she tore her gaze away from Easton, she caught sight of Victoria, who looked every bit like a smug victor, her posture resembling that of an arrogant mistress who had yet to succeed in her seduction.
The situation had become quite awkward, but Carly, with her years of experience and unflappable demeanor, wasn’t troubled by such minor issues. She calmly ignored Victoria and stepped forward, taking Ellis’s hand.
Ellis had no idea what Carly intended but couldn’t resist. She played the role of an obedient daughter, trying her best to block out the strange looks from those around her. To her shock, Carly forcefully placed Ellis’s hand into Easton’s and even intertwined their fingers.
With a beaming, filial smile, Carly turned to Scott and said, “Dad, next year, for your birthday, Ellis will definitely give you a great-grandchild as a gift!” Then, looking back at Easton and Ellis, she urged them, “You two must work hard! Don’t let grandfather down. Make sure he becomes a great-grandfather soon!”
Ellis had not expected her mother to bring up having children in such a setting. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Easton’s face. As expected, his lips were pressed into a thin line, clearly suppressing his annoyance.
He was probably furious. His precious Victoria had almost been humiliated, and now Carly was forcing them into this fake act of marital bliss, even pressuring them to have a child in an attempt to secure the Hudson family’s inheritance.
While emotions could be masked, body temperature could not lie. As their fingers intertwined, Ellis could feel no warmth from him, only an endless chill and a hint of disdain.
Before Easton could publicly shake off her hand, Ellis decisively pulled away first, distancing herself from him. If others didn’t respect her, she would still respect herself and avoid further humiliation.
As she thought about how to tactfully brush off Carly’s push for a child, Scott finally spoke. “Young people like to have fun and enjoy their time together. They don’t want to rush into having children too soon. We, as elders, should respect their wishes and not pressure them. They can have children whenever they feel ready.”
On the surface, Scott’s words were perfect, full of respect for Ellis and Easton.