Chapter 473

Brandon, convinced of his own charm, was unprepared for Lily's unmoved expression. She glanced at Alexander and said thoughtfully, "I think you'd better ask him to leave."

"Huh?" This was a significant setback for Brandon. Stunned, he protested, "No! Hey, beauty, I really don't eat much. No, I don't need to eat! Alex, you can't be so ruthless. Consider our relationship, Alex"

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Are you leaving by yourself, or do you want Edward to send you?"

"Don't! Please don't!" Brandon pleaded. He'd been carried by Edward twice; a third time would be mortifying, even without gossip. An idea struck him. "My dear beautiful sister-in-law, I'm here to deliver a wedding gift. Don't you think it's inappropriate to evict your guest like this?!"

Lily looked at Alexander suspiciously. He cleared his throat and placed a prawn on her plate. "Yes, since we've confirmed our relationship, we should hold the wedding soon. Don't you think so, my dear?"

Brandon felt a shiver run down his spine at Alexander's endearment.

Lily instantly understood. The news of their engagement had apparently spread since their return from the Lodge family, necessitating a public announcement. Mentally prepared, she had no reservations about making their relationship official.

"Where's this wedding gift?" she asked, looking at Brandon and extending her hand.

Brandon, momentarily stunned, laughed awkwardly. "I came in a hurry, so"

"Aren't you the one who said you were here to give us a wedding gift?" Lily ate elegantly, finding him rather amusing. It was, she realized, her first interaction with someone other than Edward since being with Alexander—a novel experience.

Before she could elaborate, Brandon quickly interjected, "Yes, that's right! However, I only heard the news on my way here. I wasn't sure if you two were actually getting married, so I didn't bring a gift. Don't worry," he assured her, "I won't skimp. I'll prepare a magnificent wedding gift. You'll be satisfied!"

He patted his chest, eager to prolong his visit. He'd finally seen her; leaving now would be a shame. Her beauty was striking. He'd been captivated by her earlier in the kitchen, but now, showered and refreshed in an avocado-green dress, her freshly washed hair cascading over her shoulders, she was even more alluring. A subtle fragrance emanated from her. Her laughter, her playful demeanor, her earlier resoluteness—she was unlike any woman he'd ever met. He saw, in her, a remarkable woman—a true treasure, Alexander had found.

"Okay," Lily chuckled. "What's this magnificent gift? Can you guarantee our satisfaction?"

"You'll be satisfied!" Brandon declared confidently. All women, he believed, appreciated jewelry, handbags, and clothes; it was simply a matter of spending enough money. He might not excel in other areas, but pleasing women was his forte.

After taking a sip of soup, Lily asked, "If we're not satisfied?"

"If you're not satisfied" Brandon glanced at Alexander, who remained silent, clearly relinquishing control to Lily.