Felicia felt dazed, her eyes betraying a confusion she hadn't had time to mask. Seeing her reaction, Arnold smirked mockingly. "Felicia, after careful consideration, since you're so determined to marry me, I'll grant your wish. But don't ever expect me to look at you again."

Wasn't she the one who'd insisted she didn't want to marry him? Wasn't she the one who'd repeatedly ignored him and even dared to strike him? Well, fine. He'd have ample opportunity for revenge.

Arnold gestured to his bodyguards, sneering, "What are you waiting for? Get Mrs. Lawson into the car. The banquet's about to start."

"Yes, Mr. Lawson," they replied, immediately flanking Felicia, grasping her arms, and escorting her toward the vehicle.

Her eyes blazed with anger. She was no match for their strength, but if she didn't resist, would she simply become bound to Arnold, destined to repeat her mistake and be imprisoned by him? As she pondered this, she was shoved into the car. Arnold followed, ordering, "Drive."

The motorcade sped toward Pristine Hall, a wedding venue in Khogend. Upon arrival, Felicia was immediately ushered into a dressing room to change into her gown, a makeup artist already waiting. Bodyguards stood guard at the entrance, preventing any escape. This was all Matthew's doing.

Arnold scoffed at the excessive precautions, deeming them unnecessary. He didn't believe Felicia would attempt to flee; her claims of unwillingness were merely a ploy to lure him in. Soon, the curtain was drawn aside, and an announcement echoed, "Mrs. Lawson is ready. She may proceed to the banquet hall."

Arnold, lounging on a couch, lazily looked up. His gaze froze. Felicia looked stunning. The fiery red gown accentuated her slender waist, her hair swept up to reveal an elegant collarbone. Subtle makeup highlighted her features, her bright eyes sparkling with captivating charm. Her icy demeanor, paradoxically, was utterly mesmerizing.

It took a moment for Arnold to recover, realizing he'd been staring. Clearing his throat, he stood, casually saying, "Let's go."

The engagement banquet was already underway. The Lawson family had invited influential guests from various industries. Matthew, in high spirits, personally greeted them, chuckling heartily while discreetly sending people to check on Felicia, fearing her escape.

While Felicia longed to flee, she needed the right moment. So, when Arnold commanded her, she surprisingly complied, following him into the main hall. The hall was crowded; the bodyguards couldn't shadow her constantly, offering ample opportunities to slip away. However, to Arnold, her compliance appeared as pure excitement.

He sneered, mockingly, "So you're not going to pretend you don't want to marry me anymore?"

Felicia pursed her lips, about to retort, when Arnold's phone buzzed with a text from Kayla. He glanced at it, his expression shifting instantly. The message contained a single image: Kayla's self-inflicted wrist wound.

Without hesitation, Arnold abandoned everything and rushed out. The bodyguards, monitoring Felicia, were momentarily stunned. Matthew had ordered them to watch Felicia, but with Arnold gone, their instructions were unclear.