Arnold and Felicia? How could it be Felicia?

Kayla stared wide-eyed, disbelieving. She thought she must have misheard. Dexter and Myra, equally astonished, asked uncertainly, "Mr. Lawson Senior, are you speaking of our daughter, Felicia, the one who recently returned?"

"Yes," Matthew replied before all the guests. "Your daughter, Felicia." The phrasing, "your daughter," subtly highlighted his acknowledgment only of her familial status.

Kayla's face paled; she nearly lost control. She almost pointed at Matthew, accusing him of senility. Even Arnold hadn't anticipated his grandfather's actions. He lowered his voice, saying, "Grandpa, what are you talking about? Didn't you come to meet your lifesaver today?"

Matthew's look made his meaning clear—he had already met her.

Arnold froze, remembering Felicia's presence the day his grandfather fell ill. She had saved him. He frowned. If true, her timing was suspiciously perfect. Suspicion of ulterior motives arose.

"Grandpa!" Just as Arnold was about to refuse the marriage, a cool voice cut him off from the back of the crowd.

"I refuse!" Felicia stepped forward, her expression serious.

Matthew smiled, saying nothing. The union, he clearly indicated, was not for the younger generation to decide; it was a matter for the elders.

The Fuller family was Khogend's wealthiest, but wealth wasn't enough. The Lawsons, a prestigious family with a long history, were seeking an alliance, offering the Fullers—and Felicia—considerable gains. Matthew's friendliness stemmed from Felicia saving his life. Kindly, he said, "Don't worry. Once you marry into the Lawson family, I guarantee no one will dare bully you!" He pointed at Arnold. "Not even this kid!"

Was this gratitude? To Felicia, it felt more like revenge.

Felicia's fury bordered on laughter. In her past life, the families had easily united, binding her and Arnold. She'd had feelings for Arnold then, offering no opposition. This time, it wouldn't happen.

"I refuse," Felicia stated, her expression icy, her tone harsher. "Mr. Lawson Senior, if you truly wish to repay my debt, simply pay me. There's no need for this disgusting method of revenge!"

Arnold's face darkened. Her words—a disgusting method of revenge—revealed her revulsion, the marriage felt like punishment. Rage filled his gaze.

Meanwhile, Kayla seethed with jealousy. She couldn't fathom what Felicia had done to attract Matthew's attention in such a short time. "She's a bitch," she thought, wishing to tear Felicia apart. The guests were stunned, speechless.

The day's events were certainly memorable. A curious onlooker glanced at Kayla, remarking, "Oh? But I recall the Fuller family's adopted daughter being Mr. Lawson's childhood sweetheart."