Chapter 47: Miss Lawrence Only Graduated High School

None of this family could be considered "low-achieving," so it was hard to imagine what someone who hadn't attended college would be like. Their gaze toward Cheyenne was tinged with disdain.

Chapter 48: You Have a Death Wish?

Even Adrian was disdainful. He had graduated from one of the top medical universities, after all. I really don't understand why Layne would let his granddaughter stoop so low. She has a stunning face, but is dismissed as mere eye candy. No wonder Kelvin divorced her. There are many beautiful women in the world, but when it comes to marriage, one naturally seeks a helpful partner.

Kai wasn't surprised; he simply had no interest in Cheyenne. After all, Layne was treating Iker's illness.

"Alright, Butler," he said in a deep voice, "go remind Iker. Why hasn't he come?" His words instantly shifted the awkward atmosphere at the dining table to one of seriousness and gloom.

Several minutes later, the old butler returned, a melancholy expression on his face. He bent down to whisper in Kai's ear, causing Kai's anger to flare. Kai slammed his hand on the table. The clattering cutlery echoed through the room, silencing everyone.

Davon seemed to anticipate this. He casually fiddled with his tall glass of light yellow champagne, swirling it in a small vortex. His upturned eyes were reflected in the transparent glass; his smile was cold.

Kai's furious voice, loud enough to shake the villa slightly, boomed next to Cheyenne's ear. The crystal chandelier trembled, casting dazzling shadows.

"What is he doing? Tell him he must attend today's family banquet!" Kai roared. "If he doesn't come, then drag him here by force!"

Erica, seeing Kai's anger, gently grabbed his arm. "Darling, what are you so upset about? Maybe Iker is just shy. Let it go."

Since Isabella's death, the relationship between Kai and Iker had been strained. With more children born into Kai's household, Iker rarely came home or attended family banquets. Everyone had grown accustomed to his absence.

Iker was asked to attend today because Layne and Cheyenne were treating his illness. His absence was ungrateful.

Thalia disliked Iker; he had caused her son, Davon, to lose opportunities and be ridiculed as an illegitimate child. Three years ago, when Iker became disabled, she was overjoyed. Now, she added insult to injury: "What's there to be angry about? You know he has a bad temper," she said lightly, her sarcasm evident.

Erica clenched her fists. "Thalia, why bother? Darling is already angry enough. Adding fuel to the fire will only make things worse."

Thalia looked at her coldly. "I'm stating a fact."

"Enough! Both of you shut up!" Kai was annoyed by their argument and embarrassed in front of Layne and Cheyenne. "I'm sorry, Mr. Edwards, for making you witness this."

"It doesn't matter," Layne replied.

After a while, the once-famous military officer appeared before Cheyenne. He looked to be 26 or 27, dressed in black casual clothes, sitting in a wheelchair. His dark, piercing eyes, arched eyebrows, and straight nose were set on a strong, handsome face; his lips were tightly pursed. He exuded a cold arrogance, aloof and silent, a stark contrast to Davon.

"My father called me, so I came. If there's nothing else, I'll leave," Iker said coldly, without looking at Cheyenne or Layne.

What kind of attitude was this? He'd just arrived and already wanted to leave. Kai knew he owed Iker much, but felt he hadn't mistreated him. Iker still held the title of young master of the Todd family, yet always wore an icy expression and showed no respect. If Iker's leg weren't broken, Kai might have punched him. But he couldn't bring himself to hit a disabled man, so he silently suppressed his anger.

"Sit down. Let's eat," Kai said calmly. "It's been a while since we've had a family meal."

Iker let out a cold laugh. "I don't think Father misses this meal. Just tell me what you want." He sat next to Poppy, looking directly at Cheyenne. He frowned at her sitting next to Davon, giving her a disgusted look before turning away. He then noticed Layne and realized he was the "famous doctor" his father had hired.

Kai, though extremely angry, was relieved that Iker had finally sat down. He said softly, "This is Mr. Edwards of the Edwards family, a family renowned for medicine for generations, very famous in Onistead City. This is Cheyenne Lawrence, Mr. Edwards' granddaughter. I invited Mr. Edwards specifically for your illness."

Before Kai finished, Iker's mocking voice echoed. "The Edwards family? A family that has fallen from grace long ago! Mr. Edwards has turned to painting. His title as the best doctor is outdated. As for Miss Lawrence, I don't think she can help. I don't want treatment; send them away."

Each sentence ridiculed Layne and Cheyenne. He turned his wheelchair to leave.

"Stop!" A clear voice sounded. Iker assumed it was one of the women, but they lacked the courage to stop him. A slender hand pressed down on his wheelchair. He turned and met an exquisitely beautiful face. The delicate scent of roses surprised him. "Are you looking for trouble?" The man's icy voice was chilling.