Catherine couldn't help but sigh. "Honestly, putting aside the fact that he's eyeing my precious daughter and trying to steal her away, that boy... he's really something."
"His looks are top-notch, his abilities are top-notch, and his family background is on par with the Lancasters, so there's no risk of one family overpowering the other."
"He's the best of the best in every way, a perfect partner. It's just a shame... he attracts so much attention, and our Serena is still so young."
"That's right.” Edward put down what he was holding and added, “These are wonderful gifts, and the sentiment is clear, but... what do you think, Serena? These things are too valuable. If you're not interested, I'll personally return them.”
Serena could see that the gifts from that sly fox had perfectly hit every one of her family's preferences.
She pursed her lips, remembering the man's determined, roguish charm in the car.
Her tone held a note of resignation she herself didn't even notice. "He's so persistent, he wouldn't take them back anyway. Let's just keep them.”
"I'm going to the hospital to see Miss Blackwood tomorrow. I'll prepare a gift in return."
Old Mr. Lancaster nodded with a smile. "That works. It's only polite to return the gesture. Our family won't be impolite."
With that, he pressed a black card into Serena's hand. "Serena, see what you need to get, and use this. It's on me."
Serena was speechless.
This habit of handing out black cards at the drop of a hat was a bit much.
She had money, she really did!
Standing in the foyer, Isabella stared at the pile of priceless, dazzling gifts with bloodshot eyes.
She was so furious she could have burst.
She truly didn't understand why that country bumpkin deserved so much of Nicholas's attention!
How could Nicholas be willing to spend so extravagantly on that girl?!
And her grandfather, he wasn't even trying to hide it anymore, just looking for any excuse to throw money at Serena.
Yet he didn't spare a single thought for her!
What did that country bumpkin have that she didn't?!
The more Isabella thought about it, the more bitter she felt.
Just then, Agnes rushed over excitedly and grabbed Isabella's arm. "Miss Isabella, I just saw Mr. Blackwood's car! Did he bring you home personally? Oh, , knew you Mr. Blackwood must have feelings for you!"
"Miss Isabella, hurry and tell me, what did you and Mr. Blackwood talk about? Is he planning to honor the engagement with you?"
Agnes's words were like a thousand needles stabbing into Isabella's repeatedly trampled pride.
Her face flushed crimson.
The humiliating scenes from Le Céleste flooded her mind.
The intense shame and grievance erupted in that instant. "Stop asking!"
Isabella's voice was resentful and choked with tears.
She shook off Agnes's hand, covered her face, and ran upstairs to her room.
Agnes froze for a moment, sensing something was wrong.
She quickly chased after her.
As soon as she entered Isabella's room, she saw Isabella sobbing her heart out, her face streaked with tears.
Agnes's heart ached for her. She
quickly closed the door. “Oh, my dear lady what's wrong? Did that country bumpkin pull another one of her tricks?"
Isabella had been suffering all day without a single person to comfort her, and
everyone was just pressuring her.
Now, with Agnes's concern, a wave of self-pity washed over her.
She sobbed, collapsing into Agnes's arms and waiting as she
recounted with some embellishment-how Nicholas had defended Serena, how he had publicly disavowed any relationship with her, and how her family was forcing her to give up on Nicholas and step aside for Serena.