Chapter 212 Getting The
Better Deal
“Eric, did your son really agree to this marriage? Why is he not here yet? You’re not just leading us on, are you?” Austen Chadwick asked, his expression showing clear annoyance.
The wedding was set for tomorrow, and tonight both families were together for a pre–wedding dinner. But William, the man supposed to be getting married, was absent, even though they were already halfway through the dinner.
Although the union between the Mitchell and Chadwick families was somewhat rushed, it promised benefits for both parties.
“How could I possibly be leading you on?” Eric assured him, adding, “Austen, you understand the situation. William is always overwhelmed with work. I assure you, he will definitely be there for the wedding tomorrow!”
With a calm and elegant smile, Esme attempted to lighten the mood of Austen’s wife. Her eyes were warm with affection when she looked at Laurie.
A woman like Laurie, trained from childhood to be the epitome of elegance and sophistication, was precisely the type of daughter–in–law Esme had hoped for–elegant, composed, respected, and kind.
Unlike Renee, who, despite coming from a prominent family, was raised without a mother’s guidance and grew up like a wild child, lacking the traditional poise expected of a young lady that Esme valued.
“Come, Laurie, try this dish. Is there something else you want to eat? Just tell me, and I’ll prepare it for you next time,” Esme suggested warmly.
Laurie responded with a soft smile, as polite and courteous as ever. “Thank you, I’m quite easy to please when it comes to food.”
Esme’s face lit up with joy. “That’s wonderful! William isn’t picky with food either. You two are bound to get along perfectly!”
Laurie smiled noncommittally at Esme’s words as her mind drifted to her last meeting with William. He had been anything but accommodating. His absence at tonight’s dinner spoke volumes. The certainty of tomorrow’s wedding happening was still shaky.
Deep down, Laurie had doubts about the marriage. If William decided to call it off, it would be a weight off her shoulders.
Austen turned to Eric and said firmly, “Eric, I’m holding you to your words. I hope your son won’t let us down. We can’t have any unexpected turns tomorrow. It would not only embarrass our Chadwick family but also tarnish the Mitchell name across Tofral!”
Eric nodded and reassured him. “Don’t worry. I know my son well. He is not the reckless type. He’ll surely be there on time for the wedding.”
The upcoming wedding between the Chadwick and Mitchell families was meant to remain low–key, but it had drawn the attention of notable people in Tofral. Although the details hadn’t been made public to the media, word had certainly traveled through the elite circles.
Even though William had been married before, many still envied Laurie. He was not only strikingly attractive but also exceedingly successful, towering above many of Tofral’s privileged elite.
While Laurie went to use the ladies‘ room, she caught a snippet of conversation from two women at the sink discussing her upcoming marriage to William.
“What was Renee thinking? Can you believe she actually dumped William? I mean, it’s William we’re talking about! Where is she going to find a better man than him in all of Tofral?”
“Exactly! I’m so jealous of Laurie. Landing such a catch would be a dream!”
“Well, jealousy won’t help you. The Chadwicks had an advantage right from the start. With their status, the Mitchells would never look our way for a marriage.”
“I heard Roxanne tried every trick in the book to snag William, but she ended up with nothing. Haha…”
Their chatter faded as they walked away.
Once the room was silent, Laurie stepped out of the stall and calmly approached the mirror to touch up her makeup. She was unaffected by the gossip she had just overheard at all.
Pleased with her appearance, she smiled wryly at her reflection. “I look so good, and William is the real lucky one here.”
With a confident turn, she walked out of the ladies‘ room, only to be suddenly pulled aside into the smoking area by an unseen hand!
