Ivy stood frozen, her carefully constructed composure cracking as Martha's words continued to slice through the air.
"Just what kind of misunderstanding do you have about me, Grandma? Why would you humiliate me and my mother the very first time we met?" Ivy's voice trembled, her tone equal parts dignified and wounded.
"I know we don't come from a wealthy family like the Zachmans, but we still have our dignity. If I've done something to offend you, I'd rather you say it outright than insult us like this."
Her performance was flawless. The glistening eyes, the shaky but composed stance—anyone who didn't know her supposed vulnerability would have moved her.
Unfortunately for Ivy, Martha wasn't so easily fooled. Decades ago, she had seen Shirley's true colors. There was no way Ivy's theatrics would win her over now.
"A sharp tongue doesn't make up for filthy intentions," Martha retorted, her icy glare practically dissecting Ivy. "If you think you can manipulate my grandson
into marrying best, you’re more debesional them thought.”volded Martha’s gaze entively, her guilt all too obvious.
Carlisle, however, couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. Seeing by on the verge of tears stirred his protective instincts. He stepped forward, placing himself
“That’s enough, a
und, his voice tim but pleading “This is ridiculous. It’s been over two decades. Are you still holding on to o
sold grudges? t kept my
demanded
I’ve everted to
to do since then is protect them. That’s why I introduced Wren to [vy. T They’re good together, and
Do you have any idea what kind of damage you’re doing to the family name by creating this spectacle? People will talk, and |private matters out into the open.”
tha’s sharp part pinned him in places that so? Are you telling me this woman and her daughter mean more to you!
than your own mother? Very well. It seems
Copened to respond but her next words froze him.
this perfectly clear,” she said, her voice cutting though the room with the weight of finality. “As long as I’m alive, these two will never set foot in sly. It wou think you can force this manage through, Culisle, you’ll have to do it over nw dead body,”
Martha turned toward the audience, her expression regal and commanding
anption.” she announced, her tone steady and unapologetic. “The engagement is officially canceled. My grandson will not be marrying this
duves not recognize bet ”
mb, decorating Ivy’s dreams of a perfect future
ully curated image shattered. The room, full of influential families and high–profile connections, suddenly felt suffocating. These were the o hard to impterus and integrate herselt. Now, she could feel their polite but judgmental states piercing her.
and to openly entice the Zachman family, whispers would spread. Ivy’s name would become synonymous with humiliation and rejection tom clawed Der way back–unless she secured a real manage to Wien–she would forever carry the stigma of this moment.
whvory plate swept across Shirley and Ivy one last time before she tumed to leave.
with barely concealed fury, swallowed his pride. There was no arguing with his mother–not he
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