Everyone’s gaze shifted towards the speaker. Jane saw that the woman was sitting beside a man who slightly looked like Reginald, Leonard’s father. She guessed she was the man’s wife, and the man was likely to be Leonard’s uncle, the first son of Grandpa Edward.
“Dad, Mom, you guys are here,” Gavin exclaimed as he walked towards his mother, giving her a peck on her right cheek. Gavin’s words answered Jane’s thought. The annoying woman was Gavin’s mom. She didn’t see her and her husband on the day of her engagement
“Enough Vivian. You don’t have the right to scold Leonard’s fiancee in public. We aren’t the only ones here.” Henry, Gavin’s father’s eyes scanned the private room. All attention was on him and his family. He was someone who didn’t like being in the limelight, but his wife would always make him feel embarrassed.
Trying to clear the awkward moment, Henry stood up from his chair, his hand stretched forward. “Hi Jane, I’m Leonard’s uncle, Dr. Henry. I’m sorry for missing your engagement party. I was very busy at the hospital at the time.”
Jane looked at the man in front of her. He doesn’t seem to have the annoying character of his wife and son. Such an amazing man has to face such criticism from others because of his family. Jane couldn’t help feeling sorry for him.
Though she didn’t know maybe he was pretending to be good, seeing his calm demeanor, she had this feeling that he wasn’t pretending.
Jane’s vanished smile returned as she smiled warmly and stretched out her hand to shake Dr. Henry’s hand. “It’s nice meeting you, Dr. Henry. Please, don’t be sorry for missing my engagement party. I know how busy life can be.” Jane’s voice is very soft, but filled with confidence, not showing whether Vivian’s words got through her or not.
Dr Henry’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled lovingly at Jane. “Thanks for understanding Jane. I must say, my Dad made a better choice for my nephew. You are more lovely than I expected. Leonard has an excellent taste.” Dr. Henry said that he knew even if his father forced his nephew to get married, he wouldn’t if he didn’t like the bride. No one can force Leonard to do what he doesn’t want.
“Humph, Vivian snorted in displeasure. “Henry, don’t be so quick to praise her. We don’t even know her that well.”
“Nonsense Vivian. Jane seems just like a delightful young woman. We should at least get to know her better.”
“Enough.” Grandpa Edward shouted. If not that they were in public, he would have scolded Vivian for her nonchalant attitude. Though he isn’t satisfied with Jane being Leonard’s wife, he doesn’t dare to say it out loud. The connection must be made.
“I’m sorry on behalf of my daughter-in-law, Jason. Don’t take her words to heart.” Grandpa Edward smiles at Jason, but his smile looks fake.
“It’s ok Elder Bank. Some people would always make a fool of themselves no matter what.” Jason rolled his eyes at Vivian, who was glaring at him. “I won’t stoop so low to be as petty as her. I don’t mind breaking off the engagement if your family isn’t satisfied with my daughter.”
“You…” Vivian shouted but Grandpa Edward interrupted her. “Enough Vivian. If you dare to say another word, I wouldn’t mind sending you out of here.” Grandpa Edward boomed, his expression stern. Vivian felt wrong, but she didn’t have a choice but to keep quiet. She doesn’t have the guts to go against her father-in-law.
“Jason, please, let’s not make a scene here. We are in public after all.” Grandpa Edward said to Jason, trying to pacify his anger.
Investigator Eric, Leonard’s friend, who was sitting beside his female companion couldn’t help his brow getting furrowed. Leonard had told him to come to protect Jane secretly on his behalf since he wasn’t present. He couldn’t help taking out his phone and secretly contacting Leonard, who was in Singapore to inform him about what was happening.
Evelyn chimed in before her husband could reply to Grandpa Edward. “My husband wasn’t the one making a scene here. We wouldn’t hesitate to break off this engagement if my daughter doesn’t get the respect she deserves from your family.” Evelyn glared at Vivian, who was almost going crazy from embarrassment.
“That’s enough Evelyn. Don’t let us spoil this joyous moment in the lives of our children by being petty. Come, let go, and sit. I’ve already arranged everything. All you guys need to do is to just order your food.” Catherine, Leonard’s mother, was also dissatisfied with her elder sister-in-law, but she still had to give her face in public.
Evelyn, though wasn’t smiling, her expression softened a little as she held Catherine’s hand in hers. She had taken Catherine like a sister since they would soon become a family. It wouldn’t look nice to continue being petty when the Bank family has already apologized.
“Okay Catherine, lead the way.” Catherine sighed in relief at how Evelyn’s anger dissipated quickly. If she was also in her shoes, she would also stand up for her daughter, so Evelyn’s behavior was justified.
“That’s right Jason. Come sit. We still have many things to discuss about the wedding.” Reginald, Leonard’s father also said, finally clearing the thick air.
Everyone finally forgot about what just happened. They all sat down. Jane was led to her seat by Lucy. Dylan couldn’t help sucking. Lucy had forgotten about him after seeing her bestie. He couldn’t help blaming his friend Leonard, for not being around to keep his fiance company.
As everyone sat around the table, Ivy couldn’t help wanting to outshine Jane, who didn’t seem to notice her. “Grandpa, I heard that fruitful Palace restaurant shrimps were the best in the whole of New York. Why don’t you try it.” She put a shrimp she just peeled into Grandpa Edward’s plate as she glared at Jane with the expression, even though you are Leonard’s chosen bride, Grandpa won’t stop caring about me.
Everyone ignored Ivy, as they were all filled with their thoughts. Only Grandpa Edward smiled happily at her, encouraging her to put more food on his plate.
Small talks were made at the table. Everyone was talking with who they were familiar with. Luckily, Desmond sat down beside Eric’s female partner. He didn’t notice her at first. It was when she called his name he noticed she was familiar.
“Mr. Lockwood, long time no see.” The woman smiled gently at Desmond.
Desmond looked beside him and saw the woman look familiar. Wait, isn’t this the female investigator who helps them out when someone is trying to blackmail them with Jane’s disappearance?
“Agent Lee?” Desmond called out, trying to make sure he was right about her identity.
Agent Lee smiled. “I’m so honored that the busy CEO Lockwood remembered me.” Agent Lee said, surprised that Desmond still had a slight impression of hers. As agent Lee and Desmond were making small talk, they didn’t notice Jane, who stood up with the excuse of going to the washroom. No one except for Lucy seems to notice. She wanted to follow Jane, but Jane told her not to worry as she walked out of the private room.
Ivy, who had been paying attention to Jane, also noticed her leaving. Is God helping her? Does that mean she doesn’t have to do anything to lure Jane out?” Her lips couldn’t help curling into a cunning smile. Oh, Jane, you won’t ever imagine what’s in store for you when I’m done with you. She couldn’t help picking up her wine glass, and taking a small sip to celebrate her unforeseen victory.