Victoria got David’s approval and personally hinted at the Miller family. Mrs. Miller was somewhat satisfied with Isabella; both families were well-matched, and the dowry was ample. The only drawback was Isabella’s career. Although Mrs. Miller’s son was an actor, he didn’t want his wife to be in the limelight.
To dispel her concerns, Victoria repeatedly assured that Isabella would retire from the spotlight after marriage and focus on being a good homemaker and mother.
Mrs. Miller was content and also asked for Luke’s opinion. He usually didn’t care much about marriage matters and even had a strong aversion to matchmakers. This time, however, he surprisingly acquiesced.
Although Victoria achieved her goal, she wasn’t entirely pleased. Luke genuinely wanted to marry Isabella, and if it was genuine affection, Isabella wouldn’t be mistreated after marriage.
Internally, Victoria didn’t want Isabella to marry high and certainly didn’t want her married life to be peaceful.
However, to smoothly marry into the Mitchell family, Victoria had to bring about the marriage with Luke. Caleb painted her a rosy picture, but she wasn’t foolish and wouldn’t let Caleb manipulate her. The Miller family wasn’t ignorant. Even if the two families became relatives, they wouldn’t support Caleb unconditionally.
Moreover, the fact that Isabella was raped and pregnant out of wedlock was still in Victoria’s hands. If the Miller family found out about this significant leverage, Isabella’s reputation would be ruined. To have Isabella marry Luke peacefully, Victoria could only use her. Victoria could also use Isabella to control the Miller family.
As long as she could control the Miller family, Caleb wouldn’t dare to look down on her.
Her plans were going smoothly. However, upon returning home, she faced complaints from Charlotte and Emily.
Charlotte and her daughters were talking in the room. It was the first time Charlotte showed displeasure toward her eldest daughter. “Regarding the Miller family’s marriage, why didn’t you discuss it with me beforehand? Their family is currently in the limelight, and Luke holds the title of a movie king. He has good character and talent. Such an excellent marriage prospect, why didn’t you consider Emily instead of favoring that outsider Isabella?”
Emily also looked aggrieved. Although she wasn’t too old, a woman’s youth only lasts a few years, and the chance to marry into an affluent family isn’t always available. Missing an opportunity means losing it forever.
“Sis only cares about pleasing the Mitchell family, doesn’t care about me. In her eyes, what importance does her sister have in marrying into a wealthy family?” Emily sarcastically remarked.
Victoria was furious at Emily’s stupidity but didn’t bother to argue with her, just dissatisfied with her mother’s attitude.
“I do want you to marry well, but you have to be able to get on the stage. With abortions and broken engagements. Mrs. Miller’s eyes are too high, she can like a wife like you?”
“It’s not my fault for the broken engagement; the Brown family went bankrupt. Should I marry a pauper?” Emily yelled, tears welling up in her eyes. “So what if I’ve had an abortion? Isabella even had a child out of wedlock. How is she better than me?”
“Shut your mouth.” Charlotte and Victoria almost simultaneously scolded her.
Charlotte glared fiercely at her, anxiously looking around the room. David was still home. If he heard such words, he would scold them mother and daughter severely.
“My dear, you’re too outspoken. You dare say anything. Father is strict about this matter; nobody is allowed to mention Isabella’s unwed pregnancy. If he hears this, he’ll kick you out.”
Emily bit her lip, appearing extremely aggrieved.
Victoria glanced disdainfully at her and sneered, “Big-chested and brainless, you don’t even know how to keep your mouth shut. What do you have to compare with Isabella? She has Moonlit Art Inc. as a dowry, do you?”
Emily, with red eyes, had no words to retort.
Victoria snorted coldly, took a sip from her glass, and considered it a waste of breath to scold Emily for her stupidity. “Not only without a dowry but also shallow-minded enough to covet even that meager betrothal gift from the Brown family. This matter has been spreading within circles; it’s almost becoming a joke for others to gossip about.”
Emily lowered her head, wiping her tears, crying. Charlotte’s expression didn’t look good either. After all, she was the one who had decided to keep the Brown family’s betrothal gift.
“Enough with your sarcasm. You’re sisters; you should support each other,” Charlotte scolded Victoria.
Victoria pursed her lips coldly, slammed the glass heavily on the table, looking quite displeased.
Emily was also irritated and stood up directly. “From now on, she doesn’t need to meddle in my affairs. She only has the Mitchell family in her heart, where does she have her real sister like me?”
Emily ran out in tears. Charlotte looked at Victoria helplessly.
Victoria, with one hand supporting her forehead, sighed with a headache. “Mom, do you think I’ve been meticulously planning this marriage for myself? My good marriage is beneficial to both you and Emily. Emily is my own sister; I will surely take her lifelong matters to heart. As for the marriage with the Miller family, she should forget about it.”
Emily, that foolish girl, simply couldn’t impress Mrs. Miller and Luke. If the marriage fell through, it could even complicate her own affairs.