And at this moment, two very complicated guests arrived.
As these two walked in from the doorway, the entire hall quieted down, all eyes turning to them because while their wealth may not be significant, their status was undeniably distinct.
Karen Johnson and Rodney Houry.
Elise Houry’s parents.
But everyone knew, Elise Houry had severed ties with these two.
So, which side would they take?
That was the question.
“Come over here, Karen Johnson. It’s been too long since we caught up,” a voice rang out from Isaiah Clarke’s side.
Mary Houry, adorned in luxury, stood beside Eliott Garner, beckoning to Karen Johnson and her companion. Eliott Garner failed to recognize Robin Bailey, his attire today quite a departure in a gold-embroidered robe exuded a unique charm.
Eliott Garner’s attention rarely drifted toward men; he scanned the crowd, eyes focusing on young ladies and highborn ladies.
It was through this very means that she had ensnared Mary Houry.
Karen Johnson, seeing Mary Houry, fixed her gaze on the designer labels adorning Mary’s attire, her eyes welling up with tears. The rivalry between them had persisted for years, and seeing Mary Houry in that state, Karen was hesitant to approach.
Both then turned to Elise Houry.
Elise Houry watched them in silence, making them uneasy.
Eventually, Elise Houry spoke, “Father, Mother, do you wish to attend my wedding?”
Attending a wedding!
It would signify their blessing for the newlyweds.
Karen Johnson was certain not to offer her blessings, and finally, she looked to Rodney Houry who, after a sigh, pulled over a stool and sat outside, “We won’t go inside. We’ll just watch from here. After all, we’re also here to observe.”
We’re not here to bless.
Only to watch.
Watch what?
Surely they intended to witness Elise Houry’s humiliation, making her understand that they were in the right from start to finish.
“Very well.”
Elise Houry averted her gaze, concealing the sorrow within her eyes.
No, Robin Bailey knew.
Robin Bailey embraced Elise Houry. Leslie toddled over, babbling, “Mother, don’t cry. Even without Grandpa and Grandma, you still have Dad and me. We’ll always be here. Crying makes you less pretty, like a little kitten.”
“You, little rascal.”
Elise Houry playfully tapped Leslie’s nose, breaking into a smile through her tears.
The wedding was about to commence.
Melvin Todd suddenly stood up, holding a box, and proclaimed, “Ladies and gentlemen, have you ever heard of the pearl jade that Kisia once possessed, later crafted into a necklace worth millions!”
“Pearl jade! I’ve heard it’s a string of pearls with the texture and color of jade, truly extraordinary for its time. It was later auctioned for a sky-high price.”
“I’ve heard of this treasure before.”
“A queen among jewels, I’ve never seen a necklace worth millions.”
“Why is he suddenly mentioning this? Could it be…”
The crowd buzzed with intrigue.
Melvin Todd responded, “Ladies and gentlemen, you may have guessed what I have in my possession. Yes, it is indeed the pearl jade necklace, a gem among jewels.”
Melvin Todd unveiled the box, revealing an exquisitely delicate necklace, its white hues resembling jade yet evoking the luster of pearls, stunningly beautiful.
“I believe that only Mr. Clarke’s wife is worthy of wearing such a necklace, and Mrs. Clarke, a beauty like no other. And so, I’ve decided to present this necklace to Mr. Clarke.”
Melvin Todd’s declaration was met with astonishment, passing the box to Isaiah Clarke.
This necklace had inadvertently come into his possession and been treasured ever since.
Not even he nor his wife had laid hands on this precious item.
But today, in order to align with the Wilson family, the aristocrats of the Gerenuk clan, he had gambled all, offering up this necklace as a significant investment. After all, the Wilson family was leagues above his own in prestige.
He believed this bold move was justified.
The surrounding onlookers gasped in disbelief at the sacrifice of this treasure, envy evident in the eyes of several women. Such a piece of jewelry would likely be coveted by any woman.
It appeared astonishingly beautiful.
“Thank you.”
Isaiah Clarke, feeling pleased, accepted the necklace and then placed it around Snowy Houry’s neck. He proclaimed, “The most beautiful adornment for the most beautiful woman, for my bride.”
“Wow, congratulations on your marriage!”
“How romantic.”
“Best wishes.”
The audience below echoed their sentiments, some genuinely heartfelt, others mere echoes to maintain appearances.
Snowy Houry blushed, grasping the necklace, eyes glistening with tears. She turned to Elise Houry and said, “Elise Houry, the most beautiful jewelry for the most beautiful person, isn’t it?”
In other words, I am the epitome of beauty, I am the most exquisite. Who are you, Elise Houry?
Yet, before Snowy could finish her statement, a derisive voice sounded from outside, “This is the most beautiful jewelry? Are you serious?”
A scoff.
Instantly, the audience fell silent, seeking the source of this challenge. All eyes turned toward the entrance as a man walked in, bearing a box in hand.
“He’s here.”
Erasmus Langstaff, catching sight of the man, his eyes flickered with menace. This man, the one he had encountered before, was tracking someone with great animosity, someone he clearly wished to harm. Erasmus considered rising to confront him.
To eliminate any potential risks.
After all, the man was no pushover, and Erasmus knew he couldn’t best him if he hadn’t recovered from past injuries.
However, with a bang, as he attempted to stand, he was forced back down but not of his volition. A hand had firmly pressed down on his shoulder.
“Don’t panic. That man is not here to harm me.”
It was Robin Bailey’s voice from Erasmus Langstaff’s side.
“My benefactor!”
Recognizing Robin Bailey, Erasmus Langstaff’s face contorted in shock. Though one of the Taoist ancestors of Kunlun Mountain, known as Taoist Erasmus, he wasn’t the most formidable, but he wasn’t one to be easily subdued. Today, however, he wasn’t just subdued; he was utterly overwhelmed.
Inconceivable.
Unbelievable!
Who… are you?