55 Engagement Party 4 (1/2)
”Lucius, Milana.” Dalton's warm voice paused Ci-ci's steps.
The soon-to-be-weds gracefully walked, arm in arm. The calm smile on their faces never once showed the true turmoil within their hearts. It was clear to anyone watching that Dalton's only failure in comparison to his brother is that it was born two years too late… So, the question was how such an outstanding young man ended up settling for a 21st ranked University.
”How about you two stay?” Dalton continued warmly. ”My parents have a company emergency to deal with and won't be able to make an appearance today, it would be a shame if their seats remained empty. As such good friends of Isabella, it would be my honor to sit beside you two.”
The temperature seemed to drop instantaneously. Despite it being a warm summer's day, Dalton's words were akin to laying down a gauntlet for war.
Whose parents wouldn't attend their own child's engagement party? Company emergency? What a joke. It was obvious to anyone that Mr. and Mrs. Cox had every intention of displaying their dissatisfaction toward this union by using their empty seats. Yet, Dalton gave those very same seats to others?
Ci-ci's eyes flashed with something imperceptible as the small sound of cracking glass entered his ears. The sound itself was so faint that Ci-ci was sure that he was among the only ones who heard it… He was even more certain that he might have been the only one other than Roman to know where it came from exactly…
”It would be our pleasure.” Ci-ci smiled, following the couple and helping Milana into the last empty chair before sitting beside Dalton.
In this one instant, Ci-ci learned many things.
Simply put, if one was born into the main line of an aristocratic family, the dissatisfaction of one's parents toward one's marriage essentially meant that your dreams were all but crushed. But, somehow, Dalton managed to ignore the anger of his parents and follow through anyway?
Secondly, even if he somehow managed to do this, the act of practically spitting in his parents' faces by giving their seats to him and Milana was more than just brazen. It showed a contempt and domineering aura that didn't match his gentle and warm appearance.
'Interesting…' Ci-ci knew that he and Milana would be in the line of fire now, but his blood slightly boiled still. He hadn't been this excited in a long time. This… This was an opportunity. If he was correct, by the end of the night, he'd gain a valuable pawn in the Cox family.
After waiting patiently for everyone to return to their seats, Dalton stood to deliver a toast. This should have been the role of his father, but he seemed to step into his task with ease.
”I want to first thank you all for coming.” With his nervous exterior shed, Dalton stood tall. His Isabella had already done her part, now it was his turn to weather the storm. ”It is an honor for the Cox family to have so many friends and family around on such a happy occasion. Isabella and I couldn't be happier.
”Today marks six years since the moment I met Isabella, and now I've become a lucky enough man to call her my fiancée.”
A genuine smile filled with his affection caused Isabella to blush in her seat. The atmosphere seemed to grow sweeter around the couple, completely erasing the once frozen air.
”Enjoy this day with us!” Dalton's voice boomed. ”Eat, laugh, play. Help us forge the very first memories on the path to the rest of our lives.”
After Dalton finished talking, numerous skilled waiters and waitresses dressed in pristine whites glided across the grassed grounds, each carrying silver trays filled with delicacies.
It was at this moment that Roman's eyes sharpened. 'This food… It isn't the same as Emeryus described. Ha… Fine. I'll allow you to win this round.'
Emeryus was none other than their Head Butler. Roman had stolen him away from Dalton so that he couldn't help Isabella, however that was only the first tier of his plot. His true intention was to ruin the food… With so many guests here, the impact would be devastating. In fact, the Cox family might even take a hit in reputation, but Roman was prepared to risk it for the sake of lowering his younger brother's position even further.