The child’s innocent question struck like a bolt from the blue, causing the guests to erupt in whispers.
“Daddy? Isn’t she the bridesmaid?”
“Who knows? She probably hooked up with young Master Blackwood ages ago.”
My parents, down in the audience, turned livid. My father glared at Kevin’s parents. “Is this how the Blackwood family treats ours? My daughter isn’t desperate to marry, and she certainly doesn’t need your family!” My father slammed his hand on the table.
The media present all aimed their cameras at the Blackwood and Vance families. Though the Blackwoods were a prominent fami- ly in the city’s elite, our Vance family was no less influential. In recent years, the Blackwood family had shown signs of decline, and they still relied on our family for support.
Mr. Blackwood immediately raised his glass, forcing a smile. “Who is this wild child? He must have something wrong with his head. Our two families have been friends for so many years. You wouldn’t believe a child over me, would you?”
Mr. Blackwood’s words drained the color from Clara’s face, inch by agonizing inch. Her background was her deepest pain. I watched her nails dig into her palm, a slight smile playing on my lips. You owe me. And this is just the beginning.
“Quick,
Kevin, explain to Mr. Vance! Today’s incident is just an accident! You don’t even know that disturbed child!” Mr. Blackwood
glared at Kevin, his face grim.
Kevin, his scalp tingling, stammered, “Mr. Vance, I don’t know that child at all. And the bridesmaid is Sophia’s best friend. Sophia
chose her own bridesmaid. If you don’t believe me, surely you believe your own daughter?”
“Besides, it’s not impossible for a child to be used by someone with ill intentions. Blaming our family like this is really putting us in
a difficult position.” Towards the end, Kevin even sounded a little wronged.
My father’s expression softened. “If that’s the case…”
“Grandpa!” Leo rushed up and hugged Mr. Blackwood.
“Where did this brat come from? Get lost!” Mr. Blackwood, already furious, kicked his own grandson a considerable distance.
The guests weren’t fools.
“That’s too cruel.”
“Why pick a fight with a child?”