25
Zoe Jackson instructed his men to ease surveillance on Ethan and Mason.
It wasn’t negligence; he wanted them to try and gain access, allowing him to prepare.
His men immediately followed orders.
Zoe then informed my parents that Ethan and Mason were coming to LA.
“What? After how they treated Lanie, they want to come to the wedding?”
My mother was furious.
She’d once praised them, even considered them as potential sons–in–law.
But they’d risked my life!
How agonizing it must have been to be targeted by Qiana, only to have her childhood friends prioritize a bowl of porridge over her allergy?
Even if it was a calculated move to make her confront her feelings, my mother wouldn’t tolerate it.
She felt grateful that Grandpa had arranged such a good match for me.
Zoe Jackson was infinitely better than Ethan and Mason.
He was dependable, devoted, and she knew him well, having known him since he was a child.
My parents immediately expressed their displeasure to their associates.
Our family was prominent in LA; their alliance with the Jackson family was even stronger. Other families, seeking favor, quickly voiced their agreement.
My parents forbade the security guards from letting Ethan and Mason in.
Ethan and Mason arrived in LA to a cold reception from the city’s elite.
My phone was unreachable; even using a different number resulted in being blocked.
Ethan found my parents‘ contact information through my aunt.
He and Mason contacted them separately, attempting to explain.
“Uncle, this is Ethan. I want to…” apologize to you and Lanie.
The call ended before he could finish.
Mason had the same experience.
They tried reaching my parents using different numbers, all with the same result.
They went to my family mansion, hoping to see me.
They waited almost a day, but I didn’t appear.
As dusk fell, a black Rolls–Royce pulled up.
Ethan spotted me through the side window.
Mason quickly maneuvered his car, blocking the Rolls–Royce.
“Lanie, get out. Let’s talk,”
Ethan said, knocking on the car window.
Seeing them, I frowned.
I worried about Zoe becoming jealous, so I squeezed his hand.
He smiled, returning the squeeze.“Shall we get out?”
In front of Ethan and Mason, Zoe scooped me into his arms in a bridal carry.
My face flushed as my feet touched the ground.
He’d insisted.
