Chapter 1856

"My son has his eyes on Lauren. For that, he's argued with me many times. He even swears that he

won't marry anyone else except for Lauren. He wants to make her his woman no matter what it

takes.” Letting out a soft sigh, Lauren added, "Cyrus takes after his dad in his stubbornness. Since

he's my only son now, whatever he wants, I'll make it happen at any cost.

"So, Mayor Hodgson, do you think you could show some grace and kindness? Can you give Cyrus

and Lauren your blessing?”

Mayor Hodgson's jaw fell. He was confounded by Mandy's proposal, which was no different than

daylight robbery.

"A-Are you kidding me? The news of the marriage has spread through Solana City. We've started

ironing out the details. Ms. Lauren is our family now. Why would you meddle in their marriage at

this time?"

Mandy lowered her gaze as she blew away the loose leaf on the surface of the tea. Looking

nonchalant, she quipped, "But they aren't engaged yet, are they? You aren't hosting a grand

ceremony for them anyway. Even if they are engaged, they aren't legally married as long as they

haven't registered their marriage. Cyrus would still stand a chance.

"To be honest with you, Winston approves of Lauren as well. He would have been the one talking to

you if he were in Solana City."

"No! This won't do!" Orlander tried to hold his temper. Cheeks flushed, he growled, "If I call off the

engagement, I will upset Mr. Javier and turn our family into a laughingstock!

"Mrs. Taylor, Freddy must marry Lauren. Too bad you are one step slower. Cyrus and Lauren are not

meant to be.”

Mandy remarked casually, "The upcoming election falls in spring next year.”

Orlander's body jolted in shock when he heard the comment.

She continued. "Your approval rate has dipped another five percent. If the trend continues, your

rival, Marco Santiago, will overtake you."

She gently placed the teacup on the table. "Let's strike a deal. If you agree to call off the

engagement, the KS Group shall lend you our full support in next year's election.

"Otherwise, we have no choice but to support Mr. Santiago. If that happens, your victory might not

be guaranteed.”

The social dance carried on in the living room. Lauren hid in a corner, fiddling with her fingers

nervously.

"Lauren." Freddy's voice boomed, causing her heart to sink.

She clutched the hem of her dress and dodged his gaze. He extended a hand to her eye level. "May

I invite you to a dance?”

Staring at his hand, she felt sick in the stomach and flinched. He looked upset at her overt display of

aversion.

At that moment, a slender arm reached out for Lauren. Cyrus’ low and tender voice echoed in her

ear, which soothed her.

He said to her, "Lauren, let's dance.”

She looked up slowly into his twinkling eyes. In the next moment, she grabbed his hand as though

clutching at straws and stood up.

Holding her small, slender hand that was as white as snow, Cyrus felt his heart racing wildly.

Meanwhile, Freddy wore a scowl as he watched the perfect couple stepping onto the dance floor

under the stares of the guests.