Chapter 162

The crowd parted as Faith’s gaze landed on Max, her expression shifting noticeably. She made a beeline for Spencer, tugging gently at the lapel of his suit. “Max is here, and if there’s any drama tonight, let the Haywoods handle it. No need for you to play the hero,” she whispered, a hint of urgency in her voice.

Spencer remained silent, his eyes fixated on Brielle as she walked away, a growing redness rimming his eyes. “Mom, does the engagement really have to end?” he croaked, his voice hoarse with emotion, his head hanging low.

Faith glared at him with resentment and poked his head with her finger. “Spencer, what’s gotten into you? You’re the one who didn’t want Brielle, and you’ve been hounding me about calling off the engagement. And now, when it’s crunch time, you look like you’re the one who can’t let go?” Her words hit a nerve, and Spencer’s pain surfaced. Indeed, Brielle seemed utterly unaffected. To her, both he and the Haywoods appeared to be easily discardable.

“Mom, I…”

“Enough, you know she’s been fooling around with other men. Who knows how many times she’s been… you know. Don’t you find that disgusting? Drop it already. Besides, she doesn’t have the status now: she’s not in your league. If she hadn’t had a bit of talent, would Max even give her a second glance? Spencer, you need to start making a name for yourself. Now that your dad’s been ousted, you can’t keep dwelling on this puppy love.”

Faith had only one son, her pride and joy, but she knew all too well that business acumen was not his forte.

Spencer didn’t take her advice to heart; instead, he seized on a particular phrase. “Uncle Max is only interested in her because of her talent?”

“What else could it be? Why do you think your father was reluctant to end the engagement? Brielle’s business savvy is well known, and Max sees potential in her. Have you ever met a woman with a sharper business mind than hers?”

Spencer shook his head, a glimmer of clarity returning to his eyes. Yet, as Faith continued, that clarity faded once more.

“Such a shame she’s illegitimate. Even if you truly cared for her, your grandfather would never approve.

The people who marry into the Dorsey family are all from distinguished backgrounds. Everett, who married Victoria, he’s a world–renowned pianist. What’s Brielle in comparison?” This reassured Spencer. It wasn’t he who couldn’t measure up to Brielle. There was nothing to regret. His gaze softened as he looked over at Lillian, determined to cherish her from now on. Lillian sensed his stare and returned it with a bashful smile. At that moment, Spencer erased any lingering sentimentality, discarding it like trash. Why regret throwing away something worthless?

The buzz in the hall intensified as a small stage at the front was illuminated by a spotlight. Miranda, the hostess, gracefully ascended to the podium, barely able to contain her glee. “Ladies and gentlemen,”

she called out, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that you’ve all come to tonight’s gathering, a celebration in honor of my daughter.”

She beckoned with a smile toward Lillian below. “Lillian, come join me.”

Lillian was uneasy, her peripheral vision constantly on Max. This was the closest she had ever been to him. In the past, if they met, it was from a distance, but now, he was so near, she felt she could count his eyelashes.

Max seemed indifferent to the commotion, quietly sipping his drink in a corner. Even when applause broke out, he remained stoic, not offering a glance, nor even standing.

Lillian’s heart raced. Seeing Max not by Brielle’s side was a relief. Maybe they had just bumped into each other at the door. As for her being rebuffed earlier, it must be because Max was a loner, averse to women’s company.

Previously, Lillian had felt miles away from Max, but now, as the Haywoods‘ daughter, she believed that with a slight tiptoe, he might accept her.

She ascended the stage, feigning shyness as she lowered her head.

Miranda was proud of her daughter, speaking fondly with teary eyes. “Lillian’s had her share of hardships. If only I had known sooner she was my child, I would have cherished her to no end. It’s amazing how some kids can be so manipulative from such a young age. Thankfully, that’s all behind us now. What goes around comes around, and Lillian, she’s never forgotten her roots at the orphanage.

With the Haywood family’s support and someone special in her life, things are looking up.”

Without naming names, her words reminded everyone that it was Brielle who had caused trouble in the past.