Chapter 303

Chapter 303

It seemed he was planning a big event. To those in the know, Gregory was changing the locks. But to others, he might look like he was engaging in some ancient ritual.

I finally put two and two together. “Is this… your missing fiancée’s garden?”

Gregory’s thick lashes fluttered as he shot me a glance. “You know the answer, so why ask?”

“You…” I couldn’t help but blurt out, “Have you ever considered what if you can’t find her?”

He stared me down, his eyes narrowing, a mischievous smile on his lips. “Then I certainly won’t settle down for anyone, including you.”

“Stop flattering yourself.” I nearly choked on my words. “Someone like you? I wouldn’t take you even if you were the last guy in the world.”

Having been burned by Bryant’s unrequited love once was enough for me. From then on, I’d steer clear of men haunted by the ghost of a past love.

And who was he? The heir of the Ford dynasty, a legacy five generations deep.

As a divorced woman, what right did I have to even dream of becoming part of their family? Besides him, his family would probably chase me out with pitchforks.

“Mr. Ford, Ms. Webster.” The butler ran over, out of breath. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you two: Lady Ramona was asking for you.”

When we returned to Ramona’s garden, Bryant and Dorothy were there, too.

Dorothy was on the verge of a meltdown. “Grandma, you’re seriously not attending mine and Bryant’s engagement party?”

“Marriage is a matter for the parents to attend.” Ramona waved at me elegantly as I walked in, showing no interest in the festivities. “I’m getting old and don’t enjoy these loud events anymore.”

I nodded slightly and walked over, Ramona pulling me to sit beside her.

Fuming, Dorothy looked like she wanted to crush her coffee cup. “What if it were Lilliana’s engagement party?”

“You’ve always compared yourself to Lilliana.” Ramona didn’t directly answer, but her point was clear:

Lilliana, the granddaughter who shared a quarter of Ramona’s blood, wouldn’t just be another guest. She’d take the reins and make it an event to remember.

Not entirely witless, Dorothy caught the implication and felt slighted. “How could I not compare myself to Lilliana? Even the servants reminisce about how quirky and smart Lilliana was as a child! But no matter how great she was, she’s gone now. Why can’t you praise me for once… Ah!”

Before Dorothy could finish, with zero regard for gentlemanly conduct, Gregory flung a cup of warm coffee right at her.

Unperturbed by his lack of decorum, Gregory’s smirk grew wider. “Dorothy, what right do you have to compare yourself to her? Her influence is why you’re here commanding attention.”

That single statement had metaphorically trampled Dorothy into the dirt. It was as if he was saying an imitation daring to compare itself to the original.

Bryant, who had once stood by me, stepped forward to protect Dorothy, his gaze icy. “Mr. Ford, regardless of your thoughts, she is my fiancée.”

Is that so?” Gregory’s laugh came with implication. “If she truly manages to marry into the Ferguson family, I might respect her.” Bryant’s eyes widened, and he quickly changed the subject before Dorothy could catch the hidden meaning. “Whether you respect her isn’t the point.”

“Oh.” Gregory seemed unbothered, his gaze sweeping over me before resting on Dorothy with a half–smile. “Do you think he’s that into you?”