Chapter 552
Lacey hesitated, and Mark said, “You made the bet and set the stakes. I’ve lost to you all these years, and I’ve accepted all the bets. Given the long–standing friendship between our families, I don’t want to pressure you.
“If you truly don’t want to do this, just return the things I gave you, and we can get a divorce.”
“That’s absolutely out of the question,” Lacey interrupted, her voice firm. “The things I’ve won from you are rightfully mine; you can’t just take them back.”
“Then that means you’ve surrendered yourself to me.” Mark extended his hand toward Lacey, “What’s your decision? Are you coming in with me?”
After deliberating for a minute, Lacey finally placed her hand into Mark’s open palm. “If you can’t manage a smile, we should leave so our elders won’t worry,” Mark added, observing her closely.
Lacey forced a smile, an exaggerated grin offered to Mark. Mark smirked slightly and guided her through the door into the hall.
As they stepped inside, a chorus of cheers erupted. Colorful flower petals fell from the second floor like butterflies, transforming the white floor into a vivid tapestry.
“Mark,” Lacey yelped in surprise, quickly hiding behind him.
Mark was unfazed and pulled her closer. “You usually don’t scare easily; this shouldn’t rattle you.”
Nearby, Nalani asked Layton, “Darling, has Lacey really gone shy?”
“Shy?” Layton nearly laughed. “More like she’s guilty.”
“What a playful girl. She simply wouldn’t listen. She has lost herself entirely,” Layton teased, ensuring his daughters in the stroller were covered.
“Stop changing diapers and take your sister out sometimes to test her IQ,” Alex said with a smirk, scratching his cat.
“Alex, keep your cat away from my husband.” Nalani shot back, annoyed at the thought of her husband being harassed by Alex at odd hours.
Alex replied playfully, “Why are you getting upset about my son if you can’t control your husband?”
“Layton, you should marry Alex. We’ll clear the way for you three,” Nalani urged her husband, pushing the stroller along.
Layton looked at Alex, asking, “What’s with your attitude?”
“Because you’re too nice,” Alex responded, though his eyes remained fixated on Ellie in the distance.
He bent down to gently place Luck on the floor before discreetly trailing after Luck toward Ellie. Spotting Alex’s eagerness, Barry hurried to catch up.
Alex took a few steps before Nancy intercepted him. She asked, “What are you up to?” Following his gaze toward several middle–aged men chatting, she felt relieved.
“I want to introduce you to someone,” Nancy insisted, pulling Alex toward a side room.
Moments later, a distressed girl hurried out from the side room, followed by two older women. Nancy remained still, observing her son leave the room with a calm demeanor.
“Did you harass that girl?” Nancy asked, crossing her arms.
10
00-39 Thu, 27 FED
Chapter 352
Alex’s lips twitched. “Mom, do you really think so poorly of me?”
Nancy gritted her teeth. “Did you say something silly to her?”
91%
+13)
“I’m just being truthful, and she couldn’t handle it. If we were to really share our lives together, wouldn’t she eventually stab me in the back?”
Alex stuffed his hands into the pockets of his suit as his piercing eyes scanned the party crowd.
Nancy was clearly frustrated. “You scoundrel. I worked hard to find a good match for you, and what did you say to that girl? She left in tears after just a few minutes.”
Alex shrugged. “I just said that she had too much hyaluronic acid in her face. I was worried that if we had a child, they might look like a toad.”
E
