The older generation's faces changed; the younger ones sensed the tension and didn't dare speak. Malika instinctively looked at her husband, but Nelson had already left, showing only a bleak back. Malika bit her lip in frustration, but maintained her composure.
The old master closed his eyes and remained silent for a while, then questioned in a knowing tone, "So, you married Lily to spite me?"
Edmond, wearing a wedding ring for the occasion, rubbed the ring on his finger. Hearing this, he frowned slightly, a contemptuous smile on his handsome face.
"To spite you? You think too much. I married Lily because I wanted to. It has nothing to do with you."
Thus, the last reason in Lily's script was unnecessary to mention, and Edmond hadn't planned to.
"So, who still has doubts about my marriage to Lily?" His cold gaze swept across the room. The old master's silence meant no one else dared speak up.
"Who still has objections to my marriage to Lily?" he repeated.
No one spoke, though Royce wanted to say something. Nadia gripped his arm tightly, signaling with her eyes not to provoke Edmond. Although Nadia couldn't accept Lily marrying Edmond, the marriage certificate was undeniable. Given Edmond's attitude and the old master's reaction, they wouldn't interfere. If Royce insisted on objecting, he would only anger Edmond.
Nadia felt stifled. Royce clearly didn't love Lily anymore, so why was he so agitated about her matters? Edmond, receiving no objections, called Butler Zhong. "Bring Lily over."
The living room's atmosphere was stifling due to Edmond's final exchange with the old master. The servants had already set the table, but no one dared move since the old master and Edmond remained seated. With the two main figures staying put, no one else dared to make a move.
The ticking clock on the wall amplified the tension in the air. Suddenly, there was a noise at the door, followed by the rhythmic click of high heels.
Click-clack-click-clack—the sudden sound broke the oppressive silence, and everyone instinctively looked up. Edmond, anticipating Lily, also looked up. His breath caught at the sight.
A cheongsam.
Lily wore a form-fitting, waist-cinching wine-red cheongsam, highlighting her curves. The high collar accentuated her pale neck, partially hidden, making her tall frame appear even more slender.
The old Lily had always been a fiery rose; tonight's Lily exuded a different aura—noble and dignified, with an unparalleled pure beauty and mesmerizing allure.
Edmond's Adam's apple bobbed as the intense heat of desire kindled in his dark eyes, sweeping through him like a tidal wave. He almost forgot to get up to greet her. Only one thought occupied his mind:she looked stunning in that cheongsam. He decided he would buy her more.
When Lily entered, nobody spoke for a long moment, so she chuckled. "What's this? Am I too good-looking? You're all stunned, aren't you?"
Her laughter snapped everyone back to reality. Though they averted their gazes, occasional glances still flicked her way. Royce, who had known Lily for many years, couldn't help but steal a few more glances. Regardless of everything else, Royce never denied that Lily had always been his type. She looked incredible in a cheongsam.
Lily's arrival broke the silence in the living room. Her remark lightened the atmosphere a bit. No matter who she had been or how she had once tangled with Royce, she was now Edmond's wife. Most importantly, Edmond had acknowledged her in front of everyone. Many decided to flatter her, whether genuinely or just out of politeness. They all complimented her, echoing her statement about her beauty. Lily graciously returned their compliments, filling the room with laughter and chatter.
Then Karina interjected, "Oh my, I just noticed, Nadia is wearing a cheongsam too! Lily, what a coincidence! You two have such similar tastes, liking the same things."
Hearing this, everyone looked at Nadia, except for Lily, who turned her attention to Karina. Lily had been eager to confront Karina ever since Franklin mentioned how she bullied his mother. Karina, always sharp-tongued and scheming, had once taunted Malika during Lily's engagement to Royce, making Malika dislike Lily even more.
Lily had planned to deal with Karina today and was waiting for the right moment. Now that Karina had presented herself as a target, Lily was ready.
Nadia had chosen a cheongsam to please her mother-in-law, Malika, having heard from Royce that Malika loved wearing them when she was younger. Nadia had avoided a striking color like wine red, fearing Malika would find it too flashy and had opted for a light blue, which Royce had praised.