Mrs. Rose was taken aback by Bryan's sudden announcement. Everyone fell silent and turned their attention to him. Angeline, who had been about to take a sip from her glass, changed her mind and set it down, lowering her head as she felt intimidated.
“What did you just say?” Mrs. Rose asked. The waitstaff arrived to serve breakfast, and Angeline was momentarily distracted by the beautifully presented, delicious-looking dishes.
“Wasn't that clear enough? Perhaps you should see a doctor to have your hearing checked,” Bryan replied curtly. His remark clearly infuriated Mrs. Rose, and she slammed her hand on the table.
“How dare you say that? I've arranged your engagement party with Lucy. You shouldn't bring some lowly woman to this morning gathering!”
“I'm the one getting married, aren't I? Didn't you say you wanted a grandchild? The sooner, the better, right? I've never attended a gathering like this before, but there are things you all need to know. That's why I came with my future wife.”
Bryan turned his gaze toward Angeline with a sweet smile and extended his hand. Angeline was extremely nervous, but she slowly accepted it. Bryan promptly kissed the back of her hand. The scene stunned everyone, especially when they noticed that Angeline and Bryan were both wearing matching couple rings on their ring fingers. Angeline hadn't realized that the jewelry she was wearing that day symbolized their relationship.
Angeline had no idea that the jewelry she was wearing that day symbolized their relationship. Mrs. Rose seethed with frustration and could barely find the words to speak. Everyone in the room simply congratulated Bryan on finding love. Bryan smiled triumphantly and looked at Mrs. Rose mockingly.
“Let's have breakfast now. I'm sure you're all hungry,” Bryan said as he began eating a waffle. Angeline followed suit.
Angeline loved the breakfast menu and couldn't hide her delight, drawing Mrs. Rose's attention. As if guided by a strong instinct, Mrs. Rose began to suspect Angeline, who stood out among the other high-society women.
The people in the room noticed it too. Even Lucy, who was nibbling on a small piece of waffle, looked curiously at Angeline as she finished her waffles two large pieces at a time. Bryan finished breakfast and stood up.
“We're done here. You can continue your breakfast gathering. Excuse us,” Bryan said before walking out of the room. Angeline was taken aback and hurriedly followed him, even downing the leftover fruit juice before rushing to catch up.
“Why did you eat so fast? I haven't even finished everything,” Angeline complained as she followed Bryan's hurried pace.
As they stood in front of the elevator, Bryan turned around, clearly suppressing his anger. Angeline bumped into his chest and instinctively took a step back. Seeing his flushed face and anger, she quickly lowered her head in fear.
“Why are you so careless?” Bryan scolded irritably.
“I'm sorry,” Angeline replied softly.
“Didn't anyone teach you how to eat properly? Why do you have to act so low-class?”
“What? Low-class? How can you say that?”
“Everyone in that room noticed you the moment you walked in. They were watching your every move. And you ruined everything on the very first day.”
The elevator doors opened, and Bryan stepped inside. Angeline remained standing where she was. Bryan cleared his throat, bringing her back to her senses. She stepped into the elevator with her head still lowered.
“Was I too hasty in deciding to marry you? How could you make such a fatal mistake? My goodness!” Bryan continued muttering in frustration about Angeline's accidental blunder.
Angeline deeply regretted her mistake. She had been determined to do everything perfectly, but the delicious food had shattered her resolve.
“Forgive me. I promise I won't do it again,” Angeline said, realizing her mistake.
“It's good that you're aware of it. This is the first and last time. I won't forgive another mistake,” Bryan warned sternly.
When they arrived home, Bryan didn't get out of the car. He left with his driver, abandoning Angeline inside. She watched Bryan leave with a resigned expression. Throughout the journey, Bryan hadn't said a word to her or even asked her anything. It was as if Angeline were merely a doll to be displayed to the important people in Bryan's life.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Rose remained at the hotel, in the suite she often used. Together with Lucy, she vented her anger by throwing things around the room. Even Lucy was taken aback by Mrs. Rose's behavior.
“How could that insolent child embarrass me like that? I was just about to announce your engagement, and she announced her marriage first!” Mrs. Rose fumed.
“Who is that girl? I've never seen her before. I've been following Bryan everywhere, but he never mentioned her. It's strange,” Lucy said, her suspicions about Angeline's sudden appearance growing.
“You feel that something's off too, don't you?” Mrs. Rose replied.
“Of course. I've been with Bryan this whole time, and he doesn't even recognize me. But the strange thing is, I've never seen that girl before.”
Mrs. Rose and Lucy both sensed that something was wrong, especially considering Angeline's apparent lack of manners and etiquette. A secretary entered and handed a document to Mrs. Rose.
“This is information about President Bryan's prospective bride. Her name is Angeline Felicia, and she's twenty-five years old. She has a bachelor's degree in design from California. She's an orphan with no known relatives. Her father was an obscure professor who died ten years ago,” Secretary Carla explained.
“How did they meet?” Lucy asked curiously.
“They met at Angeline's boutique when President Bryan was visiting a client in California a month ago.”
“A month ago? No wonder they seem so awkward as an engaged couple. Are they just pretending?”
“Are you sure that's her background?” Mrs. Rose asked, seeming skeptical of the information.
“Yes. We've confirmed it with sources in California—her residence, her former campus, everything checks out. President Bryan really did visit California a month ago.”
Mrs. Rose slammed her hand on the table, still unable to believe it but powerless to change the situation. Lucy looked at Mrs. Rose, who seemed deep in thought. She appeared panicked and hurried over to her.
“What about me? Aunt, you said I was going to marry President Bryan!”
“Calm down. I'm thinking!” Mrs. Rose replied.
“Don't just think, Aunt. You have to cancel their wedding! What if I don't end up marrying President Bryan? What am I going to do? I've already told my friends!” Lucy cried hysterically, further agitating Mrs. Rose.
Mrs. Rose clamped a hand over Lucy's mouth and even yanked her hair, pulling out a few strands.
“I told you to be quiet, or I'll kill you. You... you're useless now!”