Chapter 261 Engagement
Vera entered the room, walking arm in arm with Eric.
“I apologize for the delay. There was some traffic on the road,” Eric explained.
Vera followed Eric timidly, keeping her head low and remaining silent. She avoided looking around, behaving cautiously and restrained. Finally, she took a seat next to Eric at the long table.
Layla was the last to arrive, taking her seat at the head of the table alongside Will.
Will stood up to greet her, “Layla, I’ve heard so much about you. How have you been feeling lately?”
Considering him as the future son-in-law of the Smith family, Layla responded, “Not too bad. I won’t d just yet. Anyway, I’m sure everyone must be getting hungry by now. Let’s start the feast.”
As Layla picked up her cutlery, she handed Eileen, who was sitting next to her, a piece of sweet and sour pork. “You’ve lost weight these past few days. These are all your favorite dishes, so eat up.”
“Thank you, Grandma,” Eileen said gratefully.
Layla gave her a faint smile. “When I came here, I asked the priest of Tuzbum Church to pick out an auspicious date for you and Jasper. According to what Jasper said, the third day after your exams is a go day. We’ve set the engagement date for then. What do you think?”
Eileen’s left hand clenched tightly under the table, holding onto the hem of her dress.
Even without looking at others, she could feel their gazes on her. “All right. I’ll do as Grandma wishes.”
Jasper gently ran his fingers through Eileen’s hair, his gaze filled with tenderness. At first, Eileen and 1 thought the same. But since Grandma has already made her decision, we’ll follow her lead. What do you think, Father?”
Will laughed, clearly the happiest person in the room. “Eileen is lucky to be valued by the Smith family and marrying into it. Naturally, I agree.”
Layla nodded. ‘She will be the future lady of the house. Following tradition, I will give you the Freephens Mansion as your engagement gift. The property will be registered under Eileen’s name alone. What do you think. Jasper?”
“Sure thing Jasper agreed.
Elcen quickly refused. “No, that’s too extravagant of a gift Jasper and I are only engaged, so! cant accept such an expensive present. I really can’t accept it. Grandma’
The Freephens Mansion was a mansion that Dominik had built for Layla Its name was also personally Clica by Dominik tumseif
Mosetseg thai place had never boru sold to outsaders and held ugtulisant meaning for Layla
Eileen fachieved that she wall descrrug về sun bi a gift.
Layle’s face tell “What do
i had originally planned at as your and Jasper s
farm faucar it’s going to be yours sound va balak anyway I makes no difference whether you receive it
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now.”
“Please accept this token of affection from your grandmother, Eileen. In the future, you will own half of the Smith family’s a*sets, so this is nothing in comparison,” Jasper insisted.
But she had never wanted any of this.
Will spoke with a mix of reluctance and acceptance, “Layla, Freephens Mansion is indeed too luxurious for Eileen. Besides… She hasn’t even become a part of the household yet. Let’s wait until after the wedding. There’s no need to rush.”
“Freephens Mansion was originally intended by Old Mrs. Smith to be a gift for the future daughter-in-law of the Smith family. It also represents the status of the lady of the house. This is something Ms. Eileen rightfully deserves,” Richard interjected.
“Exactly. Considering your young age, the matter of marrying into the Smith family can be discussed between you and Jasper after the engagement. After all, it’s a lifelong commitment that requires careful consideration,” Layla explained.
After the engagement, Eileen would have firmly established her identity as the lady of the house. Layla had only said all that to ease her excessive worries.
Will said, “Eileen, please listen to Old Mrs. Smith’s words and don’t let her good intentions go to waste.”
“All right, then. Thank you, Grandma,” Eileen responded.
Apart from accepting, she seemed to have no other choice.
Everyone had their own thoughts during this meal.
After having a little to eat, Layla excused herself early from the table.
Father and Jasper had quite a bit to drink. Since agreeing, Eileen felt as if a huge weight was pressing down
on her chest. For some reason, she wasn’t as happy as she had imagined she would be.
She couldn’t figure out why, though. Perhaps everything was just a little too rushed.
Vera put down her fork and said, “I’m full, Eric.”
Eric picked up her plate and served her a bowl of soup. “Here, have some more soup. Wouldn’t want you to go hungry later tonight.”
Vera nodded gently. “All right.”
Eileen wasn’t far from them. After a short while, a hand holding a bowl of soup appeared in her line of sight. “The soup is good, give it a try.”
Eileen lifted her head to look at him. “Thank you, Eric
“No problem”
Eric’s thin l*ps curled up slightly, but Eileen saw the turmoil in his eyes.
It made her heart tense up
Perhaps it was because Jasper was in a good mood, he put his arm around Ealeen’s shoulder, a*serting his
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ownership over her. “Doesn’t he know that she doesn’t like sweet soup?”
Just like that, the atmosphere at the dinner table suddenly became hostile.
“You’ve had too much to drink, Jasper. How about I help you back to your room so you can rest?” Eric suggested.
Eric was a man with a dark and vengeful nature, skilled in underhanded tactics that he preferred to keep hidden. In her previous life, it was due to Eric’s schemes that the Smith family was destroyed, allowing him to take control of Smith Corporation. Although Eileen didn’t know exactly how he managed to do it, she was determined not to let history repeat itself and suffer the same tragedy again.
That big truck from last time, which almost caused them to have an accident, must have been orchestrated by Eric himself.
Even if Eric was currently no match for the Smith family, his methods could easily bring someone down regardless of their position and status.
Eric wore a relaxed expression as he softly remarked, “Is that so? It seems like you’ve been away from home for quite a while, Eileen. I almost forgot your preferences.”
“From a logical standpoint, since Eileen treats you like a brother, I should do the same. However, your last name isn’t Swan, so this form of address doesn’t seem quite appropriate. Nevertheless, considering your many years of close relationship with Eileen, I would like to propose a toast to you, Mr. Snow.”
Jasper glanced at the housekeeper beside him, and she promptly poured a drink into Eric’s wine gla*s.
Feeling concerned, Vera grabbed Eric’s arm and said, “You still have to drive, Eric. You can’t consume alcohol.”
Will observed Vera’s actions, his brow furrowing in dissatisfaction, but he chose not to voice his thoughts.
Jasper stated, “It’s just one drink. Mr. Snow, if you can’t handle your alcohol, the Smith family has a private driver who can take you home later. You could even stay the night here if you wish.”
They locked eyes, equally matched, as the atmosphere of hostility thickened in the air.
Eileen quickly stood up. “You really shouldn’t drink anymore, Jasper. Have you forgotten what the doctor said? Your wounds haven’t fully healed yet, and they could become infected again. I’ll be worried.”
Jasper turned towards Eileen, gazing at her for a long moment. His slightly intoxicated eyes were filled with lingering affection. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. “Alright… I’ll listen to you.”
There’s one more thing. Regarding the conditions set by Smith Corporation for the merger with Caerulus Corporation, I believe you should carefully consider it, Mr. Snow. After all. Not every company has the opportunity to collaborate with Smith Corporation!”
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