Chapter 3
The documents Evelyn handed Gregory exposed every single man as worthless.
Most were pushing forty. Half didn’t even have stable careers.
Gregory shot Victoria a glare. “Some of these men are my age. How could you set Evelyn up with someone that old?”
Victoria stiffened. She’d paid to alter their photos and profiles. The quiet Evelyn uncovering the truth? Unthinkable.
Instantly, Victoria played victim. “I don’t understand, Gregory! I handpicked elite bachelors for Evelyn! The matchmaker must’ve lied!”
Evelyn smirked. “Elite? You didn’t even verify their backgrounds. Marriage is life-changing, yet you treat mine like a joke. Would you let Cassandra marry a man twice her age?”
Victoria scrambled. “It’s not like that—”
Gregory slammed the papers against her chest. “Enough. You’re banned from handling Evelyn’s marriage plans. And your credit cards are frozen this month. Stay home and reflect.”
Victoria paled. “Gregory, this is a mistake—”
Ignoring her, Gregory turned to Evelyn. “I’m sorry you endured those awful dates. No more blind meetings.”
Evelyn smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”
The moment Gregory left, Victoria’s face twisted with rage.
Evelyn met her glare calmly. “Oh, Aunt Victoria? I gave those ‘elite’ men Cassandra’s number instead of mine. Maybe she’ll marry one.”
Victoria’s jaw dropped. “You did WHAT?”
Her precious Cassandra—a rising star—was leagues above those losers. They weren’t fit to breathe the same air as her!
Evelyn yawned and headed upstairs, done with the conversation.
Victoria muttered curses, then hurried after Gregory—until the doorbell rang.
Who visited this late?
Opening the door, she froze. A sharp-dressed man stood there, flanked by a team in black, all carrying lavish gifts.
Victoria tensed. “Who are you?”
The man—Lucas—smiled. “Good evening. My employer sent betrothal gifts for your daughter.”
“Betrothal gifts? From who?”
“Nathaniel Grayson.”
Victoria’s heart stopped. “The Nathaniel Grayson? Of the Grayson dynasty?”
“Correct.”
Her mind raced. “So… Nathaniel has taken an interest in my daughter?”
Lucas hesitated. “You could say that.”
Cassandra! Of course—her beauty and fame had caught Nathaniel’s eye. But betrothal gifts? Without warning?
Lucas frowned at her silence. “Do you object?”
“No! It’s just… my daughter isn’t home. Shouldn’t we discuss this when—”
“Ma’am,” Lucas cut in, “your daughter already accepted Nathaniel’s ring. These gifts are merely a formality.”
Victoria’s pulse spiked. Cassandra had kept this from her?
She ushered Lucas inside, but he declined. “Nathaniel will visit in three days to finalize the marriage.”
“Three days? That’s—”
“Don’t worry. Everything’s arranged. Only the finest for your daughter.”
Victoria nearly fainted. The Graysons’ wealth and power—hers by association!
Gregory emerged, gaping at the gifts. “What’s all this?”
Victoria clutched a diamond necklace. “Nathaniel Grayson wants Cassandra! These are betrothal gifts!”
Gregory staggered. “The CEO of Grayson Group? He’s marrying our Cassandra?”
Victoria nodded wildly. “Yes! Our daughter’s securing our future!”
Gregory clutched his chest. “This is incredible!”
Victoria preened. “You’re welcome.”
Gregory hugged her. “Thank you for raising such an exceptional daughter.”
She smirked. “So my credit cards…?”
“Forgotten! Though, Evelyn’s dates—that was unacceptable.”
Victoria sighed. “I only matched her with older men because she’s so unruly! The matchmaker deceived me!”
Gregory relented. “Fine. Just don’t let it happen again.”
Victory. Evelyn was no match for her.
Once Cassandra married Nathaniel, Evelyn would be irrelevant.
The next morning, Victoria summoned Cassandra home.
Cassandra stormed in. “Mom, I’m filming today! What’s so urgent?”
“Your engagement to Nathaniel Grayson!”
Cassandra blinked. “What engagement? I’ve never even met him!”
Victoria’s smile faltered. “Then why did his men deliver betrothal gifts last night? They said you accepted his ring!”