?Chapter 172:


    When Marissa entered the banquet hall with Rachel and Le, she noticed Connor engaged in a conversation with several influential figures. Opting not to interrupt, she continued on her way. Arabe and Glenn arrived at that time, so Marissa approached them


    “Grandma, Glenn, here you are.”


    Rachel and Le also extended their polite greetings to Arabe and Glenn. Arabe, examining Marissa, voiced her confusion. “My sweetie, why are you still wearing that shabby shirt?”


    “It’s quite chilly with the air conditioning, Grandma,” Marissa exined


    Arabe felt it was a great pity to waste the beautiful dress. “If only I’d known, I would have brought you a shawl. Shall I have someone fetch one?”


    Find your favorite stories at


    “No need to trouble anyone, Grandma. I’m managing fine,” Marissa quickly assured her


    At that moment, Trenton, Melinda’s grandfather, approached and greeted Arabe cheerfully. “Mrs. Daniels, how have you been?” Arabe offered only a cold nod in response, not particrly fond of Trenton


    Despite being Melinda’s grandfather, Trenton, belonging to a younger generation than Arabe, refrained from taking offense


    Glenn then inquired, “Mr. Warren, I heard that Aelfric would attend the engagement party today. Why isn’t he here?”


    Trenton’s demeanor shifted noticeably, hinting at unspeakable troubles. Marissa couldn’t help but smile inwardly. Having given Aelfric a thorough thrashing the previous evening, she knew his absence was due to his miserable condition. Yet, this was a private affair within Doomsday Base, unlikely to be disclosed externally, and for the sake of maintaining their dignity, the Warren family would not tell anyone either


    “Aelfric is unwell today and won’t make it,” Trenton managed to say, his smile strained. Glenn looked puzzled. “But isn’t he always in perfect health, trained in martial arts since childhood? It’s peculiar he’d fall ill today of all days.”


    “It’s merely a coincidence,” Trenton replied awkwardly. Uninterested in the men’s conversation, Arabe took Marissa’s hand and suggested they sit elsewhere. “Come, sit with me over there, my sweetie.”


    “Of course, Grandma.” Marissa then assisted Arabe to a nearby sofa


    Once seated, Arabe expressed her disappointment. “You’re dressed so beautifully today, yet you’re hidden under that shirt because you’re cold. Perhaps we should turn off the air conditioning?”


    “That wouldn’t be wise, Grandma. It would get too hot for everyone here,” Marissa responded. Arabe frowned, clearly bothered. “All the other women are dressed so elegantly, and here you are in in attire. As Connor’s wife, you should be the most radiant and distinguished at the party!”


    Just then, Melinda approached, followed by a cluster of female guests. Upon noticing Melinda’s attire, Arabe realized something and whispered, “I see, my sweetie. Your dress is the same as Melinda’s. That’s why you’ve covered it up, isn’t it?”


    Marissa offered a small, acknowledging smile. Arabe’s mood shifted to indignation. “You are Connor’s wife, and she is just your future niece-inw. What right does she have to wear the same dress as you? I’ll have her change immediately!”


    “No, Grandma!” Marissa intervened quickly. “She’s the bride-to-be and the focus of today’s event. It’s right for me to step back. Besides, if you intervene on my behalf, it might lead to criticism of my behavior as overbearing.”


    Arabe was reluctant but eventually conceded to Marissa’s reasoning. Marissa had hoped for a peaceful time to chat and enjoy some refreshments with Arabe, but her ns were interrupted as Melinda approached, apanied by a group of women. As they drew closer, Marissa’s heart sank when she spotted two individuals among the group whom she least wanted to encounter


    .


    .


    .