?Chapter 1009:


    Everett added, “Marissa, I know you and Connor’s marriage was brief and driven by a misunderstanding, but Connor doesn’t seem ready to let go of you.


    That’s why I need your help to make him understand it’s truly over between you.”


    He lifted his gaze, his expression intent.


    “I want you to announce our engagement at the party today.


    If Connor witnesses it himself, he’ll back off, and we’ll avoid more issues down the road.”


    As Marissa’s fiancé, his request was fair.


    Marissa didn’t have much ground to refuse him.


    Still, after a moment, Marissa replied quietly, “I’m sorry, Everett.


    I can’t make that announcement yet.”


    “Why not?” Everett asked, his brow furrowing.


    “Because I still need to pretend to be Tiffany,” Marissa exined.


    “When we left Q’s ship, Tiffany vanished without saying when she’d return.


    Until she’s back, I have to keep up appearances to protect her reputation.”


    Everett pressed his lips together, his silence betraying his displeasure.


    “I’m sorry.


    I keep putting you in these difficult situations,” Marissa said, apologetic but firm.


    “While I can’t go public with our rtionship just yet, I promise I’ll fulfill my role as your fiancée in every other way.”


    At least, for now, she didn’t have to face the confusion of defining her rtionship with Connor.


    Everett’s resolve was unwavering.


    He wouldn’t let her break the engagement, and Marissa knew she had little choice.


    She and her father owed the Brock family too much to refuse.


    With Everett’s insistence, Marissa decided not to dwell on herplicated feelings toward Connor.


    She’d focus on fulfilling her promise instead.


    At her promise, Everett’s expression softened.


    A faint smile touched his lips as he said, “All right.


    Let’s go greet the guests with your father.”


    Marissa nodded, and together, they left the room.


    Outside, Paul was already in conversation with several members of the Nash family, sharing tales from his years away.


    Naturally, the stories were carefully edited—he couldn’t reveal the truth about the shadowy organization.


    Instead, he exined that he’d lost his memory in the hospital explosion in BIO Grein and had only recently managed to find his way home.


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