?Chapter 1562:


    Giselle ate slowly, her dislike for Elsa simmering beneath herposed exterior. Still, with the potential alliance between their families through Brenna and Ethan’s marriage, she wanted to avoid unnecessary friction.


    So, with deliberate politeness, she replied, “We’re all getting older, having taken care of our children for years. Now, they’re adults with their own minds and desires. They can make their own decisions.”


    Giselle quietly bristled at Elsa’s overbearing nature, always intent on bending others to her will. She had no such inclinations.


    Elsa’s temper red at Giselle’s words. She felt her efforts were being dismissed.


    Why was everyone so blind to her well-meaning intentions?


    Did the Harper family not care about their prestige?


    Elsa said, “I’m firmly against a mere destination wedding. I’m here to inform you that I intend to host a grand wedding for Ethan and Brenna, inviting important guests from all over the country. This isn’t up for debate. If you oppose my n, we may need to reconsider the union.”


    She saw this as a chance to redeem her reputation after the fiasco of Kenny’s wedding. Was that so unreasonable?


    Shepard, swallowing his rising frustration, responded with a stern edge, “You don’t have the authority to dictate this. Brenna and Ethan’s decision isn’t ours to make.”


    Elsa shot to her feet, her voice rising in indignation. “Why don’t I have a say? I speak for my family and Ethan’s wishes! Why should you control everything? My family demands a spectacr wedding. If you refuse, perhaps we should cancel the engagement altogether!”


    Giselle let out a sharp scoff, her patience wearing thin. “We’ll speak directly with Ethan about that. I know your temperament—overbearing and irrational. We won’t listen to you.”


    Elsa’s voice trembled with rage as she unleashed her frustration. “This is absurd! Not even a hint of room for negotiation? Your family’s impossible. I am calling off the wedding!”


    She paused briefly, her breath catching, hoping Giselle would soften andpromise.


    However, standing up, Giselle shot back with equal intensity, “Fine, cancel it! My daughter’s only been home for a year—I’d rather keep her close a little longer anyway.”


    Elsa let out a sharp huff and stormed out.


    Giselle didn’t bother to follow, spinning toward Shepard, her anger still simmering. “Can you believe her? The kids had everything nned, we were all in agreement, and now she swoops in, ruining everything. Are Brenna and Ethan even going through with this marriage?”


    Shepard snorted, his irritation matching hers. “If they don’t get married, so be it. Brenna’s still young—far too early to settle down. Let’s just call the whole thing off.”


    Giselle sank back into her chair, her appetite gone. “I’m calling Ethan right now to let him deal with this.”


    Shepard gently caught her hand to stop her. “Hold on. We don’t even know if Ethan’s aware of this yet. Let’s not act rashly; we need to stayposed.”


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