Crystal''s expression didn''t waver as she said, "What era are we living in? Do I really need your approval to date someone? As long as we love each other, that''s all that matters."


    After saying this, she cast a meaningful nce at me. It was a look filled with so much affection that it was visible to everyone present.


    I felt a wave of emotion.


    Although her family might be materialistic and arrogant, she wasn''t. Perhaps she behaved that way toward others but not toward me.


    A woman like her was scarce.


    In fact, I found her even more remarkable than those who came from humble backgrounds.


    After all, she had grown up in this environment. It would have been easy for her to be influenced. Yet, despite being surrounded by people who valued wealth above all else, she managed to stay true to herself. That was extraordinary.


    Emma, however, seemed to take her daughter''s words as a crushing blow. She staggered slightly, her face pale with shock. "Crystal, what nonsense are you spouting? Do you remember what you promised me? You said you''d find a good man who could support this family!


    "I only have one daughter. Don''t you dare let me down on something this important!"


    Hearing this, Crystal bit her lip, her voice tinged with frustration. "I know I promised. But I thought I''d never meet someone I truly liked back then. I figured I''d settle for someone good enough to make you happy. But now, I''ve found someone I genuinely love. I don''t want to let that slip away."


    "Love? What love? In this day and age, who believes in true love anymore? Even


    if you love this poor man, how can you be sure that he loves you back?"


    Emma''sposure shattered as she yelled, her voice trembling with anger.


    "Ask him yourself. Does he care about your personality, your looks, or your family background? If you were ugly and broke, do you think he''d still want you? Let''s face it—he likes your looks and your money. And when you grow older, he''ll use your money to pursue younger women. Don''t you see it?"


    I had to admit, her words weren''t entirely wrong.


    For most men, looks were the first thing they noticed, followed by wealth and family background. Personality and character would tend toest. If the looks weren''t there, everything else would be irrelevant.


    And when their wives aged and a young woman showed interest, few men could resist the temptation.


    I couldn''t be sure that I''d hold out until the moment arrived.


    But when it came to Felicia, I waspletely devoted. I loved her deeply, and even if she were disfigured, my feelings wouldn''t waver.


    Nevertheless, I was ying the role of Crystal''s boyfriend at that moment. So, I needed to channel those emotions toward her.


    I said calmly, "Mrs. Morgan, could you please calm down? I may only be the son of a fruit vendor, and I know I''m not worthy of Crystal. But my feelings for her are genuine. They have nothing to do with her looks or her family. I swear."


    "You swear? Your word is worthless!"


    I met her gaze and said earnestly, "I''ll prove it with time."


    Something in my eyes must have convinced her because she finally calmed down, though her expression remained tight with frustration. "This isn''t over. We''ll talk about itter. But remember, this is a family gathering, so behave yourself!"


    Crystal exhaled deeply, clearly relieved. She hadn''t expected the first person to attack her at the family gathering to be her mother.


    Just as I thought the storm was finally over, a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.


    "I wasn''t nning to say anything, but I can''t stand this guy''s fake act any longer! Let me tell you all something-this guy isn''t just poor. He''s a fraud!"


    As the speaker stepped forward, I turned to see who it was. My eyes widened in disbelief.