Nicole lowered her gaze and started taking mental notes on what she needed to prepare for the wedding.


    No one was more anxious about this marriage than the groom-to-be himself.


    Kieran approached, ncing at L, who was looking down like a quail.


    He said, "It''s a bit chilly in December. We can get the marriage certificate now and hold the wedding in March or May next year when the weather is warmer. What do you think, L?"


    L was stunned, thinking, "Was he asking me? What do I think?"


    She pointed to herself. "Me? I think... it''s a good suggestion."


    Amelie was happy with the answer as well.


    No one had expected her youngest son-the one who seemed the least likely to marry-to be the one to tie the knot ahead of her two grandsons.


    As the weather gradually became cooler, the filming for L''s drama started winding down, and the day to get the marriage certificate got closer.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at a high-end restaurant in Northridge City, Shannon looked at Vince with a faint smile. "Have you been visiting your sister lesstely?"


    "Just say what''s on your own mind. I don''t have time for chit-chat," came Vince''s cold reply.


    "You''re nning to give up and ept the marriage that your family has arranged?"


    "Ms. Bolton, you seem interested in my private matters. Or are you interested in the marriage arrangement? If you''re willing, I can discuss with Mr. Bolton Senior about arranging for +us to get married."


    Shannon''s hand froze mid-stir as she looked at him in disbelief.


    "Aren''t you in love with L?"


    "You also like Kieran. Does that mean you can marry him?" Vince shot back without hesitation, his words hitting Shannon exactly where it hurt.


    She gripped the spoon tightly, nearly shattering her cup with it. It had been a while since she had lost herposure like this.


    Would she have felt this anxious if Kieran and L weren''t going to obtain their marriage certificate soon?


    She had tried to stop the wedding over the past few days. Yet, every time it affected L-even at the slightest, it would cause the Bolton Group''s stock prices to drop.


    However, every time it affected L even a little, the Bolton Group''s stock prices dropped.


    Kieran was so protective of L, and she feltpletely powerless against her.


    "Vince." Shannon, holding back her anger, was ready to retort. "What makes you think you''re better than-"


    However, she was interrupted by a familiar voiceing from a nearby table, mocking her.


    "I see. The rumors about the Bolton family''s heiress are all lies. Seeing her today only makes it clear that the rumors are nothing more than that."


    With that, Amelia nced at Vince, shaking her head in disdain. "You have such poor taste. Why waste your time with her when you have an opportunity with the Joyce family by way of marriage?"


    Vince''s eyes twitched. He hadn''t noticed when Amelia had arrived. Also, how did she conceive the idea that he was interested in an arranged marriage with Shannon?


    He did not mean what he said.


    Amelia crossed her arms, and upon seeing Vince''s silence, she thought he was feeling guilty.


    "Don''t tell me that the Bolton family can''t hold a candle to the Joyce family. Let''s just focus on the Bolton family''s heiress, then.


    "Aside from having a bigger chest than L, what exactly do you think she has over her?"


    This was clearly an insult, implying that Shannon was a dumb blonde.


    Shannon felt her anger rising, but she forced a smile. "The Joyce family''s heiress is known to be gentle, kind, and well-mannered. Now that I have heard you speak, I see that rumors can be misleading, tob."  ?wnovel


    She mimicked Amelia''s tone, subtly insulting her forcking manners.


    Amelia smiled indifferently. "You''re right. When ites to the likes of you, there''s no need for me to have any manners. You''re always trying to steal someone else''s husband. In short, you''re just a shameless mistress!"


    Shannon''s expression darkened, and Vince stepped in front of Amelia to protect her.


    Meeting his cold gaze, she forced a smile through gritted teeth, thinking that they were of the same kind.


    Amelia nced at Vince. "Are you two done? I''m here to have lunch with L.


    Once you''re finished, hurry up and leave. Don''t ruin our mood."


    There was disdain on Amelia''s face, leaving Vince helpless.


    Why did this concern him?


    How did he get dragged into this?


    Just as he was about to tell Shannon he was leaving, he saw L walking in,


    followed by her two sidekicks, Jamie and Teddy.