"I keeping twenty-five percent for retirement, and Chris and Celia each have gotten twenty-five percent. Thest twenty-five percent is your wedding gift.”
Gwh''s eyes welled up with tears. She never imagined the Langford patriarch would give her such an enormous gift.
Victoria was also caught off guard, then she simplyughed in exasperation. “Dad, have you been ying me for a fool all these years?"
The Langford patriarch waspletely shameless and didn''t show the slightest hint of embarrassment. “Not at all. You are capable and beautiful; you probably look down on the little the Langford family has to offer anyway. Every time I tried to talk to you about investing, you''d just put me off until ''next time.'' I''ve given up hope now. Thepany is for my three precious grandchildren, and as for myst twenty-five percent, you can decide what to do with it after I''m gone."
The patriarch chuckled cheerfully after he spoke, but it only made everyone''s heart sink further. This gesture wasn''t just about his affection for Gwh; it felt like he was settling his final affairs.
"Hawthorne, I know you''re a man of great standing yourself," the patriarch said, turning to him. “But Gwyn has her own family to back her up. This wedding gift is the foundation we''re giving her."
Hawthorne gave a wry smile. With Gwh''s personality, she was already a handful even without any extra backing.
"Patriarch, please rest assured," Gwh''s sworn brother chimed in. "Gwyn has her family here in Starfall City, and back in Greenvale, we''ll always be her shield. If Hawthorne ever dares to make her unhappy, we''ll be the first to make him pay."
The Langford patriarch could see the sincerity in the man''s eyes and nodded. "I believe you."
In front of everyone, with awyer officiating, Gwh and the patriarch signed the share transfer agreement. Victoria then handed Gwh a key.
"When you were little, you always begged me for a race car, but I only ever got you a model. Now that you''re grown up, the car you''ve always wanted has been waiting in the garage for a long time. It''s my gift to you."
Before Gwh could even process it, Chris and Celia presented their wedding gifts as well.
"Mom, my wedding is tomorrow! Did you all conspire to make me cry?"
ver
Hawthorne pulled Gwh into his arms in front of everyone. “I gave you gifts too, but I didn''t see you get this emotional." He sighed. For the proposal, he had scoured hispany for every treasure he could find custom-made garments using heritage craftsmanship various antiques and jade pieces, every fine thing he could think of was sent to Gwh.
She ignored hisment but nestled into his embrace for the family''s sake. Everyoneughed, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
The next day, Gwh and Hawthorne rode in the wedding car to the church early in the morning.
The wedding was a grand affair, attended by nearly every prominent figure in Starfall City''s high society.
Gwh had woken up at dawn for makeup, spending two hours getting ready before changing into her wedding gown. Hawthorne then picked her up in the decorated car and took her to the church.
Before all their friends and family, they held the mostvish and expensive wedding in the history of Starfall City.
That night, the sky above the city
was a canvas of fireworks. The blossoms of light bloomed in the air, and the sound of celebratory cannons echoed through the clouds
swnel.n
illuminating the fight as t
day.
Guided by the priest, the newlyweds exchanged rings. Gwh hadn''t brought the original ring Hawthorne had given her in fact she had put that pat away entirely. Hawthorne had anticipated this and prepared a new diamond ring the size of a pigeon''s egg. Staring at the ring on her finger, Gwh realized she was now, truly, Mrs. Everhart.
The day was a blur of tedious ceremonies and toasting at each table. Gwh was already struggling to hold her liquor, but Hawthorne remained perfectlyposed and navigated the social currents with ease.