After much persuasion from Belinda, Ynda reluctantly allowed herself to be helped into her wedding gown.


    Although it was only an engagement party, Ynda''s gown was a custom design from a famous couturier, worth a fortune.


    Once she was in the gown, the stylist finished her hair, cing a cor on her head and adorning her with a matching set of jewelry. She looked radiant, dripping with pearls and gems.


    Belinda took Ynda''s hand, her eyes welling up as she looked at her daughter in the wedding gown.


    "Oh, my Ynda. When you were born, you were so tiny. In the blink of an eye, all these years have passed, and now you''re grown up and getting married. I''m so happy I get to see you in a wedding dress."


    "Mom, it''s just an engagement. If Eden doesn''t treat me well, I won''t marry him. You can''t force me," Ynda stated.


    "I know, I know. You''re our precious daughter. We will never let you be wronged," Belinda nodded repeatedly.


    Just then, the dressing room door was knocked on, and Vincent walked in, looking impatient.


    "Aren''t you ready yet? The guests have arrived, and the party is about to start.”


    "We''re ready now. Vincent, look, doesn''t our daughter look beautiful today?" Belinda said with a smile.


    “Beautiful. My daughter is the most beautiful girl in the world," Vincent said, patting Ynda''s head before taking her hand.


    "Come on, let''s go. The bridesmaids are waiting for you."


    Ynda forced a smile and took Vincent''s arm, and they walked out of the dressing


    room.


    Outside the door, the bridesmaids were still waiting. When they saw the bride emerge, they immediately flocked to her side.


    Despite their privateints, they were professionals who had navigated the industry for years. Not one of them was foolish enough to show their true feelings. They showered Ynda withpliments, telling her how beautiful she looked, how she and the groom were a perfect match, and what a powerful union their families would make.


    In short, no one wanted to offend the Walker family, so the ttery flowed freely. Bathed in their praise, Ynda''s expression finally softened into a genuine smile. In the ballroom, the guests were assembled.


    Although only Frank and his mother represented the Thompson family, the allure of an event hosted by Istra''s wealthiest family was enough to draw a crowd of the city''s political


    and business elite.


    The Walkers had chosen the hotel and venue, and thevish decorations were all


    ording to Belinda and Ynda''s tastes.


    The Thompson family just footed the bill.


    Vincent led Ynda into the ballroom, where Eden was already waiting by the entrance.


    "You look beautiful today," Eden said with a smile as he looked at Ynda.


    "Thank you," she replied, her face impassive.


    Vincent, however, was beaming as he ced their hands together.


    "Eden, I''m entrusting Ynda to you. She''s my only precious daughter. If you dare mistreat her, I won''t forgive you."


    Eden responded with perfect humility.


    "Mr. Walker, you have my word. I will


    "Mr. Wanda and never let here?


    treasure Y


    suffer even the slightest,grievance, he said solemnly.


    "I''m d to hear that," Vincent replied, patting Eden''s hand.


    Then, Eden took Ynda''s hand and gently tucked it into the crook of his arm, smiling at her. "Come on, the party''s starting. We have to go through the formalities and greet the guests."


    "Okay," Ynda nodded, murmuring her assent.