Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 77

Chapter 77: A woman with no backup

“Why didn’t you tell me this morning?” Layla asked, tilting her head as she glanced at Lucius. They had just dropped August off a few minutes ago and were now heading home.

“Your dad specifically asked for us to be there this weekend. You should have told me,” she pressed, her voice firm.

Lucius shrugged, trying to keep the mood light. “I didn’t want to ruin the fun.”

“Lucius, this isn’t something to joke about,” Layla insisted, her gaze piercing through his nonchalance.

“I know,” he sighed, attempting to reassure her. “We’re on our way now, so don’t worry.”

Layla frowned, unconvinced. “And if your father gets angry? What will you do then?”

He hesitated for a moment, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “I guess… I’ll just have to get upset too.”

Despite his playful tone, Layla could sense something was amiss. His expression remained calm, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of unease. She narrowed her eyes, studying him closely. “What are you hiding?” she asked softly.

Lucius flinched at her question, startled by her sudden insight. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“What’s bothering you? Mind sharing with me?” Layla’s voice softened, concern lacing her words.

“I’ll tell you once we get home. It’s not serious, so try not to worry,” he said, attempting to soothe her.

As they arrived at Lucius’s father’s home, Layla’s eyes caught sight of two unfamiliar cars parked outside the mansion. A frown creased her brow as recognition dawned.

“What’s going on?” Lucius asked, sensing the discomfort etched on her face.

“Those are my dad’s cars,” Layla replied, her voice tight with confusion.

Lucius’s mind raced. ‘Why did Dall call them here? I thought Roderick ended everything with Orabela.’ He exchanged a worried glance with Layla before placing a reassuring hand on the small of her back. “Let’s go in.”

As they stepped inside, the lively sounds of conversation enveloped them. The De Salvo and Rosenzweig families mingled in the living room, laughter and chatter blending together in a warm atmosphere.

“My son and daughter-in-law are here!” Alekis boomed, his excitement resonating through the room as he spotted Lucius and Layla. The chatter quieted, and every eye turned toward them.

Layla forced a smile at her father-in-law but deliberately avoided looking at her own family, her discomfort palpable. Alekis, quick to pick up on the tension, glanced between Layla and her relatives, sensing the undercurrents of discord.

“Layla, your number was saying it’s off,” Orabela interjected, her tone deceptively casual.

“Oh, really? But it’s on,” Layla replied, a sharp edge to her voice that clearly indicated she had blocked Orabela’s number.

“Seems like Layla has forgotten her manners since getting married,” Fiona remarked, her gaze flicking to Seraphina. “Your mother told me earlier that you blocked her number,” she added, a calculated attempt to portray Layla in a negative light. Fiona wanted to ensure Alekis saw Layla as someone incapable of maintaining peace within her own family, suggesting that she would surely struggle with her in-laws.

Before Lucius could step in to defend Layla, Alekis raised his hand, silencing the room. “I didn’t gather everyone here for arguments,” he declared.

Fiona felt her frustration mount as she watched Alekis choose to remain silent, refusing to scold Layla.

“I heard Roderick broke up with Orabela. Now that they’re both here, it seems Dad wants them to be together,” Lucius pronounced with a hint of amusement, trying to lighten the mood.

“That’s because I was angry with Orabela,” Roderick replied, his gaze locked on Orabela. “In fact, I love her and can’t stay away from her, Uncle.”

Both Lucius and Layla were taken aback by his sudden declaration. Just days ago, Roderick had been whining about Orabela to Layla on the phone, and now he seemed utterly transformed. Layla couldn’t help but wryly laugh at the irony; he was finally revealing his true colors.

“Well, you two suit each other,” Layla said, her words dripping with sarcasm. She felt a surge of satisfaction at their engagement—this was a perfect opportunity for her. With them united, it would be far easier to tear them apart later.

As she glanced at the rings adorning their fingers, a satisfied smile crept across her face.

“You two weren’t here, so we had to start the engagement ceremony without you both. Next time, try to be on time,” Alekis stated firmly, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

“We understand,” Layla replied, forcing a smile.

“Well, it wasn’t a big occasion for everyone to gather,” Lucius added. “Congrats, Rick. I hope you can be a real man for Orabela.” He tried to inject some lightness into the moment. “I’ll send you an engagement gift, and one for Orabela as well.”

“The day Roderick and Orabela get married will also be the day I pass down the role of chairman,” Alekis announced with a broad smile. His words sent a ripple of happiness through the room, but Lucius and Layla exchanged glances, their expressions betraying their discontent. They both felt Roderick wasn’t worthy of such an honor.

“Fiona, you should check on the dinner arrangements,” Alekis suggested, breaking the moment.

“I will,” Layla volunteered quickly, eager to distance herself from the charged atmosphere as she walked away.

“I’ll help my sister,” Orabela chimed in, following Layla out of the living room.

Fiona watched them go, her eyes narrowing. “Orabela is a lovely sister to Layla. I wonder why Layla behaves so coldly toward her. Is it because she’s an illegitimate daughter and has no rights in the Rosenzweig family?” Fiona taunted, her gaze shifting to Lucius.

“I didn’t mean to offend you, but I’m just curious. Why would a man like you marry a woman with no backup? Father held such high hopes for you,” she continued.

Fiona shrugged then, an insincere smile playing on her lips. “It’s just a shame to see you throw your future away for someone who doesn’t have the same standing as you do.” She relished the tension, watching Lucius closely as if waiting for him to react.

“Fiona, watch your tongue before you speak. Layla’s family is present here. Illegitimate or not, my son has chosen her, so I have faith in him. Forgive her for speaking in such a way,” Alekis said, looking at Darius.

“Dad, you are apologizing to the wrong person. Even Layla’s father, Mr. Darius, treats her like she’s a nobody. I wonder why you chose such a family for Roderick, who were always biased to their one daughter. Layla and I will have dinner in our home. I don’t like it when her identity is degraded,” Lucius stated and stood up from his place.

“Lucius, don’t be upset. It’s an important occasion,” Alekis stated.

“That’s why I don’t want to ruin it for you,” Lucius said and walked away.

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