"So you used sweet talk like that to deceive that young girl?"
"Uncle, if sweet words could solve everything, then the Caldwells wouldn't be sitting in this position today."
I rose and headed toward the family banquet hall.
The bodyguard followed after me. "Miss, your belongings."
I took my bag and noticed he still held the ancient coin bracelet.
"It's worth a little money. You can have it."
"Thank you, Miss."
Inside the banquet hall, several uncles greeted me with polite smiles.
I had barely sat down when Yolanda reached for my hand.
"My dear niece, I hear you have a very good relationship with Julian and you only listen to him. After we get married next month, please keep visiting us as often as before."
Her smile was gentle, yet her eyes held a hint of mischief.
"Sophia, shall we add each other's contact?"
She pulled out her phone. The screensaver was a photo of her with Julian.
Then, she suddenly slapped her forehead.
"Oh, my memory is terrible. I'm using Julian's old account. Sophia, he didn't save your name. So, which one are you?"
She beamed at me. But the uncles across the table had already sensed something was off.
I glanced at the screen. It was indeed Julian's old account.
Well, since she was so curious, I didn't mind telling her.
"How could it not be saved? The one marked 'Baby', that's me."
Yolanda hadn't expected me to say it so shamelessly. Her face darkened.
"You two are so close, right?”
She held up her phone, seemingly showing it to me but actually displaying it for everyone. “This one?”
The screen was densely packed with messages—all my concerns for Julian.
Asking about his situation and words expressing how much I missed him.
"My phone broke, so I'm using Julian's. Little niece, your uncle might not have seen these messages. Should I send them to him?"
At that exact moment, Julian walked in.
I shot a glance at the bodyguard behind me. "Go get it for Julian to see."
"Yes, Miss."
He snatched the phone from Yolanda and handed it to Julian, who had just arrived.
Julian showed no reaction upon seeing the chat history. But when his eyes fell on the bracelet in the bodyguard’s hand, he froze.
"Where'd you get that?"
"My lady asked me to show it to you."
"I'm talking about your bracelet. Where'd you get it?"
"My lady gave it to me."
Unfortunately, I couldn't read the look in Julian's eyes.
That man later pulled out a chair and sat beside me.
"Sitting here might make it hard for you to explain things to your fiancée."
"If I don't sit here, I won't be able to report to you either."
He stayed by my side throughout the entire family banquet, occasionally serving me food.
As it neared its end, he suddenly blurted out. "Why give something you like to someone else?"
I picked up a piece of fish and asked flatly, "Are you talking about the person, or the bracelet?"
This time, he was the one who fell silent.
I could sense Yolanda's mood and notice how often she clenched her palms. Still, I didn't care whether she was pleased or not.
"Three years later and you're still so stubborn. It's about time you found a husband to keep you in line."
"I'm done eating. Everyone, please continue."
I wiped my mouth, grabbed my bag and left the table.
He thought I was upset. The truth was, I wasn't.
Chances were, I'd be married before he ever was.
"Miss, Mr. Sloane, Mr. Caldwell wants everyone to move to the front hall after dinner."
I turned and walked towards the hall.
Inside the large hall was already filled with all sorts of red boxes.
Fifty or sixty of them, tied with red ribbons and wedding characters.
My father sat at the head of the table, holding a list in his hand as he carefully checked off the wedding gifts one by one.
"Are all these wedding gifts for me?"
Yolanda covered her mouth in surprise. "Th-this much?"
Julian gently lowered his head and ruffled her hair.
Several uncles also inquired about the details of their wedding.
"Have you chosen the wedding dress?"
"We'll go pick it out tomorrow."
"Alright. When you return, come to my winery to select your wedding wine. Dominic says you may choose freely."
"Thank you, Charles."
Their polite exchanges were so seamless, I almost believed my father was truly preparing for Julian’s wedding.
Until the butler hurried over with a smile.
"Mr. and Miss Caldwell, Sawyer Steele has arrived."
