The crowd below the stage had different expressions as they chattered awayâ¦
âThis is Mr. Blanchetâs fiancée? Why is she dressed like a street punk?â
âShouldnât Mr. Blanchetâs woman be an elegant and beautiful lady? What the hell is that?â
âHmm, Mr. Blanchetâs taste is rather⦠unique.â
Ellinor had deliberately dressed like a punk to scare off potential husbands. But Theo didnât seem to mind that his fiancéeâs image was being discussed. More accurately, he didnât even care that his taste was being questioned, so he was completely unmoved.
Under the strange gazes of the guests, Ellinor had no choice but to exchange engagement rings with Theo.
The host announced that the ceremony was over!
Although everyone was a bit uncomfortable with Mr. Blanchetâs choice of fiancée, they didnât dare not to applaud for the sake of Mr. Blanchetâs face.
The applause erupted.
After leaving the stage, all Ellinor wanted was to get away and escape this place of drama.
But she was surrounded by three exquisitely dressed women who blocked her way.
âWhose daughter are you?â
âWhy did you come dressed like that?â
âDo you think youâre worthy of standing next to Mr. Blanchet?â
Ellinor just bypassed them, not wanting to deal with them.
But these women blocked her way again, refusing to back down.
She lost her patience, glanced at their glamorous dresses, âYouâre all dressed up, but why donât I see any of you standing next to Mr. Blanchet?â
âYouâ¦â
These three socialites were daughters of wealthy families in Greenhaven. Had they ever faced such sarcasm? They blocked her, demanding an apology, and were even more reluctant to let her go.
Not far away, Jonah walked over and clinked glasses with Theo.
âTheo, where did you find this female thug? If you take her home to your old man, heâll probably drop dead!â
Theo replied in an uncaring tone, âThe old man just wants a daughterâinâlaw, and any woman will do.â
Jonah complained, âThere are so many women in the world, why did you have to choose a thug to marry?â
Theo sipped his wine, as if reminiscing about something.
âBecause, sheâs a sweet girl.â
Jonah was stunned, looking at his normally reserved brother with incomprehension, âI never realized this before, but you have quite the taste!â
Splash! A glass of wine was spilled on Ellinor!
Jonah turned to look, raising his eyebrows, âYour fiancée seems to be getting bullied. Arenât you going to do something?â
Theo squinted, âNo need â
Before Jonah could figure out what Theo meant, he saw Ellinor grab a socialiteâs hair and knock their heads together like she was slapping a watermelon, causing the two women to collide severely!
The two socialites immediately fell unconscious, and the remaining one was scared out of her wits.
âYouâ¦youâ¦youâ¦.â
Ellinor was expressionless. She didnât say a word, just waved her hand lightly.
The last socialite immediately backed away and no longer blocked the way.
Jonah gave a slight smile.
I think I understand why you chose her.â
Theoâs eyes were meaningful; he was silent as he sipped his wine.
The young woman was able to approach him quickly, and could force a big man like him to bend down and kiss her with just one hand. She was strong and daring, truly an extraordinary woman!
âCollin, take her to change.â
âYes, Mr. Blanchet.â
Ellinor didnât go with Collin to change, but walked over and looked at the man unhappily.
âYou, youâre really unfair! I just gave you a light kiss, and you want me to give myself to you. The price is too high, can I be committed to you in another way? Like committed to financial compensation?â
Theoâs eyes were captiviting and sparkling. He smiled slightly, looking at Ellinor, âHmm? How much do you think my kiss is worth?â
Ellinor first looked at the manâs face, then carefully assessed his fineâlooking thin lips.
âI donât know, you set the price yourself! You look like youâre not young anymore, and this shouldnât be your first kiss, so the price should not exceed thirty dollars. I donât have that much money!â
âHow dare you!â
Thirty dollars?
Collin thought the woman was asking for trouble. Being engaged to Mr. Blanchet should be a blessing accumulated from her past life. How dare she look down on the honorable Mr. Blanchet?
Theo raised his hand to signal his men to step back. Then his long fingers pinched Ellinorâs sharp chin.
His grip was not strong, but it was threatening.
âLittle girl, since you have the guts to tease me in public, you should be prepared to face the consequences, okay?â
Ellinor frowned. She felt that this man had some issues. Her outfit today was not outstanding, so why was he pestering her?
Ellinor lifted the corner of her mouth. Her eyes sparkled, and she said without hesitation, âOkay! Can I go to the bathroom now?â
Theo didnât answer. He just glanced at his men, signaling them to take her to the bathroom.
A few minutes later, Collin came back with a serious look on his face, approaching Theo.
âMr. Blanchet, Ms. Mendoza has escaped through the bathroom window. Iâve sent people to chase her.â
Theo was elegantly dressed. He seemed to have expected this so he leaned back on the sofa. His face expressionless as he swirled the red wine in his glass.
âDonât bother chasing her, find out her home address, and send someone to pick her up.â
âYes.â
After watching the whole drama, Jonah couldnât help but give Theo some advice, âTheo, do you really want to marry that little girl who obviously doesnât suit you? Actuallyâ¦.â
Theo said meaningfully, âOnly a woman like her can become my wife.â
When Ellinor returned home, it was already late at night. The moment she walked in, her dad, Arnold, was all set to smack her.
âYou dare show your face here!â
Quick as a cat, Ellinor stepped back and dodged the slap with ease.
Arnold was pissed off big time when he saw Ellinor manage to dodge his slap.
âEllinor, your mother painstakingly picked out a suitable man for you. How could you dress so casually to meet him? You even kissed a random man in public. Youâre making the Mendoza family lose face! Your actions have caused your mother to be criticized! Apologize. Apologize to your mother now!â
Sliding her hands into her coat pockets, Ellinor gave him a cold stare, âSheâs not my mother!â
She was her stepmother, whoâs trying to marry Ellinor off so that she would lose the Mendoza family inheritance!
Feigning concern, Tracy said, âArnold, Iâm fine. Donât blame Ellinor; sheâs young and naive. Itâs my fault as the stepmotherâ¦.â
Seeing his wife defending the misbehaving girl even at this point, Arnold was even more heartbroken.
He turned around and reprimanded, âYou are so ungrateful! Tracyâs been so good to you, and you canât even bring yourself to call her mom!â
Wiping away tears, Tracy, looking all pitiful, said, âArnold, itâs okay! She can call me Auntie Tracy. I donât mind!â
Ellinor was not surprised at Tracyâs act. This woman was a pro at playing the victim. Arnold was just too blinded by her beauty to see it!
Ellinor handed Arnold a folder filled with information, âDad, hereâs the real scoop on all the guys Auntie Tracy set me up with. Take a look, if you find someone suitable, Iâll marry him.â
Arnold was taken aback, he picked up the folder and began to flip through it, his expression getting grimmer and grimmerâ¦