Lydia was about to leave when Mr. Fay, who had remained silent until now, spoke up, his tone carrying an undeniable authority. “You’re not going anywhere.”There’s a banquet tonight, hosted by the Ford family, to welcome back their son who just returned from studying abroad. He’s your childhood friend, Eugene Ford. You’re going, and that’s final.” There was no room for refusal in his voice.The frustration Lydia had been holding in finally boiled over. “I’m not going.”Mr. Fay’s expression darkened immediately. He was a man who rarely spoke, but when he did, he didn’t like to be challenged. Lydia’s defiance was testing his patience, and the only reason he wasn’t already furious was because she was his daughter.”Lydia, don’t talk to your father like that,” Mrs. Fay interjected, trying to calm the situation. “The Ford family has been close to us for generations, and Eugene is your childhood friend. It’s only proper for you to show up and give them some respect.” Lydia let out a cold laugh. “I know exactly what you’re trying to do. You want to set me up with him, right?”Mrs. Fay didn’t deny it, but she pressed on. “It’s not unreasonable. Eugene has always been fond of you, and-“”I’m not going. There’s no chance of that happening,” Lydia cut her off, her voice firm.Mr. Fay stood up abruptly, his face now mirroring the same cold smile. “Then don’t expect to leave this house.”In the end, Lydia couldn’t leave. Her parents locked her in, forcing her to attend the Ford family’s banquet. They even confiscated her phone, leaving her no way to contact Quincy. She was filled with anxiety but had no choice.The next evening, Lydia dressed in a sleek black V-neck dress and headed to the Ford family’s event, accompanied by Mrs. Fay, who had come along to ensure Lydia didn’t slip away from the party.As soon as she stepped out of the car, Lydia’s face was etched with displeasure. She barely acknowledged anyone who greeted her, leaving several people feeling snubbed.Mrs. Fay, noticing this, whispered sharply, “Fix your expression. Mrs. Ford is coming over.”Following her gaze, Lydia spotted a dignified woman walking toward them. Dressed in a tailored women’s suit, her short hair giving off an air of authority, she looked less like a socialite and more like a business executive.Mrs. Nancy Ford had spotted them too and smiled warmly as she approached. “Lydia, you’re still as beautiful as ever.”It’s been so many years, but I’d recognize you anywhere.””Say hello to your Aunt Nancy,” Mrs. Fay urged, nudging her daughter.Lydia forced herself to suppress her irritation and awkwardly exchanged pleasantries with the woman she hadn’t seen in years.”Oh, Eugene is here! Come over and see your Lydia,” Mrs. Ford called out to her son, who was standing a little ways off. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the ꜰind_ηovel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Lydia’s first instinct was to run.But Mrs. Fay held her arm in a tight grip, preventing any chance of escape. She stood there, trying to keep a neutral expression, as Eugene approached.As the guest of honor, Eugene was impeccably dressed, his short hair neatly styled, and his dark eyes seemed to reflect the stars. From the moment he stepped closer, his gaze fixed intensely on Lydia, the weight of it making her feel uncomfortable. Noticing this, Mrs. Ford made a teasing remark about them, which prompted Eugene to finally pull his gaze away, his lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.”We actually met just a couple of days ago,” Eugene said casually.Mrs. Ford raised her eyebrows in surprise at that revelation.