Chapter 145
Mila noticed the change in Zack’s expression and instinctively tightened her grip on his arm.
Elnora didn’t spare them a second glance and walked straight into the front hall.
She had barely taken a few steps when Marina called out to her.
“Elnora,” Marina called.
Elnora turned toward Marina’s voice, her gaze falling on Daron and Marina’s joined hands. Elnora’s eyes sparkled with
satisfaction.
The businesswoman next to her leaned in and asked quietly, “Who is that?”
Elnora replied with a smile, “My sister.”
The businesswoman nodded slightly, her gaze thoughtful, clearly considering something.
Elnora, not seeming to notice the businesswoman’s thoughtful look, spoke softly, “I’ll head over first. Let’s catch up later.”
The businesswoman gave a quiet “mm–hmm,” her gaze lingering thoughtfully on Elnora’s back as she walked away.
The engagement ceremony was about to begin, and Daron took a seat off to the side.
When Marina saw Elnora walking over, her expression stayed calm, but she secretly let out a sigh of relief.
As Elnora approached, she reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Marina’s ear.
“Not bad at all. You look gorgeous,” Elnora said with a smile.
Marina felt a surge of happiness at the compliment and replied, “I’m not as beautiful as you, Marina.”
Elnora smiled. “The engagement party’s about to start. Let’s grab a seat and chat.”
Marina nodded, found an empty table, and as she sat down, she tugged on Daron’s sleeve, making sure he sat with them.
Her hand stayed on his sleeve the whole time, and only when he finally sat down next to her did she relax inside.
Elnora had given her a task last night: stick to Daron like glue. No way was she letting him sneak off to another table.
Once Daron sat down, he caught Elnora’s gaze and said in a cool tone, “Congrats, Ms. Finley.”
Elnora just smiled and replied, “No need to be so formal.”
Marina raised an eyebrow, unable to figure out what exactly Daron was congratulating her sister for, her eyes full of confusion.
But then she remembered Zack and Mila, and thought to herself, ‘Actually, maybe this is something to celebrate too.”
The table for ten was soon packed once Finn, Kara, and the rest showed up.
Kara had some work stuff she wanted to ask Elnora about, so she grabbed the seat right next to her.
Elnora was always full of clever ideas, and she cleared things up for Kara in no time.
While Elnora was talking with Kara, Chloe kept stealing glances at her, a touch of admiration in her eyes.
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Chapter 145
Elnora really was the one the Finley family patriarch had handpicked as his successor.
Her outlook and the way she tackled problems were on a whole different level compared to most people.
The engagement ceremony got underway.
Evan Clark, the Clark family patriarch took the stage to give a speech.
Even at eighty years old, Evan looked as robust as ever, his voice ringing out with strength.
After he finished offering his blessings to Zack and Mila, the room broke into applause.
But Evan didn’t put down the microphone. Instead, he continued, “With everyone gathered here today, the another piece of good news to share. My son, Gordon Clark, has gained another daughter.”
Everyone looked curious, and their gazes all went straight to Viola Clark’s belly.
‘But Mrs. Clark’s not exactly young anymore. Is she really pregnant?‘ everyone thought.
Viola bit back her annoyance, forcing herself to keep up appearances in front of all the guests. She leaned over and murmured to the servant next to her, “Go get Ms. Finley.”
The servant nodded and headed off to get Elnora.
ly has
When the Clark family’s servant came over, Elnora smiled softly, got up from her seat, and with all eyes on her, headed over to the Clark family’s side.
Suddenly, everyone finally got what Evan was talking about.
Zack and Mila clearly hadn’t seen this coming. For a moment, both of them just stared in disbelief, completely thrown by the Clark family’s surprise announcement.
Elnora stopped beside Viola.
Viola kept up her composure, gave a faint smile, and reached out to take Elnora’s hand.
Elnora kept her smile gentle and composed.
When Evan saw Elnora coming over, he spoke up in his steady voice, “Everyone knows the Clark family’s never had many kids. Since my generation, we haven’t had a single daughter in the family.
“Elnora’s driven and always striving to do better, but most of all, she’s got a real connection with the Clark family. So starting today, she’s officially one of us.”
As soon as Evan finished his announcement, the crowd erupted in murmurs.
Mila locked her eyes on Elnora, her gaze full of bitter resentment.
‘No wonder Elnora smiled at me and said, “Whether it’s your engagement or your wedding, I’ll be sitting at the main table,” when I handed her the invitation,‘ Mila thought.
The news that the Clark family had officially welcomed Elnora as their honorary daughter totally overshadowed her status
as Zack’s fiancée.
Elnora noticed Mila shooting daggers her way, but she just flashed her a cool, unbothered smile in return.
Zack felt like that smile cut right through him, making his chest tighten..
If it weren’t for all the guests watching, he probably would’ve lost his cool and marched right up to Elnora, demanding to
11:32 Tue, Dec 30
Chapter 145
know what the hell was going on.
vouchers
Evan wrapped up with a few more host’s remarks, invited everyone to dig in, then leaned over and said quietly to Elnora, “Elnora, join us at the main table later.”
Elnora gave a soft nod and smiled. “Sure thing, Grandpa.”
Evan shot her a look, then strode off toward the main table.
Viola took a deep breath, and with no other choice, took Elnora’s hand and walked over.
At this point, everyone just had to keep up the act and make sure none of the guests had anything to gossip about
When Marina saw Elnora take her seat at the Clark family’s main table, she finally realized what her sister m Without Elnora, this engagement party simply couldn’t happen.
Everyone who knew Elnora and Zack used to be a thing just sat there, jaws on the floor.
No one had a clue how Elnora managed to get herself officially accepted as the Clark family’s daughter.
Now that Elnora had officially become the Clark family’s honorary daughter, and Marina was getting close to Daron again, the Finley family’s comeback looked all but guaranteed.
As Finn picked up his chopsticks, he let out a low chuckle and said, “Man, that was brilliant. That’s so Elnora.”
Marina watched Elnora take her seat at the Clark family’s main table, her heart racing. She was totally blown away by the whole scene.
There was no way the Clark family would just make Elnora their honorary daughter without a ton of strings attached. It couldn’t have been as simple as it looked.
Elnora might’ve pulled off an epic turnaround, but who really knew all the struggles and pain she’d gone through to get here?
Marina glanced up at Daron, noticing how he stayed cool as ever, completely unfazed, while everyone else around them was either curious or downright shocked. The contrast made her heart race.
Unable to hold back her curiosity, Marina leaned in and whispered, “Did you already know about this?”
Daron turned his head and saw Marina’s delicate face leaning in, her eyes full of curiosity. He gave a gentle nod.
“Mm,” he answered quietly.
Marina took a deep breath. “Why didn’t you give me a heads up?”
‘Wow, he really keeps his mouth shut, Marina thought, a little exasperated.
Daron replied coolly, “You never asked.”
Marina was left speechless.
Across the table, Joyce watched them interact, her gaze frosty.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
