Chapter 20
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Two hours later, the car pulled into a mountain estate.
The ornate iron gates creaked open, revealing a driveway lit as bright as day.
Lavender had always known the Ralstons were elite–but not this elite.
Rumors said the family’s wealth rivaled that of states, and now she knew those weren’t exaggerations.
The car stopped outside an estate. Red stepped out first and offered his arm.
Lavender took it, exhaling deeply as she looped her arm through his.
A dozen uniformed staff came out to greet them.
“Mr. and Mrs. Ralston.”
It was her first time in a setting like this. She couldn’t help but feel uneasy, her steps instinctively retreating just slightly.
Red gently wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Don’t be nervous. You’re practically the lady of this house. Just relax.”
He led her inside.
Though it was technically a family dinner, the living room was glowing with crystal lights and elegance. The chandelier bathed the space in brilliance, and there were already guests scattered around in quiet clusters.
The moment they stepped into the estate, all eyes shifted to Lavender.
“Mr. and Mrs. Ralston.”
Everyone they passed lowered their heads in respect.
Lavender leaned toward Red and whispered, “But we haven’t even gotten our marriage certificate yet… Isn’t it a bit early for them to call me that way?”
Red gave a small smile. “It’s only a matter of time.”
The living room was massive–at least ten times bigger than the Winslets’s villa. Just walking across it took a few minutes. And since she was in heels, her pace slowed even
more.
At the far end of the room, a regal–looking woman sat surrounded by other women, the center of attention like the moon among stars.
Red did something rare–he lowered his head slightly.
“Mom.”
The elegant woman looked up slowly, her expression unreadable as she studied the
woman next to her son.
“So this is Lavender? The eldest daughter of the Winslets?”
Red answered casually, “And your daughter–in–law.”
Cressida shot her son a look, then turned her attention back to Lavender.
Chapter 20
14:59 Thu, 22 May G MG
“I heard you’ve cut ties with your family?”
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She said it in an even tone–neither warm nor cold. It was impossible to tell what she was really thinking.
“Your parents gave birth to you and raised you. And now that you’re grown, you cut them off completely? Aren’t you afraid people will think poorly of you?”
Lavender’s palms were slightly clammy, but her voice stayed firm.
“They gave birth to me, but they didn’t raise me. There’s no point keeping ties like that. And honestly, it’s my life. I’m not here to live it according to other people’s opinions.”
The room went completely still.
Years ago, Red had lost his father. Back then, relatives from the extended family had tried to take over their assets. Cressida held the line, all by herself.
Half of what the Ralston Group was today–its success, its power–was because of her.
So no matter how powerful Red was in the business world, when it came to his mother, he was always respectful.
There was even a saying in their social circle. “Whatever status Red holds among men, Cressida holds among women.”
The silence now was tense and heavy.
Then, unexpectedly, Cressida laughed. She raised a brow and said, “Dear, you’re the second woman in our circle who’s dared to do something so outrageous.”
Lavender blinked in surprise.
It wasn’t exactly something to brag about–and it wasn’t like many women even could.
Cressida pulled a soft blanket off her lap and stood up.
The women around her rose too, parting to make way.
Clarise walked over to her son’s soon–to–be wife, her smile bright and sharp.
“The first woman who cut ties with her family… was me.’
Lavender’s eyes widened.
“Back then, when I broke off with my parents, everyone in our circle called me ungrateful. They even tried to block me at every turn.
“Red’s Dad was the only one who didn’t judge me. He stood by me–and married me despite all the backlash.
“It’s been over 20 years now, and my son… has chosen a path just like his Dad’s.”
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