Arthur Evans Plans Revenge
Meanwhile, Grandma Evans and Helen Parker were seething with resentment, having failed to borrow money or the house from Lily Evans.
As soon as they got home, Helen Parker spat, "That shameless Lily Evans! She thinks she's all that just because she made a bit of silver! Once Simon Evans marries Miss Lucy of the Leo Family, we'll have everything we want! Who even cares about Lily's shabby house? After the wedding, I'll make sure Simon teaches that wretched Lily a lesson!"
Grandma Evans, however, was worried. She said, "Helen, since we couldn't borrow the house, how are we supposed to hold the wedding? Simon finally convinced Miss Lucy to go home and talk to her family. The engagement banquet is set at Savory House, and we've rented outfits for everyone to keep up appearances. But when the Leo Family brings the bride over and sees our mudbrick house, won't our secret be out?"
Helen Parker thought for a moment and said, "It's fine, Mother. So what if they find out? By then, the bride will already be here, and she's pregnant with Simon's child. If Miss Lucy doesn't marry Simon, she won't be able to marry anyone else!"
Helen snorted, her voice dripping with malice. "She thinks she's so precious just because she's the richest man's daughter? She still ended up pregnant by my son! Hmph, after the wedding, I'll remind her of this every day. Even if she were the emperor's daughter, she'd never lift her head in front of her mother-in-law! Honestly, it's Simon who's got real skills—snagging such a wealthy heiress saved our family a fortune!"
Grandma Evans thought it over and realized Helen was right. Once the bride was in their hands, it would be too late for the Leo Family to regret anything!
It wasn’t until evening that Uncle Arthur returned from Tenmile Hill, where he’d been personally overseeing the shop renovations. He’d been leaving early and returning late these days, and when he got home, he found Mrs. Charlotte Evans and Lily Evans waiting for him.
"Charlotte, Lily, did something happen?" Uncle Arthur sensed the tense atmosphere as soon as he walked in and hurriedly asked.
Lily Evans explained the situation about Simon Evans marrying Miss Lucy, then added, "Uncle Arthur, Miss Lucy is already pregnant, so she has no choice but to marry him. But Simon is narrow-minded and—"
Uncle Arthur's expression shifted. He sat down and thought for a moment before saying, "I've never met Mr. Leo Liu, but I've heard plenty about him. They say he's only got one daughter, his pride and joy, and the Leo Family is both wealthy and influential in business and politics. Mr. Leo Liu himself is hot-tempered and ruthless—a real piece of work. If Simon marries his only daughter, he might inherit the Leo Family's fortune and connections one day…"
At this, Lily Evans and Mrs. Charlotte Evans both looked troubled. It was clear that if Simon Evans married Miss Lucy, he'd gain power and would likely use his new connections and wealth to suppress Lily's family.
Lily sighed. In the end, she just didn't have enough backing. The most powerful person she knew was Leonard Li, but their relationship was nothing special—just business partners. If the Leo Family really wanted to go after her, Lily would be on her own, with no one to protect her.
"Lily, don't worry too much. Things always work out one way or another. Uncle Arthur has some connections in official circles—maybe not as powerful as Mr. Leo Liu, but he can still pull a few strings. If anything happens, you can count on him to stand by you," Uncle Arthur reassured her.
Even so, Lily couldn't help feeling down. It's true what they say—a higher rank can crush you. Without someone powerful backing her up, she felt uneasy.
Lily sighed again. If only she could find a strong protector, she wouldn't have to worry about others using their power to bully her.