Chapter 463
“You were the one who went back on your word first, and you’re the one treating your son’s marriage as a transactional exchange, Mrs. Adams. Under these circumstances, I don’t see any reason to politely exchange pleasantries with you, let alone hand over the man I love like he’s some piece of merchandise.” Dahlia stood her ground, refusing to yield an inch.
Her peripheral vision swept past Mrs. Adams and landed on Pamela. Meeting Pamela’s provocative gaze, she curled her lips into an equally matching, confident smile.
Pamela’s expression faltered, a hint of surprise gradually surfacing in her eyes.
Mrs. Adams’s chest heaved with fury at Dahlia’s words. Her angry gaze snapped to Magee. “Magee, what are you just standing there for? Didn’t you hear how this woman just insulted your mother p>
Magee sat down opposite Mrs. Adams, his gaze sweeping over the table piled high with lavish gifts. “Before we get into that, you and Dad should explain exactly why you called us back here.
If you really intend to force an engagement between me and Pamela, then I think Dahlia is absolutely right p>
“You Mrs. Adams grew even more enraged. She wanted to scold Magee, but Mr. Adams gave her a look, cutting her off. He then tried to smooth things over. “Magee, Arthur and Beatrice are still here. Let’s leave these private matters for later p>
“Private matters? I think Arthur and Beatrice want an explanation right now, otherwise they wouldn’t have eagerly brought the marriage contract over.
I’m honestly curious. Did I not make myself clear enough before?
I have no feelings for Pamela, and this engagement was called off a long time ago. Now you show up with all these gifts… Are you worried you can’t marry your daughter off p>
Magee’s words were ruthlessly sharp, leaving the Gates family no room to save face, while simultaneously giving Dahlia all the backing she needed.
The hand Dahlia had been clenching tightly inside her sleeve finally loosened a fraction, and her pressed lips relaxed slightly.
Pamela’s face burned with humiliation. She shot Dahlia a resentful glare but didn’t say a word.
Or rather, she didn’t need to speak right now. The Gates family had offered the Adams family something they simply couldn’t refuse.
At this point, Magee’s refusal was no longer an option.
Even if she said nothing, the Adams family would fight her battles for her.
Sure enough, the next moment, Mr. Adams slammed his hand on the table. “Magee, watch your tone! Arthur and Beatrice are your elders, and Pamela is your fiancée.
You took it upon yourself to break the engagement before, leaving me with no face to even face them. Now that they are willing to let bygones be bygones, don’t be so ungrateful.
Marriages are arranged by the family. It’s not up to you to just cancel it on a whim.
Since we never agreed to the cancellation, it doesn’t count. The contract has been drawn up again, and this matter is settled. Cut ties with this woman immediately and treat Pamela well from now on p>
A sarcastic smirk gradually took over Magee’s face. He stared coldly at the man he called his father, seeing nothing but sheer hypocrisy.
When Pamela had provoked Lance and Magee wanted to break the engagement, Mr. Adams had known all about it but hadn’t put up much of a fight.
It turned out he had been leaving himself a way out all along.
When the Gates family came knocking, he just played dumb and brushed it off.
In the eyes of both families, that engagement had never truly been severed.
“Not happening. If you called me back just to spew this nonsense, then we have no reason to stay. I’m leaving with Dahlia right now. We won’t be an eyesore to you anymore, and don’t even think about trying to control my marriage ever again,” Magee stated.
Right in front of Pamela, he reached out and firmly grasped Dahlia’s hand.
His unwavering voice was the absolute anchor Dahlia needed.
Dahlia’s expression softened further, and she squeezed his hand back.
This was the chance she had given him, and the chance she had given herself. Since Magee wasn’t backing down, neither would she.
“Stop right there! Block them!” Mrs. Adams stood up abruptly, ordering the house staff to block the doorway and cut off their escape.
Annoyance flashed in Magee’s eyes. Arthur, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. “Oh, calm down, Mrs. Adams. The kids are still young, there’s no need to get so angry. How about this? Let the young lady wait outside for a bit, and we can all sit down and have a proper talk p>
“There’s nothing to talk about. I will never marry Pamela. As for Dahlia, I’m her boyfriend, and she has no reason to avoid any conversations concerning me,” Magee said flatly.
Every single word he spoke was a fierce defense of Dahlia, deliberately meant for Pamela to hear so she would finally accept reality.
Pamela’s expression stiffened for a second before she put on a sickeningly sweet smile. “Girlfriend? That’s fine, Magee. We’ve been engaged since we were kids. I really don’t mind if you gave into temptation and had some fun on the side. Once we’re married, you can just settle down p>
She played the role of the magnanimous future wife, purely to disgust both Magee and Dahlia.