Chapter 558
Chapter 558:
Once everyone settled in the tranquil backyard lounge, Leona offered Shepard a heartfelt apology. Though sisters, Leona and Rosita were strikingly different: Leona warm and gracious, the very image of the Finch family’s elegance; Rosita impulsive and prone to meddling.
Shepard smiled and reassured her, “Mrs. Finch, please don’t worry; I won’t take Rosita’s words to heart p>
Leona exhaled with relief, grateful that her worry—that Rosita’s comments might upset Shepard and strain his bond with Kelsey—was unfounded. Amelia, seated nearby, remained mindful of why they had come. She and Wyatt had arrived primarily to discuss Shepard and Kelsey’s upcoming wedding, but as a younger guest Amelia felt it wasn’t her place to lead the conversation. Subtly, she nudged Wyatt’s sleeve.
Wyatt, mid-sip of his coffee, caught her signal, set his cup down, and spoke up. “Mr. and Mrs. Finch, regarding Kelsey and Shepard’s wedding, what are your expectations p>
𝗥𝖾𝗰о𝘮𝗺е𝗇d 𝗍o 𝗒o𝘂𝗿 f𝘳𝗶еn𝘥s
Amelia and Shepard turned their gazes to Trevor and Leona. Trevor cleared his throat and said to Shepard, “Kelsey is our only child, and we want her future secured. We request two gifts—ten percent of the Chadwick Group’s shares and fifty million in cash p>
Kelsey began to protest, but Shepard gently clasped her hand to silence her. Meeting her puzzled look, he shook his head with a reassuring smile. “Mr. Finch, I accept both conditions. Are there any further requests p>
Trevor added, “The shares must be transferred to Kelsey’s name before the wedding p>
“Of course,” Shepard quickly agreed with a smile.
Pleased by the prompt reply, Trevor nodded approvingly.
“And what about our family’s gifts?” Kelsey interjected. “Since I’m marrying Shepard, you’ll prepare something for him too, right p>
Trevor’s smile faded instantly. “You are already siding with him before getting married p>
“I don’t care. If our family’s gifts are worth less than the Chadwick family’s, I won’t proceed with the wedding p>
“You p>
Trevor’s face reddened with anger, and Shepard, concerned the situation might escalate, quickly led Kelsey away from the backyard. Amelia and Wyatt exchanged a look, rose, and offered polite nods to Trevor and Leona before stepping aside.
Aware that Shepard and Kelsey had much to discuss, Amelia chose not to follow them back into the bustling hall, where the Finch family’s gathering was filled with lively guests—an atmosphere she found overwhelming. Wyatt noticed her lingering and took her hand. “The garden here is stunning. Let me show you around p>
The Finch family’s garden, at the front of the house, offered privacy from the crowd. As they wandered the winding paths, dusk began to settle and the garden emptied of other guests. Meticulously tended, it boasted rare plants not even found at Hillside Villa. Seeking calm, Amelia discovered unexpected delight among the vibrant blooms. Wyatt trailed quietly behind her, his attention fixed on the way she marveled at the flowers. To him, Amelia outshone the entire garden.
Noticing her dry lips, he said gently, “Amelia, wait here. I’ll fetch you some water p>
Feeling thirsty, Amelia nodded. Though the house was close, Wyatt’s absence stretched on, and concern flickered across her face. At the garden’s edge, a woman stood blocking Wyatt’s path. He fixed her with a steely gaze and said coldly, “Step aside p>
Salome stared at Wyatt in amazement, entranced by his handsome face. She was Rosita’s daughter; Rosita’s marriage to a common man had ended after she was drawn to the allure of elite society. Unfazed by her parents’ separation, Salome had pragmatically chosen to remain with her mother, knowing that Rosita’s sister’s influence might secure her a place among the city’s elite.
Today the Finch gathering buzzed with guests, yet none of the affluent bachelors had caught Salome’s interest. She had planned to slip away unnoticed, never expecting to encounter someone as remarkable as Wyatt. The instant she saw him, she knew he was the man she wanted.
Undeterred by his sharp words, Salome stepped closer and began to introduce herself. “Hello, I’m Salome, and p>
“Didn’t you hear me? I said, step aside!” Wyatt cut her off sharply.
Salome, long admired for her looks, had never failed to captivate men—until now. For the first time, she doubted her own allure. As she wondered whether something about her appearance was lacking, Wyatt suddenly turned away from her and advanced toward the garden path. A surge of hope rose in her chest—only for him to say instead, “Amelia, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting p>