Chapter 93
Chapter 93:
The Prescott family’s estate was nestled in the city’s most historic central area.
In contrast to the Morrison and Wilson families, who had accumulated their wealth through savvy investments, the Prescott family, though less affluent, boasted a legacy of eminent scholars and a rich academic heritage.
Hence, the selection of Leonino’s spouse was a matter of considerable importance.
Approaching the grand, ancient gates that radiated a grave sense of tradition, Valeria couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.
She slightly relaxed her hold on Leonino’s arm.
“Feeling nervous?” Leonino asked, looking down as he gently pushed a stray hair from her face.
Swatting his hand away, Valeria said, “Dr. Prescott, be careful— that’s a wig. You might mess it up p>
With a grin, Leonino responded, “Seems you’re quite spirited—I guess my concern was unwarranted p>
Valeria lowered her gaze thoughtfully and said, “I still don’t look annoying enough… something is missing p>
Her cool fingers moved into Leonino’s pocket.
Noticing her action, Leonino looked at her with a keen expression. “What are you doing p>
Under her breath, she replied, “Remember? I asked you to hold something for me earlier p>
She retrieved a piece of gum, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth.
Shortly after, she blew a large pink bubble.
“Alright, let’s head in. With me looking like this, they might just send me away as soon as they see me,” she said.
Leonino chuckled. “Miss Clark, you’re making me think you deserve a higher fee p>
With a cunning smile, Valeria teased, “I wouldn’t object to a raise from you, Dr. Prescott p>
L𝑎t𝑒st ch𝑎pt𝑒rs in
Taking her slightly cold hand, Leonino flamboyantly escorted her through the entrance.
Upon seeing Valeria, Savannah Prescott, Leonino’s mother, typically calm and kind, couldn’t hide her surprise.
Leonino’s father, Gregg Prescott, had his hand shaking as he poured coffee, his eyes practically glued to Valeria.
It was only when hot coffee spilled on his hand that he came to his senses.
Savannah coughed slightly and instructed a servant to fetch a blanket for Valeria.
Leonino wasted no time and announced, “Valeria and I are thinking about marriage p>
Valeria leaned into Leonino’s shoulder, batting her exaggerated false eyelashes for effect.
Gregg tapped the table impatiently. “Isn’t this charade getting old? Every year, to dodge marriage, you parade unsuitable women through our home p>
Leonino interjected sharply, “This time, it’s real p>
He gently raised Valeria’s hand, showcasing the family’s heirloom ring now on her finger.
Shock registered on Gregg’s face. “That ring, on her finger? How could you p>
Leonino’s gaze bypassed Gregg and landed squarely on Savannah’s face.
He knew his real challenge was persuading Savannah.
“Valeria is the only one I plan to marry. If that’s unacceptable, then we end all marriage discussions here p>
A knowing glance passed between Valeria and Leonino before she dramatically protested, “Really, who’s eager to marry nowadays? I wouldn’t bother if Leonino hadn’t been so persistent p>
As she pretended to remove the ring, Savannah, who had been quiet until now, suddenly intervened.
“Keep the ring. Miss Clark, I approve of your marriage to Leonino p>
Valeria stopped abruptly, nearly choking on her gum in astonishment. Leonino, puzzled, asked, “You approve p>
Savannah maintained a cold demeanor, her forced smile not reaching her eyes.
“What choice do I have? You’ve never before passed the family ring to anyone p>
As Leonino’s mouth opened to respond, Savannah cut him off.
“Your wedding will be arranged within three months. Just be there p>
Silence enveloped the room.
Gregg stared in disbelief. “Savannah, are you truly considering a woman like this for our daughter-in-law? We’re not the Wilson family. In the Prescott family, once a marriage is arranged, it’s not something you can simply change on an impulse p>
Valeria burst into laughter, not expecting Alden to serve as a warning in their conversation.
Gregg’s face flushed with anger.
“You might not know this, but Emily Simpson, the bride who fled, is about to return. The Wilson family will face turmoil. We can’t have such scandals in our family p>
At the sound of Gregg’s words, Valeria’s expression soured.
Emily was returning? What would become of Helena then?
Only yesterday, Helena and Alden appeared blissfully unaware of the looming troubles.
Savannah, sipping her coffee, gave a silent nod.
Leonino’s normally relaxed demeanor vanished. “Must you dictate even my wedding p>
Savannah’s tone was soft, yet her words were incisive. “Organizing your wedding is the family’s prerogative. Unless you and Miss Clark are merely acting, why shouldn’t I proceed with the arrangements p>
Leonino’s expression chilled. “Very well. I consent p>
Valeria was taken aback.
Beneath the table, she squeezed Leonino’s hand, signaling her desire to drop the act.
However, Leonino drew her close in a swift motion.
He kissed her unexpectedly.
Valeria’s eyes went wide; Leonino’s glasses were inches from her face, his lashes lowered, his breath warm on her lips. As the kiss ended, Valeria remained stunned, speechless.
But Leonino was resolute. “We’ll go through with the wedding plans p>