"Wow, Elena, you're here?" her stepmother asked, her voice dripping with false sweetness. A strained smile stretched across her lips, but the insincerity was painfully obvious.
Before Elena could respond, Mr. Lugard chuckled deeply. "So, young lady, what business do you have with my son?" His eyes glinted with mischief. "Or… are you two planning a surprise wedding?" He let out a loud, hearty laugh.
His words struck Jane like a dagger.
Her fingers clenched into fists.
"No, sir! That's not possible," she said quickly, forcing a smile. "She isn't Sir Ford's taste."
The room fell silent.
Ford slowly turned to face her, his expression unreadable. Folding his arms across his chest, he arched a brow.
"Oh?" he said coolly. "And what exactly is my taste in women, Jane?"
"Um… I'm sure you love beautiful, sophisticated, and reliable women," Jane said, trying to sound confident.
