Chapter 13 Talking About the Wedding, Playing Along

In the car on the way back to Lockhart Mansion.

Cecilia turned to Genevieve with a serious look, "Mom, besides not being blindly loyal to Ophelia, you don't always have to give in to Vincent's family either."

Genevieve sighed, "Theodore just wants to avoid family drama. Honestly, the Lockhart inheritance should've gone to the eldest son, but your grandpa gave everything to Theodore. It's no wonder Vincent's family is upset."

"But that doesn't give Vincent the right to push us around. Mom, our family has always had this flawed thinking. We assume the family business should go to the eldest son, and that the second son inheriting it is disrespectful to the eldest! But think about it differently—why didn't the eldest son get the estate, but the second son did?"

Genevieve was taken aback; she had never considered it that way.

"That's because the eldest son wasn't capable. He couldn't handle the family's responsibilities, so my grandpa chose my dad. We shouldn't feel guilty; we should be proud. We're the ones keeping the Lockhart Group afloat. The Lockhart family, including Vincent, should be grateful to us, not mocking or oppressing us."

At that moment, Genevieve seemed convinced by Cecilia's words.

All this time, they had been lowering themselves to avoid internal conflicts. Now, thinking about it, they inherited the estate because of their abilities. Why should they endure so much criticism?

Seeing that Genevieve seemed to understand, Cecilia added, "So, Mom, from now on, deal with everyone in the Lockhart family with confidence. Otherwise, they'll really think they're in the right!"

"Okay," Genevieve agreed immediately. "In the Lockhart family, compromising doesn't solve problems; it just makes them more aggressive."

"You catch on quick!" Cecilia praised.

Genevieve smiled warmly, "Didn't your actions today make it very clear to me?"

Genevieve was right, but she wasn't just setting an example for Genevieve.

Her actions today were also meant to provoke Isadora.

To be precise, she was provoking Juliana.

With her current success, Isadora must be seething with jealousy. After all, Isadora always thought she was the true eldest daughter of the Lockhart family, so she constantly compared herself to Cecilia. Isadora couldn't stand Cecilia having more and living better.

Once Isadora got jealous, she'd act irrationally. But Isadora wasn't smart; she didn't have Juliana's cunning. To please Isadora, Juliana would definitely give her advice.

Of course, Juliana's schemes weren't for Isadora's benefit.

Everything she did was to replace Isadora.

Cecilia sneered coldly.

Fortunately, having lived another life, she knew everyone's true nature. So she could use their cunning to achieve her goals!

After all, catching Dominic's weakness before marriage wasn't easy. Ultimately, Dominic was a cautious person. Before marriage, he wouldn't dare to act recklessly. But if someone threw themselves at him... Dominic, being the scoundrel he was, would definitely take the bait.

She just had to wait and reap the benefits.

When Cecilia and Genevieve returned to Lockhart Mansion, they were surprised to find Theodore had also come back.

Seeing them leave together, he was a bit surprised, "Where did you go so early?"

"We went to Old Lockhart Mansion," Cecilia replied.

Theodore's expression clearly changed, and with a slightly reproachful tone, he said, "Why didn't you tell me you were going there? You should let me accompany you."

In her previous life, Cecilia had avoided the people at Old Lockhart Mansion like the plague. Thinking back now, she felt it was unworthy of her family. After all, their family had bent over backward, trying to keep the peace, but in return, the family from Old Lockhart Mansion had joined forces with the Kingsley family to put her family to death!

Before Cecilia could speak, Genevieve smiled and said, "From now on, you focus on your work. You don't need to worry about these family matters."

Theodore was clearly puzzled. In the past, every time they had to go to Old Lockhart Mansion, Genevieve would be extremely nervous and would be down for several days after returning. But now, she seemed to be in a good mood.

"By the way, why did you come back suddenly? Is there anything?" Genevieve quickly changed the subject.

Theodore had many questions, but remembering the matter at hand, he didn't ask further and replied, "Nathaniel Kingsley said we should go to the Kingsley family for lunch today to discuss Cecilia and Dominic's wedding next month."

As he spoke, Theodore glanced at Cecilia.

Cecilia smiled calmly and said, "Let's go."

"Aren't you planning to call off the wedding?" Theodore couldn't help but ask.

"That's for later. For now, whatever the Kingsley family says, we do. We'll fully cooperate with them... and put on a show."

'That way, the slap in the face will be even louder.'

Theodore didn't say much more.

Since he had agreed to let Cecilia handle the wedding, they would follow her lead.

So they didn't delay. They changed into appropriate attire and headed straight to Kingsley Mansion.


At the entrance, the Kingsley family warmly greeted them.

In the past, Cecilia had thought this was a sign of the Kingsley family's respect for them.

Now she knew it was all for show.

As soon as Cecilia got out of the car, she noticed paparazzi hiding in the shadows.

It had to be mentioned that in a high-end villa area, not even a fly could get in without permission, so this was clearly arranged.

She remained calm and, like her parents, accepted their warm reception.

The group walked into Kingsley Mansion.

It was just about lunchtime, and everyone sat around the large round table in the Kingsley family's dining room, with gourmet delicacies in front of them, looking very sincere.

"I originally wanted to schedule this for the weekend, thinking Theodore and Dominic would be working. But time is tight, and I must admit we're a bit impatient, so we chose today. I hope it didn't cause any trouble for you, Theodore!" Nathaniel said, playing the role of the good guy.

Cecilia sneered inwardly.

It was likely that the Kingsley family's stock had plummeted due to bad publicity yesterday, and they had ulterior motives!

"We're all family. There's no need to talk about inconvenience. You're being too formal!" Theodore, with decades of business experience, responded smoothly. "At my age, I've delegated most of my work. I don't need to manage so much anymore."

"I'll also help Theodore share the burden in the future," Dominic quickly added, acting very polite.

"I've been waiting for you to say that. Once you and Cecilia are married, I'll be counting on you to take care of the Lockhart Group," Theodore looked nonchalant.

Cecilia's lips curled into a slight smile.

She hadn't realized Theodore's acting skills were quite nice.

"Rest assured, Theodore, I'll be diligent and responsible," Dominic said, his joy evident.
Deserted Wife Strikes Back
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