Chapter 53 The Grand Wedding 11 Generous Gift From the Whitaker Family
"Cecilia is the only woman I am going to marry." Alaric's words were clear but not loud.
Yet it seemed like everyone in the entire banquet hall heard him.
The impact was profound.
At that moment, Cecilia felt a strange flutter in her heart.
Although she knew it was all just a performance, being confessed to by Alaric in such a manner made it hard for her to resist.
She could only be grateful that she had lived for 32 years. If she were 22, perhaps she would have truly been moved by Alaric.
After Alaric's reminder, Dominic seemed worthless.
He was put in an awkward position by Alaric's words.
It was clear that Alaric was a good-for-nothing playboy, yet suddenly he had so much prestige. Even the things Dominic had worked so hard for over the years seemed effortlessly attainable by Alaric.
The more he thought about it, the angrier Dominic became, his fury rising.
How could he accept being compared in such a way?
But else could he do?
Dominic couldn't refute any of the things Alaric had said.
Suppressing his intense emotions, he saw Alaric politely asked Ophelia, "Mrs. Lockhart, is there anything else you're not satisfied with?"
Ophelia couldn't argue.
Who would have thought that a man with such a terrible reputation would suddenly display such excellence?
An awkward and tense atmosphere began to spread.
Alaric smiled, exuding an extraordinary charm. "Since you have no objections, I will now take Cecilia to get our marriage certificate."
Marriage certificate?
Cecilia was taken aback.
Although she didn't say it at the time, she had never intended to obtain a marriage certificate. Having a wedding and publicly announcing their marriage was fine, but involving legal marriage was not part of the plan.
However, Cecilia remained composed. Perhaps Alaric was just saying it for show.
After Alaric spoke, he embraced her and prepared to leave.
"Wait!" Ophelia suddenly called out.
Cecilia's patience had worn thin.
Yet Alaric remained calm and composed, asking, "Mrs. Lockhart, is there anything else?"
"Marriage is not just about you two; it involves two families. If we haven't reached an agreement, you guys are not going to get married!" Ophelia intervened.
It seemed she couldn't control Cecilia anymore, but Cecilia couldn't disobey her parents' wishes.
Regardless of Alaric's recent impressive display, changing everyone's opinion of him in an instant was difficult. Therefore, Cecilia's parents were unlikely to accept him.
Would the Whitakers agree? Alaric's sudden marriage would surely surprise them as well.
Alaric nodded at that moment, seemingly agreeing with Ophelia. "Grandma, you are right.”
Thinking he had succeeded, Ophelia couldn't help but show a hint of pride on her face.
Next moment, Caspian added, "Marriage is important, the Whitaker family should have informed you in advance and prepare engagement gifts. I apologize," he and his wife Arabella stepped forward and said sincerely.
Ophelia still needed to show respect to the head of the Whitaker family. Her tone softened as she spoke, "Mr. Whitaker, please don't blame me for being too strict. The union of two families is not a trivial matter. I don't want to make any mistakes that could lead to an undesirable outcome for both sides."
"Mrs. Lockhart, you are right. The union of two families should be treated with respect. Therefore, in front of all the guests, I am now presenting the gifts prepared by the Whitaker family to you." Caspian, who seemed well-prepared, continued, "Westcott."
"Yes, Mr. Whitaker," a middle-aged man respectfully stepped forward.
Facing everyone, he took out a list and confidently read, "Today, in celebration of the marriage between Alaric of the Whitaker family and Miss Cecilia of the Lockhart family, we present the following gifts. Firstly, $12 million in cash. Secondly, a luxury villa under the Whitaker family's Whispering Pines estate. Thirdly, a luxury car. Forthly, a gift of five percent of Whitaker family's original shares to Cecilia as pre-marital property."
The audience was truly shocked.
While the previous items were valuable, they paled in comparison to the gift of original shares. As the leading family among the four, the Whitaker family's market value exceeded billions, and a five percent share equated to over $2 billion. More importantly, the Whitaker family was offering shares that only the Whitaker family itself could possess, showcasing Cecilia's status within the family.
No one could refuse it.
So, after the steward Westcott finished reading the list of gifts, Caspian turned to the Lockharts, who had also joined them on stage, and warmly said, "Are you content with these gifts? If there's anything you don’t like, please let us know."
No one would be dissatisfied.
When Cecilia married Dominic, the Kingsley family would lose $42 million. Now, the Whitaker family was showing remarkable sincerity. Why would they refuse?
Moreover, Theodore glanced at Cecilia, silently asking if this was all part of her plan.
It wasn't. She had never intended to involve the Whitaker family in . However, given the current situation, she had no choice.
She nodded to her parents.
Theodore was somewhat resigned.
He had thought his daughter was only going to call off the engagement.
Although Alaric seemed decent and had achieved some success, in the end...
Since Cecilia had made up her mind, he would support her unconditionally.
He smiled warmly, "Mr. Lockhart, you are too kind. We haven't prepared any gifts for you…”
"It's alright. Alaric is lucky to have Cecilia," Caspian sincerely remarked. "It's truly unexpected that Alaric could marry your little princess!"
"Oh, Alaric is great!" Theodore pretended to be angry.
Caspian couldn't help but be delighted. "Mr. Lockhart, does that mean you agree to this marriage?"
"Of course. You have shown such sincerity; we can't refuse. Besides, marriage is their own affair. As long as they are willing, we have no right to stop them."
This statement clearly refuted everything Ophelia had said earlier. She had hoped they would oppose the marriage, but she hadn't expected both families to agree, leading to the formalization of the marriage.
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