Chapter 96 From Now On, She Belongs to the Taylor Family.
The guests all turned to look in unison, following the sound of the voice.
They saw Landon, looking sharp, followed by William, both smiling and composed.
Evelyn's eyes lit up, almost shouting, "Landon!"
Edward's heart sank, his already cold eyes turning icy.
Evelyn felt a chill next to her, like an iceberg radiating cold. She glanced at Edward, whose handsome face was stormy and intimidating.
"Mr. Wellington, sorry for being late," Landon said, bowing politely.
Landon looked different today, ditching the suit for a stylish outfit that made him even more dashing. The women around were smitten, dreaming of him as their husband.
"No worries! I'm just glad you could make it to my birthday party," Byron replied warmly, treating Landon no differently despite him being Charlie's son.
Evelyn sighed in relief. She had worried Byron would mind Landon's arrival, but she was overthinking.
"Lily, come here," Landon said with a gentle smile, extending his hand to Evelyn.
Seeing Landon, Tiffany and Nicole exchanged smug looks. They wanted to see Evelyn caught between two wealthy heirs, losing her dignity and exposing her fickle nature to Byron.
"Okay."
Evelyn didn't hesitate, walking quickly to Landon, leaving Tiffany and Nicole stunned.
Eric watched Evelyn return to Landon's side, feeling a deep heartache.
Edward's shoulders trembled under his suit. He opened his eyes wide and slightly raised his arm, grasping at the air, unsure of what he wanted to grab. A bitter feeling rose in his throat.
"When did Lily get to know Landon? They seem close," Byron wondered.
"Byron, you might not know, but Lily is now..." Tiffany started to stir the pot, but Landon cut her off.
"Mr. Wellington, thank you for taking care of Lily these past three years. She often mentions you and considers you family. Your kindness to Lily is deeply appreciated."
Landon's arm gently wrapped around Evelyn's waist, leaving everyone stunned.
Edward clenched his fists, his blood freezing.
"But from now on, Lily will stay by my side, and our Taylor family will take care of her. Though she won't be part of the Wellington family anymore, her feelings for you won't change."
Landon smiled calmly, "You will always be the grandfather Lily respects the most."
Byron suddenly understood, looking at Evelyn in shock, "Evelyn, are you and Landon..."
"Byron, Lily has confirmed her relationship with Mr. Taylor."
Patrick whispered, "Lily's got a new relationship now, so stop trying to set her up with Edward."
"Yeah, Byron," Tiffany added, "Lily left our family and went straight to Mr. Taylor. They've clearly been close for a while."
"For a while? Really?" Byron's eyes widened.
"Yes, otherwise how could things move so fast? I've always said, forcing a loveless marriage is pointless. Let them find their own happiness. You don't need to worry about Lily. The Taylor family is just as good as ours," Tiffany said, her words cutting.
'Lily, let's see you keep up the act in front of Byron!' Tiffany thought.
Evelyn bit her lip, lowering her lashes in sadness. She had expected this day and was mentally prepared for Byron's resentment.
"Byron, please don't blame Lily."
Edward, as if possessed, stood up and looked deeply at Evelyn, "She owes me nothing. I'm happy for her to be with Mr. Taylor now."
The word "happy" was forced through his teeth.
Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise. Edward had always called her by her full name, never "Lily." If they hadn't divorced, she would have been thrilled by this affectionate address. But now, it just grated on her.
"Nonsense! What can you do if you don't bless her? I told you to win her back, can you?"Byron angrily hit Edward twice, "Lily being with someone else is not her fault, it's all your fault!"
Everyone was shocked. Tiffany and Nicole's faces turned pale, their makeup unable to hide it. They realized manipulating Byron was impossible.
Edward, feeling stifled, muttered, "As long as you're not mad at her."
"Why would I be mad at Lily? I care for her too much! Lily, come here, Landon, you too!" Byron said.
The two exchanged glances and obediently walked to Byron.
"Byron, I'm sorry for hiding this from you," Evelyn said pitifully, biting her lip.
"It's okay! I don't mind. I just want you to be happy."Byron looked at her lovingly, then seriously at Landon, "Landon, you have a noble status and many siblings. Promise me you'll protect Lily and never let her suffer in the Taylor family. Otherwise, I don't care who you are, I'll personally stand up for Lily."
Landon looked at Evelyn meaningfully, recalling the times she rode Simon like a horse and drew on Ulysses' face as a child, and couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, I promise you."
Byron, though old, saw the affection in Landon's eyes and sighed in relief, "Landon, I'm entrusting Lily to you. What my grandson couldn't do, I hope you can. Love Lily well."
Edward's face turned pale as if struck by lightning.
"I will," Landon replied softly, his gaze firm.
Edward took a deep breath, staring hard at Lily standing beside Landon, the woman who once belonged to him. He felt as if his soul had briefly left his body, and his eyes reddened.
