Chapter 4

"What’s more, she’s an illegitimate daughter. If I marry her, the Sterling family becomes her foundation for gaining a foothold in the Davies family. She’d never betray me."

Currently, Marcus Thorne was the toast of the town, flattered and courted by everyone. Countless people rushed to meet and connect with him.

After all, a strong alliance between the Davies and Thorne families promised to elevate any industry they touched to new heights.

I didn't have time to bother with such matters. I was focused on completing the tasks my mother had given me abroad.

One day, it was Grandpa Davies' birthday. Marcus specifically sent me an invitation and called me several times, so I had no choice but to go.

The moment I stepped through the Davies family's front door, all eyes landed on me.

I showed no trace of awkwardness, simply smiling as I handed my gift to the Davies family's butler.

"Why is Julian here? Didn't the fiancée get swapped?"

"You haven't heard? Ms. Davies insisted on changing fiancés, and in a fit of pique, he chose to marry that illegitimate daughter from the Davies family."

"Even marrying an illegitimate daughter to get into the Davies family... Mr. Blackwood certainly is desperate."

Just as everyone was buzzing with speculation, Serena made a grand entrance, elegantly arm-in-arm with Marcus.

Unlike her usual understated and gentle attire, today she wore a high-fashion couture gown, adorned with several sets of intricate and luxurious jewelry, making her appear dazzling but somewhat vulgar.

As for Marcus, his suit alone was incredibly expensive, and the watch on his wrist was worth more than a luxury mansion.

He spotted me there and came over, trying to sling his arm around my shoulder in a familiar gesture.

"Little brother, it's wonderful that both of us brothers can be Davies sons-in-law! For the sake of brotherhood, I’ll make sure Serena gives your wife a good boost."

I nearly burst out laughing at Marcus. Even now, he still believed I was desperate to marry into the Davies family.

Serena clearly thought the same. In her eyes, I'd gone to any lengths to try and marry her. She looked at me as if I were something utterly disgusting.

I couldn’t be bothered with either of them and turned to leave, but then I noticed a beautifully crafted jade pendant around Marcus’s neck.

This was the Davies family's ancestral jade pendant, always kept by Grandpa Davies. I never expected it to be on Marcus.

The Davies family heir hadn't even been formally decided yet. How could this jade pendant be with Marcus?

I pointed to the jade pendant around Marcus's neck, my gaze tinged with scrutiny.

"Where did you get that pendant?"

Serena showed a flicker of guilt, while Marcus stroked the jade pendant on his neck, his face showing a hint of grievance.

"Little brother, this was meant for you originally, but now that I'm marrying Serena, this jade pendant naturally belongs to me."

Serena nodded righteously. After all, in her mind, she was already the undisputed heir, so there was no harm in letting her beloved wear the jade pendant a little early.

"This is my Davies family's ancestral jade pendant. I can let whoever I want wear it. What's it to you?"

After saying that, she looked me up and down with a disgusted expression and took a step back.

"Don't you dare think you can use this to cling to me. I will never like you. My heart belongs only to Marcus."

Serena’s voice wasn't quiet, and several gazes around us landed on me.

"Julian usually seems so dignified, but I never imagined he'd try to steal his brother's fiancée just to get into the Davies family."

"They're clearly in love. Why is he still clinging on?"

Marcus, his face flushed, gently tugged on Serena's arm.

"Don't be so harsh on my brother. Once he marries Samantha, we'll still be family. You'll have to help them out then."

Serena glanced at me, then affectionately tilted her head back and pinched Marcus's cheek.

"Fine, for Marcus's sake, I won't hold it against him. But if you have any improper thoughts about me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

The two of them were still immersed in their sweet exchanges when a voice suddenly rang out from behind them.

"Why would my husband have improper thoughts about you, Serena? You're being incredibly rude to your future brother-in-law."

Samantha Davies entered, supporting Grandpa Davies. A smile played on her lips, and her gaze towards Serena held a hint of challenge.

Grandpa Davies glanced at the jade pendant around Marcus's neck, his expression darkening.