CHAPTER 17: CHAPTER 17: IF SHE MARRIES ME, SHE’S STILL YOUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

Evelyn Clayton made her way to the old Grant Family house.

Everyone in the house was familiar with her, and upon seeing her, they didn’t ask any questions.

She walked into the living room, not seeing Harrison Grant, but first spotting James Grant.

James was equally surprised to see her and then strode over to Evelyn.

The next second, she was enveloped in a coldly fragrant embrace, a man’s magnetic voice whispering in her ear.

"What brings you here?"

Evelyn struggled a bit.

James lowered his voice, "Don’t move. My dad’s home. Do you still want to call off the engagement?"

As expected, Evelyn stayed still, obediently leaning against his chest.

James smirked, looking down to see her upturned nose, and spoke happily, "Then let’s tell my dad about the engagement today."

Evelyn agreed without hesitation.

"Sure."

Her compliance surprised James instead.

"Weren’t you acting like a hedgehog yesterday? Why the change today?"

Evelyn shot him a look, "Didn’t you say that marrying you would both strike a blow to Matthew Sullivan and Iris Lockwood, and you could protect me from being bothered by the Lockwood Family? Killing two birds with one stone, why wouldn’t I?"

These were indeed James’s exact words. She had thought it over the entire night and decided that this seemed the most cost-effective plan for now.

James laughed silently.

Evelyn looked up at him, "What? Are you having second thoughts?"

"No, I’m just—"

"What are you two doing!"

Harrison Grant’s voice rang out angrily from the stairs.

Evelyn looked over in response, seeing Harrison descend with a stern face.

James released her, opting to hold her hand instead.

Evelyn didn’t struggle this time.

After all, since she had decided to get engaged to James, holding hands was nothing.

"With so many servants around, the two of you hugging and embracing is quite improper!" Harrison’s face darkened slightly, "Evelyn and Marcus haven’t called off their engagement yet. You two still have a familial tie. If people saw, wouldn’t it be a joke that the Grant Family lacks proper conduct?"

Upon hearing this, James smirked mockingly.

"The Grant Family’s lack of propriety isn’t something new, is it?"

"You—" Harrison was furious, his brows furrowing, but he couldn’t explode in public, so he took a deep breath and softened his tone, "I’m just thinking of you two!"

Evelyn noticed that this father-son duo didn’t seem to have the rumored ’kind father, dutiful son’ relationship.

Before she could ponder the meaning of their words, Harrison warmly pulled her to sit down.

"Evelyn, have you already decided to forgive Marcus?"

Evelyn subtly moved herself aside, "Uncle Grant, Matthew’s infidelity is a principle issue. I can’t forgive that. I came today to change the engagement to James."

"Evelyn, you’re such a good child, it’s not been easy for you since you were little, I’ve watched you grow up, I genuinely care for you. There’s no one else in this world suitable to be my daughter-in-law but you. Just give Marcus another chance."

Though Harrison’s attitude was amiable, his words were clearly pressing step by step.

"Evelyn becoming my wife also makes her your daughter-in-law." James spoke nonchalantly.

"How could it be the same?" Harrison was displeased, "Evelyn and Marcus have a childhood engagement. Can you compare? You’ve had your fair share of women, why must you compete with your brother?"

James scoffed, his phoenix eyes holding a hint of disdainful amusement, "At that time, Uncle Clayton was already gone, and this was an engagement you unilaterally set. Evelyn is sensible and doesn’t want to disrespect you, the elder, and now she’s willing to marry me, still your daughter-in-law. Don’t push your luck!"

"I see the one pushing their luck is you!" Harrison’s anger became more apparent.

Evelyn sensed something amiss and silently observed.

But James suddenly changed his tone, "But Dad, didn’t you just say Evelyn’s had a tough time since she was little and you care for her deeply? Now she wants to marry me, surely you won’t break us apart, will you?"

In an instant, Harrison was caught in a dilemma.

"I don’t agree!"

Matthew Sullivan’s voice came from upstairs, getting closer.

Before Evelyn could react, she felt a sharp pain in her arm, and upon looking, she saw Matthew frantically grabbing her.