CHAPTER 373: CHAPTER 373: WEDDING INVITATION

Nolan Shaw cautiously observed Sienna Quinn’s reaction as he spoke.

Sure enough, Sienna’s face turned red and purple, and his words indeed caused her strong discomfort.

Nolan hurriedly explained, "No, that’s not right, I mean since everyone is prepared to move on with their lives, and I know you’re with Axel Yates now, so if you marry him soon, you’ll find your own happiness sooner too! I know, I’m an outsider and shouldn’t meddle in your personal affairs, it’s just..."

"It’s just because Stephen and I are getting married, after all, you’re Evan Quinn’s mother, in the end, we also have to consider your feelings." Vera Yates interrupted.

Sienna paused for a moment and then smiled.

"Miss Vance is really worrying too much about my affairs. You go ahead and get married, what does it have to do with me! Evan is entirely in my care, so it’s naturally none of your business, and you really don’t need to come here to seek any insignificant feelings from me."

Sienna’s tone was extremely cold, and her words thoroughly distanced herself from any connection with Landon Lawson, but the inexplicable anger in her heart betrayed her pretense of strength.

A glimmer of triumph flashed across Vera Yates’ face.

She continued to feign an innocent, pitiful look as she glanced at Nolan, who realized that by choosing to help Vera this time, he was destined not to be friends with Sienna anymore.

Vera and Nolan, one filled with joy and the other conflicted, both fell silent, each calculating their own plans in their minds.

Sienna looked coldly at them, "I’ve said all there is to say, so I won’t keep you here for dinner. As you can see, I still have to pack, so I really don’t have the time to entertain you two."

Nolan pulled Vera by the arm towards the door while politely saying to Sienna, "Sienna, go ahead and stay busy. We’ve got things to do, so we’ll be off. See you later!"

Before Sienna could respond, Nolan dragged Vera out the door. He didn’t see Vera giving Sienna a proud smile on purpose, meant to provoke her.

Once downstairs, Nolan walked ahead with a stern face, not saying a word. Vera couldn’t be bothered with him either; after all, to her, Nolan was just a pawn, a stepping stone for her to become Mrs. Lawson.

In the car, Nolan hesitated to start the engine, while Vera was in no rush either, casually scrolling through news on her phone.

Ultimately, Nolan couldn’t help it, "Miss Vance, don’t you have anything to explain to me?"

Vera widened her charming eyes, smiled at Nolan, and said, "No, why?"

Nolan frowned, "Why did you lie to Sienna earlier, saying you and Stephen are getting married?"

Vera burst into laughter, "Isn’t that inevitable? Before, you even promised me to make Sienna disappear from Stephen’s world for his sake. I’m also making an effort here; by saying we’re about to get married, Sienna can see reality clearly and quickly marry Axel Yates, isn’t this killing two birds with one stone? Especially since I already have Mrs. Lawson’s support, isn’t my marriage to Stephen bound to happen?"

Looking at her smug appearance, Nolan found it distasteful.

"I know your intentions with President Lawson, but you shouldn’t lie! What you’re doing is despicable!" Nolan argued.

Vera dropped her smile and seriously looked at Nolan, "I’m despicable! Nolan, don’t forget, when I did those shameful things, you were helping me! If I’m a sinner, you’re no saint either!"

"Moreover, now I have the old lady’s support, and Stephen has always been a filial person. Whatever request the old lady makes, he will definitely fulfill it."

Seeing Vera’s sinister smile, Nolan momentarily doubted if this was the person he once knew.

Nolan chuckled bitterly, "Yeah, I did promise to help you today, so I’m a sinner too..."

Hearing Nolan say this, Vera felt even more pleased inside! She grabbed her things and swiftly got out of the car, slamming the door and walking away.

Watching her angry back, Nolan felt quite uncomfortable.

Why did he put himself through this? His heartfelt intentions were something Vera would never understand!

Why does he have to live so humbly? Nolan truly couldn’t comprehend it, nor did he wish to.

In her home, Sienna tirelessly kept herself busy; after sending off the uninvited guests, she should have felt relieved, but her mind found no peace.

"Stephen and I are getting married..."

"Are getting married..."

Vera’s words continued to echo in her mind, making her restless. This feeling was like being addicted to poppy, making it impossible for her to stop.

She glanced at the glaring invitation on the table. Her heart was pounding incessantly, as if it might leap out of her chest at any moment.

Sienna Quinn threw down the clothes in her hand and sat on the floor angrily, covering her head.

She was angry at herself, frustrated with her own incompetence, irritated that she had these feelings.

She tried to convince herself to look on the bright side; life would be more carefree without men.

Landon Lawson, Axel Yates—she wanted them all to go away. She wouldn’t let men disturb the calm of her heart anymore.

After mulling over this for a while, Sienna finally pulled herself together.

She hummed a tune and continued packing efficiently, though the bitterness in her heart hadn’t wholly dissipated.

Although Vera Yates hadn’t explicitly stated it, Sienna could clearly see Vera’s confidence. And where did Vera’s confidence come from? It must have come from Mrs. Lawson.

She herself was the legitimately married wife, yet she was made to feel like the other woman, forced to watch another dance in front of her like a mistress.

It was truly sad.

Why couldn’t she earn Mrs. Lawson’s favor?

How could someone be so biased?

Sienna couldn’t understand and didn’t want to; it seemed everything between her and the male lead had to stop. After all, the male lead was famous for his filial piety—he always fulfilled whatever his mother requested.

Meanwhile, Vera Yates had left angrily, her mood sour. She knew that wanting to marry Landon Lawson was just her wishful thinking.

She had always stayed by Landon’s side, but his attitude towards her grew increasingly cold, especially after Sienna returned. She realized she had lost her chance to stay by the male lead’s side.

The male lead would never choose her in this lifetime.

Since the male lead wouldn’t choose, she would find another way, letting his mother choose instead.

Still, she hadn’t given up. Whether it was the plagiarism incident from before or the act of confronting Sienna today, her mother was the one who devised strategies for her.

Following her mother’s advice, Vera pushed Sienna to the brink, but unfortunately, she couldn’t capture Landon’s heart, nor could she assume the position of Mrs. Lawson anytime soon.

Back home, Vera shared her frustrations with her mother, only to find her mother indifferent.

"Vera, dear, you’re still young. The position of Mrs. Lawson will be yours sooner or later; there’s no need to worry now," her mother said with a cheerful smile.

Vera’s face turned icy, "Mom, I don’t like dragging things out when I do something. The longer it drags, the less likely it is to succeed. I want to marry Landon sooner rather than later to avoid unforeseen troubles."

"I understand. If you really wish to marry Landon soon, you need to listen to me. You have to learn to make sacrifices to gain what you want," her mother proposed.

Her mother introduced a topic and waited for Vera to respond. She knew Vera, being just as ambitious, wouldn’t be content waiting indefinitely for Landon Lawson.

"Mom, what method do you have?" Vera eagerly asked.

Her mother smiled, "The bond between you and Landon was deep, and I believe he hasn’t forgotten it. But to win his heart back, there’s still an opportunity missing. That opportunity is to weather difficulties together, erasing the negative impression he has of you."

Vera furrowed her brows, "I love him, of course I’m willing to go through hardships with him. But Stephen is successful now, what difficulties could he face?"

Her mother stifled a smile and touched Vera’s hand, saying, "My silly child, can’t you see it? If there’s no disaster, then we create one!"

With that, her mother lowered her voice, "I’ll find someone to arrange a car accident, cause him some minor injuries, then you can stay by his side day and night, caring for him. He’ll naturally be moved, and you’ll rightfully become Mrs. Lawson!"

Her mother was quite pleased with the idea, not noticing Vera’s increasingly grim expression.

"Mom, I can’t do this. Let’s not speak of deceiving Stephen into getting hurt safely in the accident; we can’t even guarantee the severity of his injuries. This plan is too risky, I’m not going to do it!" Vera flatly refused.

Her mother’s face darkened, "You just told me you weren’t willing, and now that there’s a method, you’re afraid? Have you forgotten the purpose of staying by Landon’s side all these years? Trust me, I assure you that this won’t result in serious harm to the one you love the most."