CHAPTER 356: DON’T WANT TO OUTSHINE THE BRIDE-TO-BE

Simon and Manager Kang weren’t the only ones distracted by the bright figure walking into the hall. How could they not be? Against the warm, elegant glow of the venue lights, something as blinding as a police car’s siren was suddenly flashing in the middle of the room.

"Forget the blinding color choices—what is that?" one of the guests blurted out in disbelief.

Lola’s outfit was already an assault on the eyes, but her makeup was a whole new level of disaster. Her hair was curled so tightly that even telephone wires would have straightened out of shame. Her foundation was piled on so thick it looked like it would take two full bottles of makeup remover to undo it.

Moments ago, all attention had been on the newly engaged couple. Then, the guests’ excitement had shifted to the prospect of meeting Mrs. Bennet — such a distinguished, high-profile guest. But now? All previous thoughts evaporated the instant Lola appeared.

At first, no one knew who this chaotic vision was until she stopped near Chairman Lancaster’s table. Then it clicked.

"Wait, isn’t that Lola Young? The rebellious daughter of Lawrence and Loren Young?" gasped one of the guests. "Oh my goodness!"

"I’ve heard so many stories about her! I thought they were exaggerated, but who knew they were true?"

"Poor Loren," another woman whispered, shaking her head. "Something must have gone terribly wrong while raising her."

One after another, guests murmured in dismay. There wasn’t a shred of doubt left in anyone’s mind about all the rumors surrounding Lawrence’s other daughter.

The stories were always the same: that Lola Young was strange, wild, and difficult. That she was the failed, rebellious daughter — the complete opposite of Melissa.

Most people never cared enough to think about it before. But tonight changed that. Tonight, Lola single-handedly confirmed every rumor they’d ever heard.

"I guess Melissa’s just too kind," one woman said, shaking her head. "I was wondering where the other daughter was. I assumed they didn’t invite her to avoid trouble. But it seems they actually did — what a mistake."

"Or she crashed the party," another guest remarked knowingly. "If I were them, I wouldn’t have invited her either. But seeing her now, I understand completely."

While everyone whispered and gawked at the sore sight in the middle of this elegant event, Lola calmly ignored them.

"As I was saying..." Lawrence trailed off mid-sentence, eyes widening as he caught sight of something glowing near the chairman’s table. Slowly, he lifted his gaze, and his heart stopped.

Even Jasmine’s mouth fell open, speechless. Lola rarely appeared before them, but every time she did, she somehow managed to disappoint them further.

Meanwhile, Travis furrowed his brows at the Youngs’ reactions. The murmurs around him grew louder. When he turned to look — and saw Lola — even he froze.

"Lola?" he called, making the chairman turn his head.

The moment Chairman Lancaster saw her, he frowned. But unlike the others, his expression wasn’t out of disgust — it was concern. He had told Lola not to come tonight, for her own peace. And yet, here she was.

"Good evening, Grandpa," Lola greeted sweetly, her focus on him.

"Lola, my dear child, what are you doing here?" the chairman asked quietly. "I told you that you didn’t need to attend tonight’s engagement party."

Travis raised an eyebrow, glancing at the chairman. Knowing only the two of them understood the context, he quickly spoke up to prevent any misunderstanding.

"Lola, the chairman’s just worried about you," Travis said, his voice loud enough for others to hear. "He’s always approved of you as his granddaughter-in-law. You didn’t have to come tonight."

Lola smiled. "I know that, but how could I refuse when my stepmother and Melissa invited me so eagerly?"

"What?" Jasmine blurted before biting her tongue. When did I ever ask you to come?!

If anything, both Jasmine and Melissa had made sure Lola didn’t receive an invitation when they sent out the final batch. Lawrence frowned, glaring at Lola from head to toe. Seeing her was enough to reignite his resentment. After all, she was the reason for all his current troubles.

Before he could speak, Derek’s voice cut across the room.

"Lola! What are you doing here?!"

Derek and Melissa had already stepped down from the stage, their dance forgotten. This was supposed to be their shining moment — their night — but how could they finish their song when something that bright was standing in the hall?

"Didn’t I tell you not to come here and cause trouble?!" Derek snapped, loud enough for everyone to hear. "You’ve caused enough problems for Melissa and me already — and now you’re here to make a scene again?!"

Lawrence raised his brows, quietly impressed that Derek had voiced what he himself was thinking. The Youngs needed to maintain their perfect image tonight, and Lawrence couldn’t risk losing his temper. But Derek? Derek could get away with it.

Well, it was his engagement, after all.

"Derek, calm down." Melissa tugged on his arm gently. She smiled faintly, though conflict flickered in her eyes. "It’s our engagement party. I’m sure Lola just wants to give us her blessing."

"Blessing? Ha! Who needs her blessing?" Derek’s chest heaved. "Melissa, this is exactly why she keeps walking all over you, because you keep making excuses for her!"

Melissa bit her lip, glancing around nervously. "Please don’t say that," she whispered, though her voice carried farther than she meant it to.

"Derek, why are you shouting?" the chairman frowned. "You’re only making things worse by overreacting."

"Overreacting?" Derek scoffed. "Grandpa, I know you like Lola because of your ties to the Alberts, but isn’t this too much?! She’s crashing our engagement! This is our night — mine and Melissa’s! Lola’s already made our lives miserable. If I don’t protect Melissa now, she’ll just keep bullying us!"

"Derek—" Travis started, but stopped when Lola spoke.

"Derek, why are you saying all that?" Lola pouted. "I even dressed up beautifully just to match the occasion!"

Derek choked while Travis coughed. And everyone else who heard that had to cover their mouths.

That was her dressed up? Where in that outfit fits the occasion?

"Since tonight is such an auspicious occasion, I wanted to express my happiness for both of you!" Lola beamed, her grin stretching wider. "Want to see?"

She reached into her sparkly little purse, pressed a button, and suddenly, her skirt lit up with blinking Christmas lights.

"See?!" Lola giggled excitedly. "Or... did I overdress? I actually toned it down a bit so I wouldn’t outshine the bride-to-be!"

But she was shining so brightly she could blind anyone!

For a full minute, the hall fell silent. Everyone just stared — horrified — at Lola and her glowing skirt. Even Derek was struck speechless. Only Celestine chuckled under her breath.

Oh, boy... this is not what I expected her to show up in.

Satisfied, Lola straightened her back and turned toward the couple. "Besides, I didn’t even want to come. But Melissa insisted I should. I couldn’t say no when she was so persistent."

Right on cue, Lola pulled out a folded invitation.

"See? I have one!" she said cheerfully. "Let’s see where I’m seated..." She unfolded it with exaggerated care. "Oh! I was right here all along!"

Then, to everyone’s horror, she sauntered toward the table where the Youngs and the Lancasters were seated and sat down confidently in the only vacant chair meant for Mrs. Bennet.