No one knew about Gordon sleeping with Lydia Everyone continued their lives as usual.


    The Carter family believed that Stephanie had drugged the two of them, and that both Lydia and Maxwell were victims of the situation. Because of this, Richard treated Lydia even better caring that she might spill the details and tarnish the Carter family''s reputation. However, no matter how much Richard urged Maxwell to return home for dinner these past few days, Maxwell neverplied.


    Soon, the day of the ceremony weing Lydia back home arrivet.


    This event was organized under the name of the Carter family, and since Maxwell was now the president of the Carter family, his absence would surely attract gossip.


    Early in the morning. Maxwell received a message from Richard insisting that he must return to the Carter family tonight to maintain the family''s dignity.


    Though Maxwell was reluctant, he knew he had to go.


    He also intended to bring Mona along, as she was now seen as his fiancée in the eyes of outsiders. Even though they had already obtained their marriage license, they hadn''t made it public yet.


    After dropping Mona off at the entrance of the Clem Group, he gently stroked her hair and said, "Mona, I''m sorry for putting you through this. We''ll head back to the Carter family tonight, and we''lle back as soon as it''s over."


    He knew how much she had suffered during herst visit to the Carter family, especially with Stephanie''s ungratefulness. He felt sorry for her, but as the president of the Carter Group, he had to handle the situation.


    "Got it. You''ve mentioned it several times already. I''ll head to work now. See you tonight," Mona replied, giving him a light


    kiss.


    Although she didn''t like going back to the Carter family, she maintained a fa?ade for appearances. After all, family scandals should not be aired in public.


    Mona was furious to learn that Stephanie had drugged Maxwell, but Maxwell must be feeling not just anger but also disappointment toward his own grandmother. She wanted to bring warmth to Maxwell and make him happy.


    "Okay, I''lle pick you up tonight," Maxwell replied.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    Mona smiled at him, closed the car door, and walked toward the Clem Group.


    That evening, the banquet hall at the Carter family was bustling with activity, lights, music, and an array of exquisite pastries


    and drinks.


    By the time Maxwell and Mona arrived, most guests were already there. Lydia, dressed in a white dress, appeared to be a well-behaved girl following Richard around.


    Richard introduced her to everyone as the heiress of the Reed family, iming she was like a granddaughter to him.


    The attendees of the ball were friends of the Carter family from Nathontown, and upon hearing the mention of the Reed family, they all echoed Richard''s praises,plimenting Lydia''s grace and poise.  G.


    "Look at Lydia, she clearlyes from a well-off family. Her every move radiates elegance.


    "Yeah. Don''t you have a son? You should encourage him to pursue Lydia. If he marries her, you''ll be living the good life."


    "My son isn''t capable enough. Marrying her would only cause he trouble. I remember the Reed and the Carter families are supposed to have a match, but now the youngest son of the Carter family is engaged to the heiress of the Clem family." "Ah, don''t even think about it. Gordon has such a chaotic private life. How could Lydia possibly be interested? I remember when Lydia''s grandpa, William Reed, was still around, he said Lydia was a perfect match for Maxwell." "Looks like the Reed family and the Carter family aren''t meant to be inws after all,"


    "If only Lydia hade back a year earlier. We wouldn''t know who Maxwell would end up engaged to"


    "Yeah, both families are good, but with the recent scandal of Mona switching her fiancés during her engagement, Maxwell likely agreed to the engagement because of Mona''s background


    "No doubt about it. Given how much Bernard dotes on Mona, he might even hand thepany over to her one day."


    As soon as Maxwell and Mona entered, they overheard the conversation between the two men. Mona looked up at Maxwell


    The shimmering crystals reflected light on his profile, adding ayer of mystery to his handsome features. His eyes sparkled with light, but there was a hint of anger in his eyes as he looked at the two people in front of him. "Maxwell, is what they''re saying true? If Lydia had returned a year earlier, would you not have proposed to me?" Mona asked innocently, her bright eyes fixed on Maxwell, the affection she felt for him unmistakable. She aimed her question at the two men nearby but also wanted to hear Maxwell affirm it himself.


    "False. No matter who it is, I will only marry you. Only you can be Mrs. Carter, he replied firmly, locking eyes with the two men before taking Mona''s hand and walking deeper into the hall


    The two men shuddered at Maxwell''s icy gaze. It seemed the rumors about the Carter family''s illegitimate child being unsociable were true.


    As soon as Maxwell and Mona entered the banquet hall, they captured everyone''s attention. Maxwell was now the president of the Carter Group, and his words held weight.


    Some individuals hoping to coborate with the Carter Group approached them, wine sses in hand, wearing eager smiles.


    Maxwell handled their ttery casually, while Mona maintained a polite smile. Once the hopefuls realized there would be no business to be done, they left in defeat


    Maxwell led Mona to the drink station. They had rushed to the event without dinner, and he worried Mona might be hungry.


    Maxwell''s primary reason for bringing Mona to the ball was to make an appearance. Nothing was more important than her well-being.


    He had her sit in the lounge area while he picked out some pastries for her.


    Richard had clearly spared no expense to wee Lydia back, as the food selection was plentiful.


    After selecting a few of Mona''s favorite pastries, Maxwell returned to her side, and they began to enjoy them together.


    Just as they were happily eating, a pair of envious eyesnded on them. When Mona turned to look, she spotted Lydia approaching, apanied by Richard and Stephanie.


    As the three of them drew closer, Mona remained unflustered, continuing to eat the pastry in her hand, while Maxwell politely acknowledged Richard, choosing to ignore Stephanie. Originally, Richard had asked Stephanie to apologize to Mona and Maxwell, but she was already displeased. Now seeing Maxwell''s attitude, the words of apology felt stuck in her throat.