“Indeed.


    It’s unheard of for someone to skip their own engagement celebration.


    It seems he isn’t verymitted to his future bride!”


    “Ha! Thatdy over there was just bragging about how wonderful her fiancé is, and now he’s not even here.


    What an embarrassment!”


    All eyes turned to Carole.


    Some felt sorry for her, others looked down on her, but most were snickering at her predicament.


    Carole turned a deathly shade of white, struck by disbelief.


    Could it be true that Domenic wouldn’t make an appearance? That seemed impossible.


    Hadn’t they agreed on this? Didn’t he promise to follow through since they were supposed to stage this event together? She had put in so much effort to outshine Lindsey at this party and to prove her own stature.


    Now, with Domenic’s absence, she was the one left in an embarrassing situation.


    Carole spent her life running from the shadow of pity.


    Losing her father and being abandoned by her mother left her in the care of those who saw her as a charity case, including Jordan.


    Though he offered her a roof, his gaze didn’t differ from the rest.


    It was filled with sympathy.


    Jordan’s attempt to refine her through studies abroad and etiquette lessons only led to more challenges.


    Her instructor found every opportunity to criticize her, often for herck of grace or poise.


    Yet, Carole endured, dreaming of a future with Domenic that would elevate her beyond reach of scorn or pity, into a realm of respect and admiration.


    But on a day that was supposed to change everything, she found herself drowning in familiar waters of sympathy and mockery.


    Lifting her gaze, she locked eyes with Lindsey, who watched her with an all-too-familiar look of pity.


    Biting back frustration, Carole’s hands balled into fists, her nails pressing into her skin as she fought to keep herposure.


    She refused to show weakness in front of Lindsey.


    Domenic, detached and unbothered, offered no sce.


    Speaking coolly on the phone, he exined, “This meeting is critical for Vitality Group, and they insisted on seeing me in person.


    I hope you can understand.


    Sending Hendrix in my ce is the only solution I have.


    Hendrix, I believe, has something to tell Carole.


    ”


    Hendrix, overhearing Domenic’s words, turned to Carole with a smile as indifferent as the one Domenic often wore.


    “Miss Larson, Mr.


    Walsh has asked me to convey that my presence here should be taken as his own.


    I’ll ce the Heart of True Love on your finger, just as he would.


    ”


    Carole’s face turned ashen at his words.


    The guests couldn’t contain their Laughter upon hearing Hendrix.


    “She really thought her fiancé would present the ring himself? What a joke!” “The Heart of True Love? More like aedy of errors.


    ”


    “I’d rather take a plunge down a toilet than endure this humiliation.


    ”


    However, Jordan’s stern look quickly silenced the room.


    After ensuring Hendrix delivered his message, Domenic smirked, satisfied.This material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    “I need to leave for my meeting now, Grandpa.


    All is as nned.


    ”


    Then, he disconnected.


    Jordan tried calling him back, only to find the line busy.


    On the brink of fury and considering the destruction of his phone, he remembered the crowd around him and restrained himself, preserving his dignity.


    Allowing Hendrix to rece Domenic at the engagement was unthinkable.


    The mere idea spreading beyond these walls could turn the Walsh family into the subject of ridicule.