"My son has his eyes on Lauren. For that, he''s argued with me many times. He even swears that he


    won''t marry anyone else except for Lauren. He wants to make her his woman no matter what it takes."


    Letting out a soft sigh, Lauren added, "Cyrus takes after his dad in his stubbornness. Since he''s my


    only son now, whatever he wants, I''ll make it happen at any cost.


    "So, Mayor Hodgson, do you think you could show some grace and kindness? Can you give Cyrus and


    Lauren your blessing?"


    Mayor Hodgson''s jaw fell. He was confounded by Mandy''s proposal, which was no different than


    daylight robbery.


    "A-Are you kidding me? The news of the marriage has spread through Sna City. We''ve started


    ironing out the details. Ms. Lauren is our family now. Why would you meddle in their marriage at this


    time?"


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Mandy lowered her gaze as she blew away the loose leaf on the surface of the tea. Looking


    nonchnt, she quipped, "But they aren''t engaged yet, are they? You aren''t hosting a grand ceremony


    for them anyway. Even if they are engaged, they aren''t legally married as long as they haven''t


    registered their marriage. Cyrus would still stand a chance.


    "To be honest with you, Winston approves of Lauren as well. He would have been the one talking to


    you if he were in Sna City."


    "No! This won''t do!" Onder tried to hold his temper. Cheeks flushed, he growled, "If I call off the


    engagement, I will upset Mr. Javier and turn our family into aughingstock!


    "Mrs. Taylor, Freddy must marry Lauren. Too bad you are one step slower. Cyrus and Lauren are not


    meant to be."


    Mandy remarked casually, "The uing election falls in spring next year."


    Onder''s body jolted in shock when he heard thement.


    She continued. "Your approval rate has dipped another five percent. If the trend continues, your rival,


    Marco Santiago, will overtake you."


    She gently ced the teacup on the table. "Let''s strike a deal. If you agree to call off the engagement,


    the KS Group shall lend you our full support in next year''s election.


    "Otherwise, we have no choice but to support Mr. Santiago. If that happens, your victory might not be


    guaranteed."


    The social dance carried on in the living room. Lauren hid in a corner, fiddling with her fingers


    nervously.


    Lauren." Freddy''s voice boomed, causing her heart to sink.


    She clutched the hem of her dress and dodged his gaze. He extended a hand to her eye level. "May I


    invite you to a dance?"


    Staring at his hand, she felt sick in the stomach and flinched. He looked upset at her overt disy of


    aversion.


    At that moment, a slender arm reached out for Lauren. Cyrus'' low and tender voice echoed in her ear,


    which soothed her.


    He said to her, "Lauren, let''s dance."


    She looked up slowly into his twinkling eyes. In the next moment, she grabbed his hand as though


    clutching at straws and stood up.


    Holding her small, slender hand that was as white as snow, Cyrus felt his heart racing wildly.


    Meanwhile, Freddy wore a scowl as he watched the perfect couple stepping onto the dance floor under


    the stares of the guests.