Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Chapter 3

Seline and her parents were sitting on the couch at home, creating a picturesque family scene.

Seline admired her freshly done nails, her mood cheerful as she spoke up, "Mom, Dad, look at my nails! Aren't they gorgeous?"

Henry Yates and Mandy Larson both glanced at her delicate hands, their eyes filled with affection as they nodded.

"Beautiful. My daughter always looks perfect," Henry said with pride.

Seline pouted playfully. "Dad, you're not even really looking! You're just humoring me!"

Henry burst into laughter. "What do you mean I'm not looking?"

But as he spoke, his expression darkened slightly. "If that ungrateful girl were half as good as you, I wouldn't be so worried."

Seline exchanged a glance with Mandy before Mandy responded gently, "Why bring this up now? Suzanne is a good kid."

"Good?" Henry let out a cold snort. "If she were truly good, she'd agree to the marriage alliance with the Lloyd family."

The Lloyd family was a powerful force, and a partnership with them would be beneficial for the Yates family. Seline and Mandy had known about the proposed alliance for months now.

However, the proposed groom was nearly 40 years old and had a terrible reputation. He was far from an ideal husband. Seline had been terrified the responsibility would fall on her.

She looked nervously at Henry. "But Dad, isn't Suzanne still with Jenson?"

"They haven't spoken in three months. That's as good as a breakup," Henry replied, patting Seline's hand reassuringly. "Besides, I'd much rather see you marry Jenson."

Seline's cheeks turned pink as she exhaled in relief.

"You two need to figure out a way to convince that girl," Henry said, his tone firm.

Mandy hesitated, concern evident in her voice. "But Henry, wouldn't that be unfair to her?"

"Unfair?" Henry's voice turned icy. "She'll be helping the entire Yates family by marrying into the Lloyd family. What's so unfair about that? Or would you prefer we send Seline instead?"

Mandy's and Seline's faces paled at the suggestion. Before either could respond, Henry's voice hardened further. "Someone has to marry into the Lloyd family. Figure out how to make her do it."

front door opening echoed through the room. Suzanne walked in,

as though she hadn't noticed them. Without saying a

glare. "See? This is what happens when you spoil her. I told you not to

When had she ever been

she was always blamed for Seline's mistakes. They

treated like a princess who had everything. The only reason Suzanne had been allowed to stay in the

Suzanne continued

out sharply. "Stop

quickly stepped in with her

Henry with an indifferent expression. "If this is about the marriage with the Lloyd family, save your breath. It's not

others froze in

a secret between the

already broken up with Jenson, so what's the problem with marrying into the Lloyd family?" Henry sputtered, his anger

She had just broken up, and they had already learned about it. She was certain they knew the reason behind

marrying into the Lloyd family, so they schemed to have Seline charm Jenson, ensuring her breakup with him. That way, Suzanne would have no choice but

accident, overhearing it during a visit home. Until then, they had kept her

marry into the Lloyd family. She also knew Seline was

she sent Jenson that message about marriage yesterday, it had been an impulsive attempt to escape

Seline he adored had systematically made Suzanne's life

this too. She refused to be forced into an arranged marriage with the Lloyd family. If she was going to marry

hid a smirk behind her sweet expression and said gently, "Suzanne, you should listen to Dad.

gaze full of approval as he looked at Seline.

a scoff. "If she's so sensible, why don't

Seline's smile faltered.

into the Lloyd family? Look at yourself! Nobody likes you. You should consider

And if marrying into the Lloyd family is such a blessing, why

the face, hard enough to make her head turn. The force of the blow made

hit

in a bitter smile. Mandy was always quick to play the doting mother when it suited

suffer. In a few days, you'll meet with

a hand to touch her swollen cheek, her eyes clouding over with bitterness. She should have known better. Her

coldly, "I won't marry into the Lloyd family. You

and headed