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."

finished speaking, the sound of the front door opening

hadn't noticed them. Without saying a word,

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

softly. When had she

for Seline's mistakes. They would hit or scold her or even send her to bed

anything she wanted. Meanwhile, Seline was treated like a princess who had everything. The only reason Suzanne had been allowed to stay in the Yates household was because her father needed the support of her maternal grandparents. Otherwise, she would've been sent away

continued toward the

voice snapped out sharply. "Stop

in with her

at the foot of the stairs, turning back to look at Henry with an indifferent expression. "If this is about the marriage

and the others

This was supposed to be a secret

the problem with

they had already learned about it. She was certain they knew the reason

have Seline charm Jenson, ensuring her breakup with him. That way, Suzanne would have no choice but to

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

family. She also knew Seline was the favored child, which made Suzanne

yesterday, it had been an impulsive attempt to

understand how the sweet, innocent Seline he adored had systematically made Suzanne's

to propose marriage to Austin had stemmed from this too. She refused to be forced into an arranged marriage with the Lloyd family. If she was going to marry someone, it would be someone

her sweet expression and said gently, "Suzanne, you should listen

of approval as he looked at Seline. "That's my

out a scoff. "If she's so sensible,

Seline's smile faltered.

on the table. "Suzanne, why should Seline marry into the Lloyd family? Look at yourself! Nobody likes you. You should consider

marrying into

hard enough to make her head turn. The

stop! Don't hit

in a bitter smile. Mandy was always quick to play the doting mother when it suited her, but her father was too blind-or maybe he just didn't

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

touch her swollen cheek, her eyes clouding over with bitterness. She

"I won't marry into the Lloyd family. You can think about how

turned and headed for