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."

of the front door opening

acted as though she hadn't noticed them. Without saying a word, she kicked off

darkened further as he shot Mandy a glare. "See? This is what happens when

When had

younger, she was always blamed for Seline's mistakes. They would hit or scold her or even

The only reason Suzanne had been allowed to stay in the Yates household was because her father

continued toward the

voice snapped out sharply. "Stop right

quickly stepped in with her usual loving

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

and the others froze

know about this? This was supposed to be a

problem with marrying into the Lloyd family?"

even colder. She had just broken up, and they had already learned about it.

so they schemed to have Seline charm Jenson, ensuring her breakup with him. That way, Suzanne would have no choice but to take Seline's

Lloyd family's marriage proposal by accident, overhearing it during a visit home. Until then, they had

to marry into the Lloyd family. She also knew Seline was the favored child, which made Suzanne the

yesterday, it had been an impulsive attempt to escape this fate. But Jenson hadn't shown up; he had

innocent Seline he adored had systematically made

into an arranged marriage with the Lloyd family. If she was going to

expression and said gently, "Suzanne, you should listen to

expression softened, his gaze full of approval as he looked

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

Seline's smile faltered.

the Lloyd family? Look at yourself! Nobody likes you. You should consider it a blessing

me. And if marrying into the

hand struck Suzanne across the face, hard enough to make her head turn. The force of the blow made it

Don't hit

smile. Mandy was always quick to play the doting mother when

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

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

"I won't marry into the Lloyd family.

that, she turned and headed for