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 echoed through the room. Suzanne walked in, and their

Without saying a word, she kicked off her

what happens when you spoil

When had she

Seline's mistakes. They would hit or scold her or even

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

Suzanne continued toward

snapped out sharply. "Stop right

in with her usual loving

indifferent expression. "If this is about the marriage with the Lloyd family, save your

others froze in

This was supposed to be a secret between the three of them. She

broken up with Jenson, so what's the problem with marrying into the

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

to have Seline charm Jenson, ensuring her breakup with him. That way, Suzanne would have no choice but to take Seline's place in the

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

knew Seline was the favored child, which made

about marriage yesterday, it had been an impulsive attempt

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

from this too. She refused to be forced into an arranged marriage with the Lloyd family.

noticing Suzanne's reluctance, hid a smirk behind her sweet expression and said gently, "Suzanne, you should

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

sensible, why don't she marry

Seline's smile faltered.

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

anyone to like me. And if marrying into the Lloyd family is such a blessing, why don't

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

Don't hit

to play the doting mother when it suited her, but her

you do as you're told, you won't have to suffer. In a few days, you'll meet with the Lloyd family, and we'll

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

into the Lloyd family. You can think about how to

she turned and