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."

speaking, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the room. Suzanne

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

darkened further as he shot Mandy a glare. "See? This is what happens when you spoil her. I told you not to spoil

had

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

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

Suzanne continued toward the

out sharply.

stepped in with her usual

at the foot of the stairs, turning back to look at Henry with an indifferent expression. "If this is about the marriage with the Lloyd family, save your breath. It's not

the others froze in

a secret between the three

so what's the problem with marrying into

just broken up, and they had already learned about it. She was certain

the thought of Seline marrying into the Lloyd family, so they schemed to have Seline charm Jenson, ensuring her breakup with him. That way, Suzanne

during a visit home. Until then, they had kept her completely

the Lloyd family. She also knew

yesterday, it had been an impulsive attempt to

how the sweet, innocent Seline he adored had systematically

impulsive decision 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

sweet expression and said

approval as he looked at

sensible, why don't she marry into the

Seline's smile faltered.

your mouth!" Henry roared, slamming his hand down on the table. "Suzanne, why should Seline marry into the Lloyd family? Look at yourself! Nobody likes you. You should consider it a blessing to marry

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

face, hard enough to make her head turn. The force of the blow made it clear he hadn't

Don't hit her!" Mandy cried

always quick to play the doting mother when it suited her,

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

clouding over with bitterness. She should have known better. Her father would never care

said coldly, "I won't marry into the Lloyd family. You can think about

she turned and headed for the