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 echoed through the room. Suzanne walked

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

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

chuckled softly. When had she ever

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

gave her 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

them, Suzanne continued toward

out sharply. "Stop

with her usual loving act. "Henry, calm

to look at Henry with an indifferent expression. "If this is about the marriage with the Lloyd family, save your breath. It's not happening. I won't

the others froze

did she know about this? This was supposed to be a secret between the three of them.

problem with marrying into the Lloyd family?" Henry sputtered, his anger

had already learned about it.

Seline marrying into the Lloyd family, so they schemed to have Seline charm Jenson, ensuring her

during a visit home.

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

impulsive attempt

the sweet, innocent Seline he adored had systematically

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

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

his gaze full of approval as he looked at Seline. "That's

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

Seline's smile faltered.

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

don't need anyone to like me. And if marrying

struck Suzanne across the face, hard enough to make her head

Don't hit her!" Mandy

in a bitter smile. Mandy was always quick to play the doting mother when it suited her, but her father was too

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

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

into the Lloyd family. You can think about how to

she turned and headed for the