Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 572

Conrad still ended up bringing Felicity inside.

As soon as they appeared, a ripple of unease spread through the guests. Many had come just to see if the recent rumors were true-after all, the two families supposedly locked in an ugly feud had both shown up in full force.

If things really had fallen apart between them, why would the Montgomerys come to this celebration at all?

People couldn't stop speculating: What on earth was going on between these two families?

Scattered across the lawn, guests waited for the engagement party to begin, each lost in their own thoughts. Some who were on friendly terms with Conrad tried to get a straight answer from him, but he brushed them off with a few perfunctory lines.

Clearly, he wasn't interested in talking.

"Didn't expect to find you with so much free time, Mr. Ayers." After sidestepping a handful of nosy questions, Conrad led Felicity over to greet Townsend.

He could dismiss most people easily, but the old gentleman was different-he couldn't be ignored. A greeting was the least he could offer.

Mr. Ayers and the Montgomerys were old acquaintances, so he didn't snub him. With a wry smile, he answered, "Just here to see an old friend's protégé. But you? Did you come just to stir the pot?"

After all, neither of the soon-to-be newlyweds had any love lost with the Montgomery family. Showing up here was just asking to be unwelcome.

Conrad could only shake his head inwardly.

He was definitely going to give Lysander a piece of his mind once this was over. What a disaster of an idea-he'd made a complete fool of himself today! He never should have listened to him.

Outwardly, though, Conrad kept his smile. "An old friend's protégé? Who could possibly have the pull to bring you out here?"

Townsend glanced at Forrest, who was on stage addressing the crowd with Mila at his side, and chuckled. "Tyrell, that old scoundrel. Lazing about and making me haul these old bones out here..."

Conrad was taken aback.

Forrest was Tyrell's student?

of course anyone would come-but this was just an engagement party for the younger generation.

thought struck Conrad, and he asked, "Has Mr.

guests, his question was

research, but

were conservative in action, but valued information

Townsend didn't seem surprised.

sidelong glance. "Why, are

Conrad replied with a self-deprecating laugh. “Besides, I'm practically retired. But if you're looking for investors, I can't offer technical expertise-but I can certainly write a

hopes for the project. The higher-ups were

out a dry

doubt about the Montgomerys' financial clout. "If I let you invest, and the project succeeds, will it still

cunning bunch. Could they really be

Conrad protested lightly. "We're all working for

Townsend just snorted.

a moment, though, his tone shifted,

had real talent. Shame you never let him pursue research at

gone before

f.n

who Townsend meant-his disappointing son. He managed a rueful smile. "What could I do? I only had the one kid. If he went off into academia, who'd fun the

no one left to do

after money,"

smiled and

the truth: the family business was only part of the reason Lysander was never allowed to pursue an academic career.

couldn't afford another family member

this research project went far enough, sooner or later it would touch on sensitive

Given the Montgomerys' resources

some things