Your Love Is But a Dream

Chapter 90

Ivy stood frozen, her carefully constructed composure cracking as Martha's words continued to slice through the air.

"Just what kind of misunderstanding do you have about me, Grandma? Why would you humiliate me and my mother the very first time we met?" Ivy's voice trembled, her tone equal parts dignified and wounded. "I know we don't come from a wealthy family like the Zachmans, but we still have our dignity. If I've done something to offend you, I'd rather you say it outright than insult us like this."

Her performance was flawless. The glistening eyes, the shaky but composed stance-anyone who didn't know her supposed vulnerability would have moved her.

Unfortunately for Ivy, Martha wasn't so easily fooled. Decades ago, she had seen Shirley's true colors. There was no way Ivy's theatrics would win her over now.

"A sharp tongue doesn't make up for filthy intentions," Martha retorted, her icy glare practically dissecting Ivy. "If you think you can manipulate my grandson into marrying best, you're more debesional them thought."

volded Martha's gaze entively, her guilt all too obvious.

Carlisle, however, couldn't hold his tongue any longer. Seeing by on the verge of tears stirred his protective instincts. He stepped forward, placing himself "That's enough, a

und, his voice tim but pleading "This is ridiculous. It's been over two decades. Are you still holding on to o

sold grudges? t kept my demanded

I've everted to

to do since then is protect them. That's why I introduced Wren to [vy. T They're good together, and

Do you have any idea what kind of damage you're doing to the family name by creating this spectacle? People will talk, and Iprivate matters out into the open."

part pinned him in places that so? Are you telling me this woman and her daughter mean more to

mother? Very well.

respond but her next

as I'm alive, these two will never set foot in sly. It wou think you can force this manage through, Culisle, you'll have to

steady and unapologetic. "The engagement is officially canceled. My grandson

duves not recognize bet"

decorating Ivy's dreams of a perfect

shattered. The room, full of influential families and high-profile connections, suddenly felt suffocating. These were the o hard to impterus and integrate herselt. Now, she could feel their polite but

and rejection tom clawed Der way back-unless she secured a real manage to Wien-she would forever carry the stigma of this moment. whvory plate

There was no arguing with

to play the role of host there,

of the

nked urinth prio

glasses clindung in celebration, the expressions onstage were anything but festive. Aside

already settled,

anger, he forced himself to go

Martha's presence kitfocating

landed on Katrina. "You, come

Once inside, Martha waved off the attendant, leaving

her piercing

the answer, Mom. I've had no say in anything since Shirley

this mi fau now? Are you blaming me for not reining in my own

mix of frustration and pity she despised