A force came from the side, and Titus Zane’s wrist was suddenly gripped tight. With an alarmed shout, his instinctive reaction was to break free from the restraints and flee.
A familiar voice arose above him, low and stern.
"Titus Zane, it’s me!"
The sudden appearance of Nathan Moore slowed Alder Locke’s steps. He had been worried that Titus Zane would escape and had rushed over faster, but now...
In the banquet hall, all the guests’ gazes were directed their way, some surprised, and some whispering secrets.
Seeing Nathan Moore grabbing Titus Zane’s wrist, not to flee together, but rather to step towards him, Alder Locke’s chest tightened, and he stood still in his place.
In the corner near the stage, chairs were arranged as if at a wedding feast, with two elderly men sitting on them. Seeing the man who had suddenly appeared, they stopped their conversation, their smiles fading from their faces.
"Mr. Zane, who is this man?"
Mr. Zane asked displeasedly, his tiger-like eyes firmly fixed on Nathan Moore. Samuel Zane’s face turned ugly, and he abruptly stood up, "Sit here and wait, I’ll go take care of him!"
As Nathan Moore held Titus Zane’s wrist and approached Alder Locke, clothed in a dazzling sapphire blue evening suit, alongside Titus Zane in a white strapless evening gown, they made a strikingly well-matched pair.
Looking at the stunned Alder Locke, Nathan Moore smiled like a gentleman, "Young Master Locke, are you here for an engagement? I wonder which young lady it is. It just so happens that I’m in Banyan City on business today and brought my wife here to share the joy."
"Titus..." Alder Locke murmured, having enjoyed his days with Titus Zane, her company while walking, chatting, and even urging him to eat more when she noticed he ate too little. Could it all have been... fake?
"Alder Locke, I didn’t expect you to be such a hypocrite, conniving with my grandfather and others to deceive me. You truly disappoint me," declared Titus Zane righteously, her wrists held by Nathan Moore, yet her hands were clenched into fists due to anger.
She longed for familial affection, cherishing it all the more due to its absence, yet these relatives of hers exploited her vulnerability time and again, leading her to disappointment.
Samuel Zane and his son Evander Lancaster approached, and before even reaching their side, Samuel Zane spoke up with displeasure.
"Nathan Moore, what are you doing here? Today is my grandson’s engagement banquet, and you are not welcome!"
Samuel Zane deliberately lowered his voice, not wishing to make a spectacle in front of relatives and friends who had come to congratulate.
Not far off, Felix Shaw and Evander Lancaster held sesame cakes, while Sophia Hamilton also stood nearby with a plate of desserts, snuggly holding a quilted jacket.
Felix Shaw sipped champagne and sneered, "Stubborn old man, truly obstinate. Listen to how righteous he sounds," he continued, turning to Evander Lancaster, "Fourth Brother, with an aunt so dominant, do you think your marriage will also be arranged by her?"
Evander Lancaster gave him a fleeting glance and ignored him, but subconsciously turned his head to glance behind at the food lover. Sophia Hamilton hurriedly buried her head in cake eating, yet her heart began to flutter with uncertainty.
Facing Samuel Zane’s questioning, Nathan Moore smiled, "Grandfather, you are truly considerate. My wedding with Titus was rushed and we didn’t have an engagement ceremony. You’ve gone through the trouble to arrange this engagement banquet for us, Titus and I are grateful to you."
Nathan Moore, holding a tense and confused Titus Zane, bowed together to Samuel Zane, who responded with a displeased grunt.
"Stop buttering me up with your slick words," he said, turning towards his son standing beside him, "George, send someone over to throw this man out!"