Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 98

The moment Raymond appeared, the entire hall plunged into dead silence.

Not many people in the capital had seen him in person, but almost everyone knew his name.

If Carter was the ruthless titan controlling all of the Harrington family's corporate enterprises, Raymond was the undisputed patriarch of the family itself.

"Mom!"

Gillian sprinted over excitedly to hug the elegant woman. Pamela embraced her warmly. "It's okay, sweetheart. Your Uncle Raymond promised to buy this ring for you as an engagement gift. Don't worry about a thing."

Percy instantly straightened up, his confidence completely restored. Carter stood up, his expression dark, though his tone remained respectful. "Uncle Raymond."

"Carter, didn't I tell you not to fight Percy for this ring?" Raymond's voice was calm, yet laced with unmistakable reprimand.

Carter pressed his lips into a tight line. Looking at his uncle in the wheelchair, the man who had sacrificed his legs for him, he couldn't force a single word of defiance past his throat.

Emma had never seen Carter look so defeated, and her brow immediately furrowed in irritation.

Regardless of the circumstances, Carter was legally her husband. She didn't care if this man was his uncle or the king of the world—nobody humiliated Emma Lockwood's man in front of her.

Emma, who had been about to stand up, abruptly sank back into her seat, exuding absolute calm.

She crossed her arms, her eyes fixed on the ring illuminated on the stage, a dangerous smirk playing on her lips.

"I don't mind going up against the entire Harrington family. Bring it on."

Her arrogant declaration sent a shockwave of gasps and incredulous whispers ripping through the crowd.

"Who does this girl think she is? Even Mr. Harrington doesn't dare cross his uncle, and she's talking back to him?"

The mocking voices grew louder. Emboldened by her adoptive mother's presence, Gillian's arrogance reached a fever pitch.

"Emma, you really need a reality check. You think just because you latched onto the Vances, you actually have the power to challenge the Harringtons?"

Emma slowly turned her head, still smiling, her gaze locking directly onto Raymond. "Want to test that theory? It's an auction. If we don't fight for it, how will we know who wins?"

In all these years, Emma was the first person to ever publicly defy Raymond Harrington. He frowned, looking at Carter. "Is she with you?"

"Uncle, I gave you my word that I wouldn't interfere, but I have no control over what Emma does."

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