Laura gave a gentle smile. “Carter, Whit is just joking.”
Emily stood beside Carter. She wore a flowy white dress, her long hair draped over her shoulders, giving her a graceful and pure vibe.
She moved closer to Whitney and said in a gentle voice, “Whitney, are you still upset with Carter about what happened the other day?”
Tina let out a mocking laugh. “Whit, how can you even be upset with Carter?”
But none of that was what Carter cared about.
He lowered his gaze, his eyes dark and probing, his voice low and deliberate as he repeated, “Who exactly are you done with?”
Whitney gave a mocking smile. “Are you deaf, Carter? I said I’m done with you.”
Laura arched her brows, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. She thought, ‘Guess I really underestimated Whitney.’
Carter’s temper flared. He yanked Whitney into his arms, growling, “You think you can call the shots?
“Knock it off. It’s Grandpa’s birthday. Come on, let’s go greet Grandpa.”
Carter wrapped his arm around Whitney and walked right past Emily, heading straight for James at the main table.
Tina watched the way Carter and Whitney were acting, stomping her foot. “Emily, has Carter lost his mind or what?”
Emily’s lashes fluttered as she shot Tina a teasing smile. “Tina, don’t tell me you’ve got a thing for Carter too?”
Tina was caught off guard. “I-I’m not.”
She sounded guilty, her voice growing quieter. “How could I have a thing for him? He’s about to marry my sister.”
She practically choked on the words, like she couldn’t stand it.
Emily’s expression went cold. She didn’t even look at Tina anymore, her eyes fixed straight ahead. “Let’s go, Tina. Come with me to see Grandpa.”
After five long years, Emily was ready to reclaim everything that was rightfully hers.
*****
Whitney didn’t argue with Carter anymore. After all, she got paid for this event, so she had to play along with Carter until the show was over.
“James, this is my gift for you. Wishing you endless happiness and a healthy life,” Whitney said with a polite smile.
James grinned as he accepted the gift. “Whit, thank you. You and Carter’s wedding is just a month away. You guys should get your marriage license.”
Everyone watching knew exactly what James was hinting at. He couldn’t be happier with Whitney as Carter’s wife.
Carter felt a jolt of anxiety, worried that Whitney, who was clearly not thrilled about being here, might blurt out something outrageous and stir up trouble.
He quickly jumped in and said, “Grandpa, we’ll get it in a few days.”
James gave Carter a long, warning look. “Which day?”
Carter pressed his lips together. “I’m flying to Riverpool for work tomorrow and coming back the day after. Once I’m back, we’ll go get it.”
Whitney thought with a bitter smile, ‘The day after tomorrow? I won’t get that stupid license.’
With a clear date set, James’s mood visibly improved. He said, “Whit, go take a seat. I’m pretty busy today. You gotta help yourself.”
Whitney flashed a gentle smile. James was such a good guy, so Whitney wouldn’t make things awkward for him. “It’s alright, Grandpa. Go ahead and do your thing. Don’t worry about me.”
Carter just gestured at a table. “You and Laura can sit here.”
He glanced back and spotted Emily deep in conversation with James. Carter didn’t waste a second and rushed over to join them.
“Whit, you see that? I knew it. Emily’s always been the one Carter really cares about,” Tina grumbled.
Whitney didn’t even spare her bratty stepsister a glance. Instead, she flashed a sweet smile at Laura. “Laura, when did you give Tina a brother? Dad’s been dying for a son. Did you break the news to him?”
Tina’s face turned red with anger. “Whitney, when did my mom ever give me a brother?”
Whitney smirked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You keep talking about how Carter cares about Emily. I just figured you wanted a brother so badly. Maybe Laura will grant your little wish someday.”
Laura gave a strained smile. “Whit, that’s a funny one.”
”Is she really taking a jab at me for not being able to have a son?’ Laura thought, feeling a little bitter.
“Excuse me, Ms. Whitney Moore, Mr. Harris would like you to join him at the main table,” a servant said to Whitney.
Whitney was momentarily taken aback, then stood up with a smile. “Sure, thank you.”
Tina’s face contorted in frustration as she could only watch Whitney walk away. She complained, “Mom, did you see that?”

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