Sentenced to Marriage by MadlainQ novel Chapter 47

He held my hand the entire way to Greenwich, and let go only to shift his grip to help me leave the car in front of the modern version of the medieval fortress–the Wintons‘ mansion. 

“I‘m nervous... I don‘t know what to say to them. They will ask about us, right?” I squeezed Aren‘s hand, hoping for the last words of comfort. 

“Tell the truth.” He smirked. “It‘s the best way to hide any lie. The more truth they hear, the lower they‘ll lower their guards.” 

We walked inside, greeted by the servant ladies at the door, before meeting with Augustus Winton, Aren‘s father, and Vanessa. I inwardly sighed in relief when I noticed there was no Callan around. Nonetheless, I merely expected him to show up later. All the men were dressed in well–tailored black tuxedos, while Vanessa was wearing a slightly shimmering white–silver gown. The view made me wonder if it was a family dinner or a show of wealth and power. There were no hugs and kisses but brief, polite nods, and half–smiles while greeting us, which made me feel more like I was about to enter a business meeting. 

“So, Cora, how did you and Aren meet?” Vanessa asked as soon as we sat down at the table. 

“We met in a café in Midtown Manhattan,” I replied, before taking a sip of wine. 

She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Really? Were you working somewhere nearby?” 

I chuckled and glanced at Aren before answering, “I worked at that café.” “What?!” Vanessa exclaimed, her tone mixing disbelief and disdain. 

Aren glared at his stepmother and gently placed his hand on top of mine “I saw her there and wanted to make her mine. I couldn‘t care less what kind of job she does,” he said curtly 

Aren‘s father interrupted, clearing his throat. “And do you still work at that cafe, Coral” 

“No, I actually started working for Lan Diamond Corporation,” I claimed proudly, 

Suddenly, a burst of malicious laughter filled the room. The sound was coming from the threshold of the dining room. As I turned toward the source, I saw Callan entering the room and taking the seat right in front of me. He was wearing a dark blue suit, distinguishing him from the rest of the men in the room and making him look less formal. 

“What great news, Cora? You‘ve always wanted to work for a big company, but I‘ve never expected you to fuck my brother just to achieve that.” Callan‘s venomous words brought my blood to a boil in an instant. 

I clenched my fists, and I noticed that I wasn‘t the only one. Aren straightened up in his seat, looking like a predator one second before an attack. 

“Callan!” Augustus roared, his eyes shifting between him and Aren. “Apologize to your brother‘s fiancée at once!” 

Callan, Vanessa, and Aren‘s father looked at the old man in undeniable shock. 

“Now!” Augustus thundered, before indiscreetly checking Aren‘s reaction. 

Callan‘s lips twitched in anger, but he quickly turned it into a cold smirk. “I apologize, future sister–in–law.” 

Aren leaned forward on the table, sending Callan a murderous glare. “Watch it, brother. The next time you try to insult my Cora, nothing will save you“-he glanced disdainfully at the old man–“not even a poorly played outrage that forced you to say this half–assed apology.” “Callan and Aren, stop this fight. This was supposed to be a family dinner.” James Winton made a frown as if the murderous look in his sons‘ eyes stood for a mere difference of opinion. 

Vanessa smiled nervously, shifting her eyes to me. “And how do you know my son?” 

I screamed internally in frustration and anger when Aren suddenly lifted my hand to place a delicate kiss on it, and then his eyes landed on Vanessa. “Your son was an idiot for not taking care of Cora properly. But perhaps I should thank him. If it wasn‘t for him being a sickening bastard, I wouldn‘t have this amazing gem by my side.” Aren smirked. Callan punched the table with his fist. “Don‘t provoke me, brother. You don‘t want me to spill all the dirt,” he hissed, glancing at me. 

I heaved a sigh of relief. 11 would be wonderful if he could just stay out of my sight the entire time we were there, but I didn‘t think that was possible Vanessa seemned clearly displeased with Augustus scolding her son. I noticed her prodding James‘s shoulder, hoping that he would speak for their son, but James stayed silent. I could see the disapproval on his face, yet he didn‘t dare stand up to the old man. Augustus Winton was the head of the family, the one in charge of everything and every member of his family... except for Aren. It must have been really pissing him off that he needed to suck up to his grandson to get a better position on the market. Of course, I couldn‘t be any less sorry for any of them. They were a truly “lovely”