Chapter 22
A few days later, the Lynch family’s banquet proceeded as scheduled. Given the Lynches‘ influence, the guest list consisted mostly of close friends and relatives, with no major figures expected to attend.
No one anticipated Justin’s arrival.
“Mr. Johnson, what an honor! I never imagined you would grace such a small gathering like ours,” Carlisle Lynch, the current CEO of Lynch Group, greeted him with visible surprise.
No one there expected to cross paths with someone of Justin’s caliber.
Justin remained expressionless. “My wife was interested, so I came to see what she’s up to.”
“Oh, Mrs. Johnson? I haven’t seen her. Let me have my younger generation welcome her properly,” Carlisle responded politely.
Regardless of the reason, Justin’s presence alone made this banquet extraordinary.
Carlisle abandoned the other guests and focused solely on Justin, eagerly introducing the Lynch Group’s businesses and the true purpose of the event.
“The truth is, my wayward younger son has fallen for a lady from the Serpentine family. He insists on marrying her.
“We may not be as wealthy as Johnson Group, but we still follow proper customs. That’s why we’re having this engagement first. We want to make it official,” Carlisle explained with a cheerful smile. He didn’t mind even as Justin responded half–heartedly.
As the lights dimmed, all converging on the stage, Justin’s gaze sharpened.
Though this was just an engagement, the couple on stage was formally dressed. Frederic Lynch wore a black suit, while Zora donned a white wedding gown.
It was Justin’s first time seeing her in a wedding dress.
His eyes locked onto the woman who haunted his thoughts.
“Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you for honoring the Lynch family with your presence. Today, I have an important announcement–1, Frederic Lynch, am officially engaged to Zora Serpentine of the Serpentine family!”
With a grin, Frederic lifted Zora’s hand, revealing a gleaming engagement ring
As the crowd erupted in applause, Carlisle’s face wrinkled with joy.
But Justin remained still, his gaze fixed solely on the woman on stage.
Carlisle noticed something off in Justin’s demeanor and cautiously inquired, “Mr. Johnson, has your wife not arrived yet?”
Without looking at him, Justin continued to stare at Zora and softly replied, “She’s already here. She looks beautiful.”
Then, he stood up.
Zora, who had been smiling, immediately noticed Justin. She couldn’t believe he had come to the event. For a moment, she stared at him in disbelief, as she was completely caught off guard.
She never expected that Justin would still chase after her, even showing up at her engagement party after she said such hurtful words.
Across the sea of guests, their eyes met as if the world around them had faded away, leaving only the two of them. In that instant, it was as if their hearts were in sync. Justin’s heartbeat quickened, and for some reason, he was certain that Norah still loved him even if she was now “Zora“.
Zora, too, knew what Justin was about to do. Her expression turned flustered as she watched Justin step forward.
“Thank you all for your well–wishes. Surely no one has any objections on this wonderful day, right?” Frederic joked.
The guests laughed heartily, but Justin’s firm voice cut through the noise, carrying clearly through the room. “I object!”
He had already stepped onto the stage and was standing face–to–face with Zora.
“M–Mr. Johnson?” Frederic, who had only recently returned to the country, had certainly heard of Johnson Group. He was utterly bewildered at that moment.
Yet, Justin didn’t spare him a single glance. His gaze remained locked onto Zora as he uttered softly, “Norah–no, Zora. Come with me. I love you.”
He felt as though he had traveled back to the moment he first confessed to her–nervous yet unwavering, his eyes filled with nothing but her. “Justin, why don’t you understand? I don’t love you anymore.”
Chapter 23
