Chapter 411
Joseph's daughter felt she must have heard him wrong.
Victoria was stunned and felt that something was very wrong with the way things were unfolding.
How could this be?
She looked at "Keera" in shock. How could Lewis possibly take an interest in such a discarded and defeated woman just because she was the legitimate daughter?
She clenched her fists tightly, refusing to believe everything that was happening before her eyes.
After a moment of silence, the surrounding crowd burst into activity again.
Those who had been encircling Victoria now rushed toward "Keera", their faces adorned with flattering smiles.
"Miss Keera, congratulations!"
"Mr. Horton values you so much that he specifically came to make a betrothal during your family reunion banquet. You're so fortunate!"
"Congratulations!"
"..."
Even the seven Olsen brothers suddenly showed joy on their faces and hurried over to Keira.
James crossed his arms. "Well, that Lewis didn't even come to make the betrothal himself. How insincere!"
Charles then said, "Exactly. If he ever mistreats you in the future, just say the word, and all seven of us will back you up!"
Ellis scolded the two of them. "Be quiet!"
James sneaked a glance at Keira, and after hesitating for a long time, he swallowed the words he was about to say.
He wanted to persuade his little sister to break up with that gigolo. After all, her fiancé was now Lewis. Keeping that gigolo around would be like slapping Lewis's face, wouldn't it?
But now wasn't the right time; it would be better to give her a private reminder later.
Keira looked at her seven brothers with a hint of a smile on her face.
Although she didn't need their kindness, the feeling of having a family... wasn't too bad!
Victoria was pushed back by the crowd and took a step backward. She wanted to step forward but couldn't squeeze through the crowd, so she could only stand bitterly in the back as if she had been forgotten!
She took a deep breath, suddenly stepped forward, and approached "Keera" with a concerned look. "Keera, now that you're engaged to Mr. Horton, what about your boyfriend?"
At those words, everyone immediately fell silent.
Someone couldn't help asking, "What boyfriend?"
James immediately gave Victoria a warning look, conveying that now wasn't the time for such talk.
But Victoria pretended not to see it and frowned with worry. "It's that college student you brought to the banquet last time, the one who's really handsome, even better looking than any celebrity I've seen. It's just... Keera, shouldn't you break up with him first?"
James was shocked!
He immediately became anxious, hastily turned to Tom, and was just about to try explaining when Joseph's daughter blurted out, "Yes, she has a boyfriend! Sir, you must tell Mr. Horton. Don't be deceived by her! After her divorce, she kept a gigolo around. What right does such a promiscuous woman have to be Mrs. Horton?!"
James immediately said, "Don't be ridiculous! That... that was just my sister's driver! Yes, just a driver! He's not even a friend!"
Keira watched him as he blatantly lied.
He was the one who stormed into her home a few days ago, demanding that she break up with Lewis. Had he forgotten about that?
And now he was defending her with such a statement in public.
Despite being a bit annoying at first, her brother was somewhat endearing now.
Joseph's daughter then sneered. "What driver? At the last banquet, she admitted in front of everyone that that gigolo was her boyfriend. Sir, don't be fooled!"
Tom's face immediately darkened upon hearing this.
Who were they calling a gigolo?!
Seeing his expression, Victoria felt confident that the matter was settled.
Their marriage was definitely off!
After all, no man could accept his fiancée fooling around with another man, could he?
But just as she thought of this, she heard Tom sigh. "Mr. Horton is aware of this matter."
Everyone was perplexed.
Then they heard Tom continue. "But he doesn't mind as long as Miss Olsen is willing to marry him."
Everyone was now astonished.
Had they misheard just now?
Or had the world turned into fantasy?!
Lewis was the wealthiest man in Oceanion. The Horton family moved to Clance over two months ago and was gradually relocating their entire clan there...
Mr. Horton, the man who took control of the Horton family, was intimidating and ruthless. Was he actually so in love with a woman?!
For "Keera", he was willing to stoop to such a humble act?
Joseph's daughter couldn't help but say, "Why? Just because she's Uncle Olsen's biological daughter? We've seen plenty of prestigious family alliances through marriage but never one so indecent!"
In the circle of elites, everyone's marriage was tied to business.
Many couples were merely nominal husbands and wives.
But even so, while each had their affairs, they would still produce decent heirs and keep their lovers in the shadows, at least not blatantly dishonoring each other.
Everyone knew "Keera's" boyfriend; with things going this far, how could someone of Lewis's status not care?
Tom tilted his chin upward and then spun his tale with utmost seriousness. "Of course not. Mr. Horton met Miss Keera and was taken aback by her beauty. He vowed to wed no other in this life. Even though Miss Olsen's heart belongs to another man, Mr. Horton wouldn't mind sharing her with a third person! Mr. Horton's admiration for Miss Olsen is immense, his love as deep-rooted as the seas..."
Keira was dumbfounded.
This Tom really had a flair for drama!
She glared at Tom, making him immediately stop his flattery, and he summarized, "In short, Mr. Horton is devoted to Miss Keera only!"
Everyone was speechless.
They were all stunned.
No one could believe it, feeling confident that there was something wrong with the way they'd come to the party that evening.
James, taking the words for truth, looked at "Keera" and couldn't help but say, "Our little sister is indeed quite pretty, but she can't really bewitch a man to this extent, can she?"
Charles was also baffled. "If I were like that, Uncle Olsen would definitely break my legs!"
Only Ellis couldn't help but roll his eyes.
That scheming Lewis sure knew how to pick his assistant.
However, these words did elevate his little sister's status, and he was pretty pleased.
Even Uncle Olsen's mouth twitched.
After a pause, the crowd awkwardly started talking.
"Mr. Horton is such a romantic."
"Miss Olsen is impressive too..."
"We've indeed witnessed a match made in heaven tonight!"
"..."
Hearing such forced praise, Joseph's daughter finally realized she was in trouble. She glanced at Victoria and immediately started slipping away quietly.
Just as she was about to slip out of the banquet hall, a chilly voice suddenly asked, "Where do you think you're going?"