Chapter 164: Chapter 164: No Wonder Tyson Doesn’t Like a Tomboy

The engagement banquet for Tyson Law and Fiona Vaughn was set for seven in the evening.

On Sunday, even before the hour arrived, the Dynasty Grand Hotel in Stellerton was already aglow with lights, and many guests had entered ahead of time.

The Law Family had already made arrangements with authorities to block off two nearby roads, just to avoid any disruptions for their distinguished guests.

A long red carpet stretched all the way from the street to the hotel entrance, scattered with rose petals of every color—a scene so romantic and so extravagant that every detail screamed top-tier aristocratic wealth and glamour.

Everyone walking on the red carpet was a person of renown in Veridia—if not the world—whether they were business moguls, popular singers, or even prominent figures from the military and political spheres.

At the very front of the hotel’s red carpet, a middle-aged woman in a champagne-colored gown was greeting guests with a radiant smile beneath an arch of lilies.

Though she was nearly forty, she kept herself in such excellent shape that her porcelain-white complexion looked even more dazzling than girls in their early twenties.

...

This stunning beauty was none other than Tyson Law’s birth mother, Mabel Keaton.

Mabel had once been a legendary screen goddess, but after marrying Director Law, Frank Law, who also served as mayor, she left the spotlight to dedicate herself to her family as a full-time wife and mother.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Law. Today is a wonderful day for your son—may The Second Young Master Law and Miss Fiona remain united and harmonious for a hundred years together."

"Wow, to be here at The Second Young Master Law’s engagement is truly an honor for me, Mr. Warner!"

Mabel kept a warm smile on her face, greeting the guests with perfect graciousness.

"Mr. Warner, you jest—having you attend my son’s engagement is truly our honor."

"Come, come, let’s not stand out here in the chilly breeze. Everyone, please head inside for a toast to warm yourselves up."

As a famed actress of her era, many guests couldn’t help but ask for photos with Mabel Keaton.

With the guest list filled with the rich and powerful, and it being her son’s big day, Mabel responded to each request with easy grace and laughter.

But her feelings were not as relaxed as her outward demeanor suggested.

Mabel glanced at the time a bit anxiously; only half an hour remained before the engagement banquet began.

Would that Vaughn Family’s eldest daughter actually show up?

She’d met Cecilia Vaughn a few times years ago, back when Cecilia and Tyson were dating. She’d somewhat liked the girl at first, but ever since netizens online started calling her son a scumbag, Mabel had developed quite a dislike for Cecilia.

If you can’t hold onto your man, how dare you blame the other party for cheating?

Just as Mabel was stewing, Florence Warner strutted towards her in a red embroidered qipao.

In order to show her true face in public, she’d gone to Silaris for some work done after her burns faded; now, her scars had mostly healed—but her face had turned into pure plastic, all sharp angles and gloss.

Florence looked rather unwell and tugged discreetly at Mabel’s sleeve.

"In-law, are you sure that little brat Cecilia is actually coming?"

Today’s engagement was being broadcast live. Both families had spent a fortune hiring publicity teams, yet the internet was still mocking the couple—calling Tyson a scumbag and Fiona a homewrecker. It was unbearable.

If Cecilia didn’t show up in person at the engagement banquet to clear up this ’misunderstanding’, these jeers would haunt Fiona and Tyson for life!

Mabel arched her willow brows, lips pressing thin.

"She’ll come, right? Didn’t Old Master Vaughn call her himself, and she agreed to show up?"

Cecilia used to be the most dutiful granddaughter, always obedient to Old Master Vaughn.

Now, this is her chance to clear Tyson and Fiona’s names. Does that girl really think she can fight their families all by herself?

Florence’s eyes darted shrewdly, a look of hatred flickering in her depths.

"If we’d known she’d back out at the last minute, we should’ve dragged her here in chains!"

"Don’t worry, in-law. At worst, we’ll just keep her sickly little brother in our grip—let’s see if that brat dares rebel then!"

Mabel nodded gravely.

"Good. If she doesn’t come, we’ll use her brother to force Cecilia to clear Tyson’s name!"

Cecilia started this mess—no way was Mabel letting her son keep getting humiliated!

Just as the two women schemed quietly, a crisp, cold-as-snow female voice abruptly interrupted their plotting.

"Auntie, Mrs. Warner, what exactly are you two discussing out here in the wind?"

That voice—!

Mabel and Florence exchanged stunned looks and lifted their heads. When they saw the poised figure standing a short distance away, both women’s faces turned ashen in a flash!

Cecilia Vaughn had arrived!

And she didn’t just show up—her outfit and presence tonight were a far cry from her usual bare-faced appearance!

Compared to Mabel and Florence’s loss of composure, Cecilia wore a steady, unruffled smile.

...

That brat! You show up and still bother with makeup?

And clearly schemed enough to borrow such a fine gown—isn’t this just stealing Fiona’s spotlight?

Florence clenched her teeth, deciding to get on the offensive first.

"Cecilia, don’t you have any sense of decorum? You’re nearly late, you know! Today is your sister’s engagement, and you dress this flashy? Must’ve wasted a lot of money—hurry and take that off, return it wherever you got it."

In Florence’s mind, there was no way Cecilia could afford a designer gown.

She was absolutely just putting on airs—this dress must be borrowed.

Cecilia gave Florence a half-smirk, then pointed mockingly with her ivory-white hand at several guests entering the hotel.

"Flashy? It’s my stepsister’s big day—everyone here is in formalwear. What about my outfit stands out? If you’re that upset, why not have everyone change into street clothes?"

Several women in backless, midriff-baring, or plunging gowns passed by just then. Compared to them, Cecilia was entirely conservative—her dress covered all but a bare hint of shoulder.

Florence found herself utterly speechless.

Mabel hadn’t seen Cecilia in three years; she never imagined the quiet, introverted girl she remembered would now have such a razor-sharp tongue.

Displeasure flashed in Mabel’s heart. With such a spiky personality, no wonder Cecilia couldn’t keep a man.

Mabel grew even more critical and decided to chide Cecilia as well.

"Cecilia, we are still your elders, after all. You arrive so late—hardly the behavior of a good sister. You haven’t forgotten your responsibility tonight, have you?"

Cecilia’s smile turned frosty.

"Mrs. Law, you invited me—I made it on time, you should be grateful enough."

"You two are busy with your distinguished guests; I won’t get in your way any further."

Before her words were even done, Cecilia turned without hesitation and walked straight toward the hotel entrance...