A cold smile touched Evelyn Ross's lips.

Before she could speak, Mina Sherwood slammed her water glass onto the table.

The impact was loud and sharp.

She looked directly at her mother. "Grace and I promised to be each other's bridesmaids. Mom, if you won't let her be mine, then I won't be the bride."

Mrs. Sherwood's face instantly paled. "Mina, I... That's not what I meant... I'm just worried Grace might not want to? The bridesmaids are all daughters from prominent families. Her situation is... delicate... What if it becomes unpleasant?"

She muttered under her breath. "I'm only thinking of you both. Mina, do you really think what you believe is good for her is actually good? Making her stand next to the heiresses of the five great families. Do you think she'll be comfortable?"

Mina looked at Evelyn.

Grace had always been timid.

Back when Mina tried to bring her into elite social circles, Grace always refused.

She said it wasn't for her.

Mina understood. Different worlds shouldn't be forced to mix.

Grace shouldn't have to lower her head to please anyone...

Though her mother's intentions were unkind, a genuine worry began to gnaw at her.

The next moment, Grace spoke calmly. "You worry too much, Mrs. Sherwood. How could I be uncomfortable being Mina's bridesmaid?"

Mina immediately broke into a bright smile.

Mrs. Sherwood, effectively rebuffed, gave a dry laugh. "Well, that's good then. I just didn't want you to feel slighted. If those young ladies give you a hard time, just bear with it. It is Mina's wedding, after all. Let's not have any scenes."

Evelyn's smile was gentle. "Of course."

Mrs. Sherwood left in a huff.

Outside, Mr. Sherwood approached her. "Well?"

Mrs. Sherwood scoffed. "So petty! I think she's just using the bridesmaid role to climb the social ladder! And Mina still defends her!"

Mr. Sherwood frowned. "Doesn't she know her place? Being around so many high-society girls, isn't she afraid of the embarrassment?"

Mrs. Sherwood snorted. "I warned her! Your precious daughter wouldn't listen! She protects that girl fiercely!"

Mr. Sherwood sighed. "Let it be. If she wants to go, let her. Let's just hope she doesn't cause any trouble and embarrass our family."

They walked away, still discussing.

...

The day of Mina Sherwood and Marcus Valentine's wedding arrived quickly.

Evelyn had stayed overnight at the Sherwood residence.

She shared a bed with Mina, talking late into the night.

At five in the morning, they were awakened to get ready.

After washing up, Evelyn stepped out of the room.

The top makeup team in the country had arrived at the Sherwood home.

The entire villa was awake, servants bustling about.

Security opened the main gates as the other bridesmaids began to arrive.

Evelyn stood by the window and saw Penelope Valentine getting out of a car.

She was surrounded by servants as she walked upstairs.

The bridesmaids arrived one after another.

Evelyn immediately recognized Chloe Roland.

Ryan Roland personally brought her.

Her frail figure swayed as she got out of the car, nearly stumbling.

Outside.

Mina had already changed into her morning robe and was taken to the next room by a makeup artist.

Before leaving, she instructed the head makeup artist. "The others haven't arrived yet. Please do my friend Grace's makeup first."

"Of course, Miss Sherwood."

There were eight people on the makeup team.

Six bridesmaids and one bride made seven people.

Mina didn't think much of it. She reminded Evelyn to get her makeup done and went next door.

The bride's makeup was the priority and would take two and a half hours.

After she left, a makeup artist approached Evelyn. "Miss Nan, I'll do your makeup now."

"Alright."

Evelyn followed her into the sitting room.

Soon, Penelope Valentine arrived as well.

She saw Evelyn and curled her lip in disdain.

Several unmarried daughters from the main branch of the Sherwood family arrived.

They exchanged greetings, then someone glanced at Evelyn and whispered.

"What does Mina mean? Us being her bridesmaids is an honor for a branch family member. Is she insulting us by having someone of her status as a bridesmaid?"

Penelope spoke with fake sweetness. "I heard this CEO Nan is very close with Miss Mina Sherwood..."

"Close? She seems like a schemer! She's charmed Mina completely! Not long ago, Mina invested in her project and almost got dragged down. She still hasn't learned her lesson!"

"Who knows what tricks this woman used to bewitch Mina into doing something so foolish!"

...

Just then, Chloe Roland appeared at the doorway.

The moment she arrived, everyone crowded around her.

"Chloe, you're here?"

"Are you feeling better?"

"Can you handle today? If you're not feeling well, just say so~"

Everyone knew Ryan Roland was famously protective of his sister.

Chloe was doted on in the Roland family.

The Sherwood family had many daughters; they weren't a novelty.

Though Penelope was a Valentine小姐, her status as an adopted daughter always felt slightly inferior.

Ryan Roland was unmarried, so Chloe naturally became the center of attention.

Chloe never enjoyed socializing.

She nodded, wanting to find a quiet corner to herself.

But as she turned, she caught sight of a familiar figure.

She stopped in her tracks.

Then she shrieked. "Grace? What are you doing here?!"

Evelyn frowned.

She sighed softly and looked at Chloe. "Miss Roland..."

Chloe's eyes instantly reddened.

She stared fixedly at Evelyn.

Why was this woman everywhere?

Did she have to steal everyone's attention away from her savior?

No!

She wouldn't allow it!

Others noticed the tension and immediately took Chloe's side.

"Miss Roland must feel it's beneath her to be a bridesmaid alongside her!"

"Exactly! Some people should know their place!"

"Miss Nan, since Miss Roland has an issue with you, perhaps you should leave?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow and remained seated, unmoved.

Tina Sherwood, a daughter of the Sherwood main family, walked up to Evelyn. "Miss Nan, as you can see, you're not welcome here. Please leave."