Chapter 5

Chapter 5

"How do these two look exactly the same?"

"Is the Hemsworth family known for twins? I've never heard of that."

The crowd buzzed with curiosity. Genesis frowned, sensing something was amiss. "In-law, what’s going on? If I recall correctly, your wife only had one daughter."

Facing her sharp gaze, Seamus felt a chill down his spine, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

If the Romain family discovered their deception, the Hemsworth family's business would certainly suffer.

Though he didn't want to admit it, he had no choice but to stammer, "Th-this is also my daughter."

Just as he struggled to explain, Vanessa rushed in, high heels clicking, and spoke first, "My husband finds it hard to explain, so I'll do it."

She glared at Jocelyn, not expecting her to show up so quickly, nearly ruining everything. Vanessa pointed at Jocelyn and said, "This is the real Jocelyn. The other one, who looks identical, is my daughter, Kelly."

A stunned silence fell over the crowd.

Even Seamus was dumbfounded—she'd confessed everything!

Only Jocelyn wore a faint, cold smile; she didn't believe Vanessa would willingly walk into a trap.

Brian watched the unfolding scene with a relaxed expression, finding himself unexpectedly looking forward to the engagement.

Under the confused stares, Vanessa sighed, "Jocelyn was so against marrying into the Romain family that she ran away. With the engagement looming, we couldn't let both families lose face."

"I thought of sacrificing my daughter, having her undergo surgery to replace Jocelyn for the engagement."

"Who knew Jocelyn would suddenly reappear and turn the engagement banquet into a mess!"

She shifted all the blame onto Jocelyn, conveniently forgetting who had initially refused the marriage and humiliated the Romain family.

Jocelyn chuckled coldly and replied leisurely, "Ms. Murray, are you sure it’s me who broke off the engagement, not that you wanted my stepsister to marry into a wealthy family in my place?"

Vanessa clutched her chest, feigning a heartbroken look. "What nonsense! I was trying to help you, and you repay me with slander."

Jocelyn, uninterested in arguing further, pulled out a prepared recording.

"Has that little brat been dealt with? We can't let her show up at the engagement banquet."

Vanessa's face paled—these were her words to the driver. She hadn't expected this little vixen to record their conversation.

"Jo, I know you're unhappy with me, but faking a recording to deceive everyone is too much. Now that you're back, just proceed with the engagement."

She deftly changed the subject, redirecting the focus onto Jocelyn, as if none of this was her fault.

Jocelyn's eyes remained cold, her lips curling into a smile. "No rush, there's more to come."

With a tap on her phone, another recording played, "Jo, it was my folly to want to steal your marriage..."

This confirmed Kelly's impersonation.

"Ms. Murray, you wouldn't suggest this recording was fabricated too, would you? Could I have foreseen everything and prepared these recordings in advance?"

Vanessa was left speechless, glaring at Jocelyn with fury. She hadn't expected Jocelyn to be so ruthless, pushing her to the brink!

The Hemsworth family’s fickle nature had made fools of the Romain family, leaving them no choice but to swallow their pride.

Genesis erupted in anger, "The Hemsworth family sure has nerve, playing us like fools. Did you really think you could deceive the Romain family?"

Hearing this, Seamus quickly pleaded, "Mother-in-law, this is all a misunderstanding."

Genesis had no interest in his excuses and ordered the security, "Escort them out."

Watching Jocelyn standing unharmed nearby, Maverick was puzzled and, feigning righteous anger, said, "Sister-in-law, the Hemsworth family is known for their cunning ways. Why not send her away as well?"

Since the Hemsworth family had made a blunder, he saw no reason not to disrupt the marriage arranged by the old man.

Genesis raised a hand to silence him. She turned to Jocelyn and asked seriously, "Are you willing to marry my son?"

Brian unconsciously leaned toward her, eyes filled with subtle hope.

In his current state, he wondered if she recognized him and whether she would still agree to the engagement.

Looking at the man wrapped like a mummy, Jocelyn’s eyes glimmered with amusement as she smiled, "I do."

This man was even better at acting than she was—quite intriguing.

Besides, she only wanted an excuse to escape the Hemsworth; she didn’t care about his health or appearance.

Genesis finally relaxed and warmly clasped Jocelyn's hand. "From now on, you're part of the Romain. Anyone who bullies you will be opposing us!"

"Sister-in-law, you should reconsider," Second uncle Maverick quickly interjected. "The Hemsworth is complicated. Who knows what Jocelyn's intentions are?"

He whispered, "She had a tough time with the Hemsworth and might be agreeing out of greed for the Romain's power."

Knowing what kind of people his sister-in-law despised, he deliberately painted Jocelyn as scheming.

But Genesis was unmoved. "I don't think she's that kind of person. With an uncle like you, who could dare bully Brian?"

Genesis was no fool and refused to be swayed by a few words. Instead, she subtly flattered Maverick.

Maverick felt stung and turned to Brian, sighing, "Brian is in this state, disfigured and possibly unable to care for himself. What good girl would want to be with him?"

He intentionally reminded Jocelyn, hoping she would reconsider and call off the engagement, humiliating Genesis and her son.

He didn't believe any girl would be indifferent to her fiancé's ghastly appearance.

Genesis's face darkened. As Brian was about to speak, a cool female voice cut in, "Uncle Romain, is that how you talk about your own nephew?"

"To anyone who doesn't know, it might seem like you're cursing him, hoping for his downfall."

Maverick thought his ears had deceived him. Jocelyn was actually defending a cripple. Was she out of her mind?

"Brian's situation is clear to everyone. I was only giving a reminder, making sure the Romain family isn't accused of deceit. If you are truly willing to be with Brian, then nothing would make me happier."

"Uncle Romain is so thoughtful; I must have misunderstood." Jocelyn's words were impeccable, yet her tone dripped with sarcasm, making it sound more like a veiled insult.

Brian couldn't help but smile, his eyes sparkling like stars under the light.

He gazed at Jocelyn with deep affection and added, "Miss Hemsworth and I felt an instant connection. Since we both have mutual affection, I'll treat her with twice the kindness in the future!"

He meant every word; Jocelyn had saved his life, and he owed her a great deal.

Applause erupted around them, and Brian wore a faint smile.

Maverick's face darkened, but Brian acted oblivious, reminding him, "Uncle, just mind your own business in the future, so you don't embarrass yourself in front of the younger generation."

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