Chapter 1440

Chapter 1439:

The moment Lance took his first step, Ruben flashed Raymond a smile dripping with satisfaction, relishing every second. “Just wait and see. A grand Evans family celebration is on its way! When Adah marries Lance, I’ll make sure she’s treated like a queen p>

Raymond felt a bitter weight settle in his chest. Frustration and regret flooded through him as he silently cursed Allan over and over.

If that fool hadn’t broken off the engagement, he wouldn’t be standing here enduring Ruben’s mockery.

The darker Raymond’s expression grew, the wider Ruben’s grin became, barely able to contain his glee.

Under the gaze of the entire room, Lance approached the young woman. His heart pounded so fiercely he was certain anyone nearby could hear it. Summoning his courage, he offered a polite smile. “Adah, you look absolutely stunning tonight p>

She returned a broad smile. She had always liked Lance, and now that she was convinced Allan had moved on, she saw no reason to hold back over that absurd agreement any longer.

Besides, she thought, since her friend Elliana had already married Cole, if she were to marry Lance, she would officially become part of the Evans family, strengthening her bond with her best friend even further. That thought alone filled her with happiness. In that moment, she decided she could treat him as her intended without reservation.

Such is the nature of young hearts — when feelings shift, it shows in every gesture. The warm glow in her eyes did not go unnoticed by Lance. The tension melted from his face, replaced by a sincere, radiant smile.

“Happy birthday, Adah,” he murmured, his voice carrying a gentle warmth.

She had always been straightforward and never hid what she felt. She stepped closer, looped her arm through his, and gave him a playful look. “Thank you. Did you bring me a birthday present p>

“Of course!” Lance replied, brimming with excitement. He had indeed brought a gift, but presenting it at that moment required more courage than he yet possessed. Resting in his pocket was an enormous diamond ring.

It had been Ruben’s idea. The old man had insisted relentlessly that Lance buy it and propose during the birthday party.

𝗗𝘪ѕ𝘤o𝘃e𝘳 𝗻𝗲𝘸 s𝘵o𝘳𝗶𝖾s 𝗼𝗇 ѕ.сo𝗆

At first, Lance thought the plan was madness. They weren’t even remotely close to the proposal stage, and the idea of being rejected in front of everyone terrified him.

But Ruben had gone so far as to threaten a hunger strike if he refused. In the end, Lance had no choice but to give in.

Until moments ago, his nerves had overwhelmed him at the mere thought of presenting the gift. Yet seeing Adah treat him with such open warmth now, his doubts began to dissolve. Perhaps Ruben was right after all. Sometimes, being brave was the only way to achieve something extraordinary. If he could muster enough courage, perhaps he could finally win the heart of the woman he loved.

“I can’t wait to see what you picked out.” Adah’s eyes sparkled as she smiled.

Lance returned the smile. Their gazes met and held for a long moment, both of them radiating happiness.

The crowd around them watched, completely captivated by the tender exchange.

Ruben’s face glowed as he took in the scene. Then he shot Raymond a triumphant, self-satisfied look. “Do you see that? Aren’t they perfect together p>