Chapter 32

Eugenie's desperate voice echoed through the drawing room as she pleaded with her father.

“I... I truly admire Lord Craig with all my heart. Whether Lord Craig inherits the Granville Marquessate or not, I want to be with him. Besides, Lord Lionel already has a fiancée, Lady Edith. Lady Edith is the one who is truly suitable to support the Granville Marquessate and Lord Lionel. So why, Father, would you...”

“You have no right to interfere, Eugenie. This is a matter between families.”

Despite being surprised by his daughter's first act of defiance, the Marquess Spencer coldly rebuked her. Still, Eugenie clung to her father, holding back the tears in her eyes as she continued.

“When Father said you were going to bring a gift to the Granville Marquessate today, I felt uneasy, thinking there must be a reason for such an unexpected visit. I never imagined it would be something like this...”

“Will you stop it, Eugenie!”

As she looked at her father, who raised his voice in frustration, a single tear slid down Eugenie's cheek.

“If Father won't approve of me being with Lord Craig, I don't mind if you cut ties with me. No matter what happens, I want to be with Lord Craig. He always protects and defends me, even though I am so unworthy...”

“What? After all I've done for you...”

Though his face was twisted in displeasure, the Marquess Spencer was clearly shaken by his daughter's words. Craig, with tears welling in his eyes, whispered.

“Eugenie, you feel that strongly about me...”

Craig knew very well that Eugenie had long been unable to defy her parents. The words spoken by the Marquess Spencer were enough to chill Craig's spine, who loved Eugenie. He could feel the immense courage and determination it took for Eugenie to stand up to her father, and the depth of her love for him.

The Marquess Granville, who had been watching the exchange, spoke quietly.

“If I have to weigh my son's happiness against the interests of the family, I would choose my son's happiness without hesitation. Since Eugenie is so devoted to Craig, it is a joy for both Craig and me. I would be happy to welcome Eugenie as Craig's future wife. However, Lionel will inherit the Granville Marquessate. If you cannot accept this, please leave now.”

“...”

The Marquess Spencer, with a face twisted in frustration, exchanged a regretful glance with his wife and then looked at their daughter. Seeing her strong resolve and unwavering determination, he shook his head slightly.

“I never intended to raise a daughter like this.”

The Marquess and Marchioness Spencer stood up from the sofa, turned their backs on Eugenie, and left the drawing room. As they passed Lionel and the others outside, they averted their eyes and walked away, looking uncomfortable.

Lionel, who had heard Eugenie's voice from the drawing room, murmured reflectively.

“Eugenie wasn't trying to use Craig; she truly loves him.”

Archie, who had been listening quietly, blinked his eyes and softened his expression slightly.

Edith smiled as she watched the two of them.

(It seems that Eugenie's sincere feelings have reached both Lord Lionel and Lord Archie...)

Although it might take some time, Edith felt that a real opportunity to mend their strained relationship had been found, and her heart warmed.

Today, I plan to post the third chapter and conclude the story. Thank you for your support.