Prosperous Marriage: Married to My Brother-in-law
Chapter 29: The New Dowry (1)_1

Chapter 29: Chapter 29: The New Dowry (1)_1

Stepping out of Glades Horne’s embrace, Julia Bluen placed the few items she was holding beside her—just a few books on accounting. Looking at them, she replied, "There’s no need to go on with it."

Glades Horne understood and didn’t press further.

RING RING RING... Glades Horne’s cell phone rang at just the right moment, breaking the silence that was about to fall between them.

The call was from Madam Horne.

Glades listened but didn’t say a word.

After the call, he suddenly leaned his sturdy, mountain-like frame toward her again, pressing Julia Bluen against the car door. His long arm trapped Julia between the door and his own, just as before. His ever-changing, inscrutable eyes fixed intently on Julia, their gaze seeming to capture one’s very soul. His lips curved, a faint smile emerged, and his rich voice, tinged with amusement, reached Julia’s ears, "Julia, the new engagement gifts have been delivered to your home."

New engagement gifts? Julia raised an eyebrow. She had thought the Horne Family wouldn’t send any more engagement gifts, as her sister’s were still at the Bluen family home.

"Are Grandma and the others at my house?" Julia asked softly.

Talking about her own wedding still made her feel completely unnatural. Resistance lingered in her heart; she figured anyone in her situation would feel the same.

Glades nodded, a sly look flashing in his keen eyes.

In fact, he had personally prepared the new engagement gifts. He’d started preparing them from the day they registered their marriage, all without Julia’s knowledge. He had told himself he would do his utmost not to make Julia feel embarrassed.

Bending his head, he gently kissed Julia’s smooth forehead. Retracting his arm, he sat upright, but his large hand took hold of Julia’s slender, jade-like hand and he commanded the bodyguard in a deep voice, "Speed up."

"Yes, Young Master."

The bodyguard respectfully complied, pressing down on the accelerator, and the car sped towards the Bluen family home even faster.

「The Bluen Family.」

The same people, the same place, the same scene—yet the mood was entirely different. The first time the parents from both families had gathered, it was with happiness and anticipation. This time, however, a certain heaviness hung in the air.

Although Julia had simply explained the reason for her marriage to her parents, no one knew why Glades Horne had agreed to be with Julia. Clearly, the one he loved was Ruby Bluen. While Chris Bluen and his wife were pleased their ties with the Horne Family hadn’t been severed, they also worried their younger daughter might become a substitute for their elder one.

The members of the Horne Family had even more varied thoughts. The only truly happy person was Madam Horne.

The new engagement gifts were the same as those given for Ruby Bluen: a house, a car, a company, and several shops. However, Julia’s gifts also included a bank card with no spending limit, and the jewelry had been changed to designs that suited her taste. Additionally, there was a special pair of diamond rings. These were the wedding rings of Madam Horne and the late Mr. Horne; he had left them with Madam Horne upon his passing. Now, Madam Horne wished to give them to Glades and Julia.

The utterly shameless Orlando Evans had once again appeared in the Bluen family’s hall, tagging along with Adele Horne as if nothing were amiss.

James Horne’s face was impassive, revealing no hint of his feelings.

This was a momentous occasion for both the Horne and Bluen families, and their closest relatives were all gathered.

The two families reluctantly discussed the wedding arrangements. The original plan had been for a lavish and luxurious celebration. Guests were to include hundreds of prominent figures from political and business circles. All media outlets in T City had been invited to witness the joyous moment when the "crown prince" of the Horne Family and the eldest Miss Bluen were to step into the Wedding Chapel. The Emperor Hotel had been grandly booked for the wedding banquet. Besides prominent figures from political and business circles, many other influential people in T City were invited, from both legitimate and underground spheres, with the guest list potentially exceeding a thousand.

But now, Glades Horne was marrying Julia Bluen, not her sister Ruby—a case of the younger sister replacing the elder. This was a sensitive topic bound to cause a huge stir. With all sorts of speculation and public opinion sure to flood in, neither the Horne nor the Bluen family could withstand the pressure. Glades, considerate of Julia’s feelings and not wanting her to be embarrassed, had specifically ordered the cancellation of all guest invitations to the ceremony. Only close relatives from both families would attend. He also eliminated any public banquet and, naturally, refused all media presence, opting for a private ceremony.

Both were top-tier elite families. For something as significant as a marriage, the quiet manner in which it was being handled spoke volumes about their complex emotions.

The Horne Family felt aggrieved. After all, Glades Horne was the CEO of the Valence Group and the eldest legitimate grandson of his generation in the Horne family. In T City, he was powerful enough to move mountains with one hand. Such a momentous event as his wedding should have been conducted with proper fanfare, to the envy of all. Yet, due to the Bluen family’s situation, it had to be carried out with quiet restraint, making them feel Glades was being wronged.

The Bluen Family also felt sorry for Julia. For most people, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Although Julia would have a wedding, it felt like something that had to shun the light of day. While feeling sorry for Julia, they also harbored guilt, especially Chris Bluen. He felt it was his failure in raising his daughters that had led to his precious younger daughter having to marry in her sister’s place.

The sound of an approaching car was heard. The Bluen family’s housekeeper quickly entered and reported to Chris Bluen and his wife, "Sir, Madam, Young Master Horne and Second Miss Bluen have returned."

At this news, the atmosphere in the hall instantly transformed, becoming relaxed and joyful. Mila Anderson, who had previously been unwilling to speak to the Bluen family members, forced a smile and began to chat affectionately with Scarlett Taylor, the two women warmly calling each other "mother-in-law."

A mocking sneer subtly touched James Horne’s handsome face. What a bunch of fakes!

But then again... He felt the smooth, practiced expression that had instinctively formed on his own face. He was a pretender too.

Glades Horne walked in, holding Julia Bluen’s hand, followed by the bodyguard who had served as their driver.

Those with sharp eyes in the room noticed that one bodyguard was missing.