Chapter 3 Why Are You Here

Emilee's declaration silenced the entire room.

Brennen looked just as confused, unsure of what Emilee was trying to do.

Dolores stepped forward and said, "What did you just say? This shabby waiter is your boyfriend? Have you lost your mind?"

Confronted with Dolores' intense gaze, Emilee could no longer defy the authority she had surrendered to for two decades. She managed a strained smile and said, "Mom, I was only kidding. Why are you taking it so seriously? I twisted my ankle, and this waiter just helped me inside."

Dolores breathed a sigh of relief. "You gave me quite the fright, you know? You're about to marry into the Patel family. We can't afford any slip-ups right now, or it could ruin us."

Emilee's smile deepened with sadness. "I understand, Mom."

Dolores took Emilee's hand. "Sweetheart, I know this is hard, but our family's survival is at stake. Without the Patel family's support, we'd be bankrupt. They've promised to secure a major project for us once you're married into their family, which will set us back on our feet!"

Emilee's expression grew paler, her smile bitter. "Yes, Mom."

Dolores removed her scarf. "I'm glad you understand. You're such a tease sometimes, claiming you've taken a waiter as your boyfriend. I knew my daughter wouldn't choose so poorly."

"What's wrong with being a waiter?"

At first, Brennen had let the comments slide, but the constant belittlement of his job now irked him.

Dolores regarded him coldly. "What's wrong? Really? You belong to a different class. My daughter comes from a distinguished family. You're aspiring to something way out of your league! You're living in a fantasy!"

Noticing Brennen's rising anger, Emilee quickly intervened. "Brennen! It's best you leave now. Thank you."

Seeing the plea in Emilee's eyes, Brennen muttered a curse under his breath and left.

Once Dolores had gone upstairs, Emilee collapsed into a chair, exhausted.

Clare linked her arm with Emilee's. "What's really going on between you and that waiter?"

"There's nothing between us," Emilee responded.

Clare moved in closer. "You might have tricked your mom, but fooling me? Not a chance! Tell me what's really going on!"

After a moment of hesitation, Emilee confessed, "I'm pregnant with his child."

"Jesus Christ!" Clare exclaimed. "Seriously? Are you joking?"

"I'm serious."

"Are you out of your mind? Of all people to sleep with, why would it have to be a waiter?"

Emilee sighed, her expression somber. "I was drunk that night. I didn't realize what was happening until it was too late."

In a hushed tone, Clare asked, "So, what's your plan? You can't hide this forever, you know? Soon enough your belly will grow and it'll be obvious!"

"I've decided to keep the baby," Emilee replied resolutely.

"God! Are you insane?" Clare's voice pitched higher.

Emilee responded earnestly, "I asked him multiple times today if he would take responsibility, and he agreed."

Clare cupped Emilee's face in her hands. "Honey, please don't be naive, okay? You're the heiress of the Lewis family! He's only a waiter! He has nothing! You two are from completely different worlds! He's not even worthy of you!

And have you even considered what your family will think? They'll never accept him!

Plus, there's the Patel family to think about! Given their reputation, you're setting yourself up for a huge struggle, and it could destroy your family! That waiter will be killed by them!"

Emilee changed the subject. "Let's not talk about me for a moment. What brought you back to Enceridge so suddenly?"

Clare explained, "My grandfather had to meet someone important here and attend the auction tonight. So, I came along. Emilee, let's not focus on me right now. You need to consider your own situation first."

Emilee's eyes filled with tears at the thought of marrying someone she disliked, or even despised, which made her even more resolved to keep the baby.

...

Just after Brennen left the neighborhood, a Lincoln limousine pulled up in front of him.

An elderly man with gray hair stepped out of the car. "Sir, please get in."

Brennen paused, surprised. The man introduced himself. "I'm Archie Ward, president of the Enceridge branch of the Prosperity Chamber of Commerce. I've come to take you to the auction."

Realizing this was the person Clayton had mentioned on the phone, Brennen understood the situation.

"Please get in the car first, sir."

Archie held the door open with respect.

Brennen got into the limousine without hesitation.

As they drove, Brennen realized they were not heading to the auction site. "Where are we going?"

"We have some time before the auction starts. So, sir, I'm taking you to Area A of Wyvern Villas now, in case you want to freshen up."

When they arrived, Brennen stood in front of Enceridge's most expensive villa, valued at 170 million.

"Wow! Nice house," Brennen said casually.

Archie took out the keys. "Sir, here are the keys."

Brennen gestured dismissively. "It's just too big. I'm not used to living in such a big house by myself."

Nevertheless, Archie didn't take the keys back.

He was well aware of Brennen's background.

Brennen had a powerful backing that made him a figure few in the country would dare challenge.

Even those arrogant aristocratic guys in Sotrith would treat Brennen with respect.

To outsiders, Archie might appear wealthy and influential, but in reality, he was merely a subordinate working for Brennen's father.

After taking a bath, Brennen opted for casual wear instead of the suit Archie had laid out for him.

Archie had even arranged for a chef to prepare a lavish meal.

Once they had eaten, Archie drove Brennen to the Elite Building.

The auction was mainly attended by members of Enceridge's leading families.

Brennen had little interest in auctions; his presence there was purely to fulfill Clayton's request.

Due to his role, Archie couldn't accompany Brennen openly, so he waited in a designated room.

With some time to spare before the event started, Brennen stepped out to use the restroom.

As he came out to wash his hands, he noticed a beautiful woman coming out of the women's restroom across the way.

Her wine-red hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and her suit hugged her figure beautifully, her legs sheathed in black stockings and ending in red high heels, enhancing her allure.

Brennen dried his hands and turned to see the woman's face.

Upon a closer look, he recognized her as Clare, whom he had previously met at Emilee's place.

After a brief moment of surprise at seeing Brennen, Clare's expression quickly turned sour. "What the hell are you doing here?"