CHAPTER 207: CHAPTER 207: REJECTED

A ripple arose in my heart, and my gaze lingered on that photo for a few more seconds.

Although Ivan Underwood’s face showed no smile, it didn’t appear indifferent either. The woman sitting across from him looked very young, her cheeks full and beautiful when she smiled.

I found it intriguing; just now, Henry Preston and Azure Vaughn stood together, and I thought they matched well.

Now seeing Ivan and his blind date sitting together, I again think they match well.

"He told me this is just a formality, Mr. Preston put a lot of effort in." My face remained calm, even showing a faint smile, "Your little girlfriend behind you doesn’t look well."

After saying that, I turned and left.

Finding a quieter corner, I began to seriously search the crowd with my eyes, mentally noting all the faces I recognized.

Once I had a rough idea, I took out my phone and wanted to send a text to Ivan Underwood, asking what he was doing now.

But upon unlocking my phone, I hesitated; would this seem like I didn’t trust him enough?

Just as I was indecisive, a voice sounded behind me, "Miss Hathaway."

It was Mrs. Underwood’s voice, and my heart skipped a beat as I quickly turned around to face her with a smile on her face.

"Hello, Auntie." I greeted politely and courteously.

"Do you have some time? Since we meet today, how about we have a chat?" Although Mrs. Underwood wore a smile, I sensed coldness.

I knew this was inevitable, so I faced it calmly, "Okay."

I followed Mrs. Underwood to a small balcony, and once the door was closed, it blocked many noises, leaving only the breeze.

Mrs. Underwood scrutinized me from top to bottom with her eyes, filled with assessment; I wasn’t accustomed to nor liked this feeling, "Auntie, you can speak frankly."

Mrs. Underwood’s eyes glimmered, "Miss Hathaway, didn’t you promise me before to keep your distance from my son and try to minimize interactions? So why did you end up accepting him and being with him?"

"Auntie, I apologize for not doing so," I looked her straight in the eyes, "But Ivan Underwood and I are already adults, matters of the heart have their own considerations, and I hope you won’t oppose and interfere."

Mrs. Underwood stared at me for a while, her gaze noticeably colder after hearing my words.

If not for my family background, the scene of a check being thrown in soap operas might well happen to me.

"Miss Hathaway, you are excellent, I’ve never denied it, and since I have met your parents a few times and understand their character, I believe their daughter must not be lacking. However, you and Ivan are just not suitable." Mrs. Underwood maintained her politeness.

"Could you give us a chance to try?" I honestly couldn’t say I love Ivan Underwood, but having chosen him, I wanted to give it a try.

Mrs. Underwood remained silent for a moment but eventually shook her head, "You’re truly unsuitable, Miss Hathaway. Do you know you would harm my son?"

I frowned.

She continued, "Because of you, he often argues with me and his father, and the business connections between The Preston Group and The Underwood Family have ceased, causing significant losses; do you realize that?"

I was at a loss for words at Mrs. Underwood’s remarks since I had guessed such things would happen when I started dating Ivan Underwood.

"Auntie, we will face these together since we chose to be together, and we will find a way to solve them," I replied sincerely.

"Miss Hathaway, I won’t support you two being together no matter what. We all know each other, and I don’t want to speak too harshly or make things look ugly, so I hope you leave my son voluntarily!" Mrs. Underwood lost some patience seeing my persistence, her demeanor stern.

Just then, the small balcony door opened again.

Henry’s mother looked at us in surprise, "Mrs. Underwood, Zoe, what are you talking about here?"

I had to swallow back my words and smiled at Mrs. Preston, "We’re just chatting."

"Why did Mrs. Preston come out too?" Mrs. Underwood’s attitude eased significantly facing Mrs. Preston, accompanied by a broad smile.

"I want to talk to Zoe." Mrs. Preston returned Mrs. Underwood’s smile with a helpless one, "Perhaps it’ll seem amusing and upset you, but I still think Henry hasn’t gotten over Zoe and hopes Zoe will reconsider him."

I slightly widened my eyes; just now, Mrs. Underwood was sternly demanding me to leave her son, and now Mrs. Preston comes wanting me to give Henry another chance.

I glanced briefly at Mrs. Underwood, whose expression didn’t look good.

"Zoe, I know you’re with Ivan now, but feelings can fairly compete; will you give Henry another chance?" Mrs. Preston grew emotional as she spoke, even holding my hand.

I had clearly told her I wouldn’t go back last time, and I believed her not to be the type to harass repeatedly, so all I could guess was one reason.

She was deliberately helping me.

Though I was quite touched, I still politely declined, "Auntie, hasn’t Henry and Azure confirmed their relationship? I wish them happiness."

Mrs. Preston sighed and released my hand, "I oppose them."

This certainly gave her a common subject with Mrs. Underwood?

Mrs. Underwood looked at me, with a hint of complex emotion in her eyes; she might not understand why Mrs. Preston fixed on me, my family was good, but given Henry’s conditions, he had countless choices.

"Auntie, as long as they mutually cherish each other, that’s sufficient. Now that Azure has a new identity, she’s no longer the ordinary college student she was, and Henry is fine with her." I comforted.

"Impossible, I won’t agree anyway!" Mrs. Preston suddenly became a bit emotional.

Knowing her low opinion of Azure, further conversation seemed futile, so I simply remained silent, not addressing Mrs. Underwood’s earlier remarks, and returned directly to the banquet hall.

From what Mrs. Preston and Mrs. Underwood might talk about further, I’m unaware.

Feeling unpleasant all day and more agitated after the previously happened, I found my mom, mentioning I’d leave early.

"Okay." My mom was still chatting with several business friends and responded quietly.

Before leaving, I made a trip to the restroom, yet unexpectedly witnessed an awkward scene.

At the restroom entrance, Azure stood tip-toeing, using her tender white arms to hook around Henry’s neck, but Henry didn’t show any gentlemanly demeanor, not even bending to cooperate.

I stopped and, after a quick thought, chose to turn around and leave.

"Miss Hathaway!" Azure noticed me, quickly calling out.

I turned back, meeting Henry’s eyes as they looked at me.

Azure had already released him, taking two steps forward to stand in front of me, "Earlier I was just playing around with Henry, I hope you won’t be unhappy."