CHAPTER 355: HIGHLIGHTER

"To all our dearest guests who came to celebrate this day with us, I would like to start by thanking you for taking the time to be here." Derek smiled charmingly as he wrapped an arm around Melissa’s waist, holding her close to his side. "As you all know, Melissa and I have been waiting eagerly for this day to come. Now that it’s finally happening..."

He trailed off, his lips stretching into a wide smile as he gazed lovingly at his fiancée. "I’m more than elated and grateful to finally call Melissa my fiancée — and soon, my wife."

"Our story wasn’t easy and was filled with obstacles, but all of it was worth it," he continued, his tone softening with affection. "To Melissa and the Young family, I promise to do my best to make her the happiest woman."

Jasmine and Lawrence smiled approvingly, nodding at Derek’s heartfelt words. Even the guests couldn’t help but smile; Derek’s affection toward Melissa seemed genuine and sincere. Melissa’s eyes softened, her smile radiant.

"So, Melissa..." Derek reached for her hand. "Will you give me your first dance as your fiancé?"

Her eyes sparkled. "Of course."

At that cue, a staff member quietly approached to take Derek’s microphone. As the two stood center stage, soft music filled the hall.

"What a perfect couple," one of the guests remarked as they began to dance slowly. "How nice to be young."

"Both successful and good-looking," another mused. "How nice to be young."

"Reminds me of my engagement party," someone else added with a chuckle.

One after another, those watching couldn’t help but express their admiration. Though many came knowing this was an engagement born of forbidden love, seeing the couple tonight told a different story.

As for the chairman, his gaze remained fixed on his grandson on the stage.

"Chairman, aren’t they lovely?" Lawrence said, trying to get his attention. "Just watching them from here, I can feel the love and excitement they share."

"Melissa worked really hard to make this engagement perfect," Jasmine added with enthusiasm. "I hope you like it, Chairman."

Finally, Chairman Lancaster looked at the couple. He let out a faint huff — not exactly sharing the same sentiment. Instead, he sighed quietly, eyes settling on his grandson once again.

Derek... does look happy.

Despite his stern position, the chairman had always been biased toward Derek. After all, Derek was his only grandson, the son of his late daughter. Naturally, he had a soft spot for the boy, even if it usually came out as scolding.

Seated with them at the same table was Travis. He offered the Youngs a polite smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, though he said nothing in the chairman’s defense.

"By the way, Melissa invited Mrs. Bennet over," Jasmine suddenly said with excitement. "She told me she’d be a little late, but she’ll be here."

Hearing that, Lawrence nodded eagerly. "That’s right, Chairman! Once she arrives, we’ll be happy to introduce you to her!"

The chairman’s head turned sharply toward them, but instead of smiling, he frowned deeply.

"What are you talking about?"

"Hehe." Jasmine cleared her throat, straightening her back. "Chairman, I know you’ve been busy and haven’t had time to keep up with everything. But recently, we made a connection with the Bennet family from Anteca. They’re in Novera right now, and Melissa and Mrs. Bennet have gotten along really well."

Lawrence nodded again. "Melissa even took Mrs. Bennet to Celestine’s tea party. Isn’t that right, Celestine?"

Celestine, who had joined their table long ago, had remained quiet. There wasn’t much to discuss with the chairman, anyway.

"Right." Celestine smiled softly. "Melissa did bring Mrs. Bennet to have tea with us. It was... a pleasant encounter."

The chairman glanced at Celestine, then at Travis. Both men shared the same disbelief expression.

After all, the chairman and Travis had met Atlas Bennet personally.

And in every meeting, Atlas made one thing perfectly clear:

Lola.

So naturally, the chairman assumed the "Mrs. Bennet" they were referring to was none other than Lola.

The chairman’s disappointment with the Youngs — especially Lawrence — grew deeper. Still, he couldn’t admit he had met Atlas himself. The man valued privacy and had kept his position as the true head of Summit Partners secret from the public. Both the chairman and Travis understood the unspoken rule: they weren’t at liberty to reveal that truth.

"Is that so?" the chairman finally said.

"Yes!" Jasmine’s voice rose a little, catching others’ attention. "She’s such a pleasant young madam. I think she’s even considering starting a business or opening a branch here in Novera."

People nearby perked up, exchanging glances. Of course, everyone knew the Bennets. Even if they weren’t from Novera, Anteca was a neighboring country — and the Bennets’ influence easily reached across borders.

"So it’s true, huh?" one man whispered. "The Youngs’ connections really are growing."

"Haha, Derek sure is a lucky man," another commented. "And here I thought it was the Youngs who’d benefit most from this engagement."

"What are they talking about?" someone at a farther table asked, and the person beside him leaned in to explain.

"It seems the rumors about the Youngs’ growing ties with the Bennets of Anteca are true. And if I heard right, the young matriarch of the Bennet family is attending tonight’s engagement — she’ll just be a little late."

"Good thing I didn’t leave early," another guest laughed. "Do you think the man himself will show up? I’d like to introduce the project to him."

"The Bennets are known for their success — men and women alike. From the old matriarch who runs a restaurant empire to their youngest daughter who married into the Pierson family, it doesn’t matter if it’s the new Mrs. Bennet or her husband. Either way, their presence is a big deal."

Everyone nodded in agreement, whispering among themselves. With this new topic spreading, no one paid much attention to the couple still dancing onstage.

"The Bennets, huh?" Simon, seated at one of the farthest tables, rubbed his chin. "I’ve heard of them, but I’m not too familiar."

Manager Kang leaned closer. "Simon, your family’s been in business for decades — you should tell your father. He’d be thrilled to hear this."

Simon frowned. "Why?"

"Because the Bennets are basically the Lancasters of Anteca," the manager explained knowingly. "And since they’re tied to the Piersons, you can imagine just how influential they are."

Simon arched a brow. Even if he wasn’t into business, he understood what the manager meant.

"Is that so—" He froze mid-sentence as something bright — very bright — caught his eye. Turning his head, his jaw dropped as he saw Lola walking in, dressed in neon colors that glowed like a human highlighter.

"Holy shit," he breathed. "She finally lost it, did she?"

Manager Kang followed his gaze — and his face twisted. "What in the world is that walking Christmas tree doing here?"