Chloe felt her daughter’s hardships deeply, yet she thought with a tinge of frustration, “How can my daughter crumble over a little setback?”


    Back when her boyfriend abandoned her, she endured the agony alone and gave birth to Joy Chaucer. Compared to that, what was this evening’s trouble for Joy but a minor scratch?


    “Every challenge can be a stepping stone if used wisely,” Chloe often said. Under her persuasion, Bianca began to waver. “Joy surely won’t agree. That Quin Aubrey is ipetent; he can’t bring her happiness.”


    “It’s not about the long-term right now; we need to get past this crisis first. Otherwise, by tomorrow the news will spread, and Joy’s reputation will be ruined,” Chloe remarked. “At daybreak, the whole circle will buzz with gossip about Joy’s scandal with Quin Aubrey at the birthday party, using her of dragging the Granger sisters into it. Don’t expect Thomas Granger to speak a word in our favor. Luckily, Quin Aubrey has dered their mutual affection. Let’s capitalize on that and approach the Aubrey family to settle this marriage.”


    Bianca frowned, “Isn’t this too rushed?”


    “If we don’t act swiftly, it’ll be toote,” Chloe insisted. ” Bianca, let’s go to the Aubrey’s together. They’re at fault to begin with; they’ll surely give up a Quin Aubrey.”


    “Aren’t we going to tell Joy first?” Bianca nced toward the upstairs where Joy Chaucer remained in her room.


    “Talking to her won’t help now with her stubborn streak. Let’s talkter,” Chloe said briskly. “Bianca, let’s hurry to the Aubrey’s.”


    Chloe always had Joy’s best interests at heart, hence Bianca heeded her advice. Together, they went to the Aubrey family.


    The next day…


    Having locked herself in her room all night, Joy finally emerged, her resolve hardened. She wouldn’t let this go; she needed to confront Quin Aubrey and the Granger sisters – Meredith wouldn’t be off the hook either. As she descended the stairs, Bianca, sitting in the living room, said, “Joy, are you feeling better? The tailor will arrive soon to start on your dress, you won’t need to go out today.”


    “Mom, I’m not doing the dress today. I need to visit the Granger family,” Joy replied. Then, puzzled, she asked, “By the way, mom, did you visit the Granger family yesterday? What did they say?”


    “The dress must be made today, or it’ll be toote,” Bianca diverted, not answering thetter question. “You’re having your engagement by the end of the month; we need to make several outfits.”


    “Engagement?” Joy thought she misheard. “Mom, who’s getting engaged?”


    “You are,” Chloe emerged from upstairs. “Joy, your engagement is set for the 30th. The tailor will be here any minute, and your mom and I will help you decide.”


    “Engaged to whom? Who said I’m getting engaged?” Joy was utterly bewildered.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    Bianca answered, “To Quin Aubrey.”


    “What?” A look of shock crossed Joy’s face. “Are you kidding me? Me, engaged to Quin Aubrey? He’s a crimminal. I’d rather see him dead. How can I possibly marry him?”


    “We’ve already decided the date with the Aubrey family. The 30th is the engagement. Quin Aubrey will be part of our family. This marriage is settled, whether you agree or not,” Chloe stated firmly.


    “Mom, Chloe, are you insane?” Joy couldn’t fathom it. How could two people who loved her so much force her to marry a criminal?


    “Joy Chaucer, watch your words,” Bianca scowled. “After the scandal you’ve caused with Quin Aubrey, it must end in marriage. What else would you do?”


    “It’s for your own good. Everything’s arranged, there’s no room for discussion. From now on, you can only leave this house once you’ve epted this,” Chloe dered.


    “How can you do this?” Joy felt her world crumbling. “I won’t marry. I’d rather die than marry that wretch Quin Aubrey. How could he possibly be worthy of me?”


    Without another word, Chloe directed the servants to lock the door and confiscate Joy’s phone. She was taken back to her room to reflect.


    That day, the engagement of Joy Chaucer and Quin Aubrey hit the headlines – a clever move by the Chaucer family to silence those wishing to malign Joy. The previous night’s events were spun into a tale of young, uncontroble passion.


    The strategic action by the Chaucer family even took the Granger family by surprise, with Mr. Granger initially doubting his own eyes upon seeing the news.


    “So typical of the Iron Lady – truly a desperate gamble,” he murmured, acknowledging the boldness of the move.