Daisy Archer had been making a huge fuss, insisting the neighbors judge who was right. As a result, the courtyard was now packed with onlookers.
In an era with so few forms of entertainment, watching a good argument was undoubtedly one of the compound's most popular pastimes.
Rona Langdon said, her face cold, "Vera, come apologize to Archer, then return to the Kane family with her."
"Forget it!" Daisy Archer retorted, her expression just as cold. "Vera is so strong-willed. The Kane family can't afford to house such a 'great Buddha.' Don't have her agree to my face, only to turn around and run off with someone else! The Kane family can't afford that kind of embarrassment."
The Kane family was considered well-off in Crestfall. Their business had been doing quite well for the past few years, and they were living prosperously.
Originally, Daisy Archer would never have considered Vera Xavier, a "wild girl" who grew up in the countryside. But Vera was Zachary Preston's biological daughter, and what the Kane family wanted was his influence.
As Daisy Archer saw it, the Preston family was completely in the wrong for Vera Xavier having run away from the wedding. This was their chance to make some demands.
Rona Langdon's face darkened further. She glared at Vera Xavier, wishing her eyes could burn a hole right through her. "Vera, kneel!"
Vera Xavier saw all eyes in the room fall upon her. She seemed to be trembling, and her eyes were filled with tears. "Mom, I had my reasons for doing this."
"What reasons could you possibly have?" Rona Langdon said through gritted teeth.
Cara Preston gently coaxed Vera. "Sister, what you did was truly wrong. Don't be so stubborn. Just kneel and apologize to Archer!"
Daisy Archer sneered. "She had her reasons? Fine. Then tell us what they are. If they're reasonable, no one will make things difficult for you."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Vera said timidly.
"What's not good about it?" Daisy Archer, convinced Vera was lying, narrowed her eyes into a sinister smirk. "I'm just dying to know. What kind of reason could possibly drive you to do something so shameless?"
She then added, "Let's clear the air today. My son excels in his studies and is a fine young man. He's truly exceptional, not some desperate man who can't find a wife!"
Jeremy Kane added, "Vera, the Kane family considers you our daughter-in-law. If you truly have a grievance, just say it. We will stand up for you."
Vera still looked hesitant. "If I tell you, will you really stand up for me?"
Daisy Archer and Jeremy Kane nodded in unison. In their eyes, it was impossible that Vera actually had a legitimate reason; she was just trying to find a way to save face.
They had their own agenda for coming to the Preston family's home today. They had to keep up appearances to gain more advantages.
Rona Langdon could barely stand to look at Vera. She figured Vera was, nine times out of ten, just going to bring up wanting to continue her studies again.
'That whole issue was a massive joke to her. Vera, as foolish as she was, wanted to study? More like she wanted to make a complete fool of herself!'
Vera squared her shoulders. "Very well, I'll tell you. But before I do, I want to show you a photograph."
With that, she produced a black-and-white photograph and slapped it on the table between Daisy Archer and Jeremy Kane. Her eyes brimming with tears, she said, "Mr. Kane, Mrs. Archer, I demand an explanation."
She looked both wronged and indignant, as if she had endured a great deal.
The moment Daisy Archer and Jeremy Kane saw the photograph, they froze. Their eyes filled with utter disbelief. "This... How is this possible!"