Chapter 14 A New Proposal

"Well, maybe we went too far. This must have been a huge blow to Ms. Wren. They say Ms. Wren has some mental issues, and if this causes her condition to worsen, it won't look good ... " Leo watched Serena's trembling form with a bit of guilt. After all, it was he who had helped arrange this whole thing. Damien's eyes narrowed, cold and sharp. Could it be that he had been wrong after all? Was it really not her? "Serena, it's alright, don't be scared." Oscar, who had been dealing with the Liam situation, rushed back into the hall, immediately seeing the chaos. He quickly hurried over to protect Serena, shielding her from the reporters. "Grandpa, I want to go home. I want to go home," Serena whimpered, clutching tightly onto Oscar as if she had finally found her anchor. Her voice trembled, and there was a hint of sobbing beneath her words. "Don't worry, Serena. Grandpa's here, you don't have to be scared." Oscar's face was full of concern as he pulled Serena into his embrace, shielding her protectively. "Liam has gone too far. From this day on, the Wrens have nothing to do with the Laines," Oscar said coldly, his gaze shifting to the Laine family members who had just arrived in a rush. Each word carried undeniable finality. "And as for Elise, if she dares to get involved with Liam again, she will no longer be part of the Wrens," he added, turning toward his second son, Raymond Wren, and daughter-in-law. His voice was icy, completely devoid of mercy. "Dad, you can't be so biased! Elise is your granddaughter too, and besides, she and Liam truly love each other ... " Raymond felt his dignity crumbling, unable to bear the humiliation any longer. "Biased? D*mn right I am! Screw being biased, for Serena, I'd lay down my life." Oscar's voice boomed, each word a hammer blow. "Let me make this crystal clear! You want to come at me? Fine. Come at Wren Group? Be my guest. But lay a single finger on Serena, and you'll face my wrath." Oscar was a well-known and influential figure in Astria, and his declaration stunned everyone in the room. Many had heard that Oscar doted on his eldest granddaughter, who had returned to the family five years ago, but no one had imagined just how much he cherished her. Serena's heart warmed as she listened to Oscar's words. She knew that his love for her was genuine. "Mr. Wren, please calm down. This is all Liam's fault. I've already sent someone to find him. He'll be here shortly," Liam's father, Hubert Laine said, his face turning pale as he realized the severity of the situation. "And what will that change? After what he's done, do you think this engagement can continue?" Oscar, proud and protective, wouldn't allow Serena to suffer this humiliation. Even if Liam showed up now, Oscar wouldn't agree to the marriage. Hubert's wife, Willow Neel, took charge, her voice a calming balm in the heated room. "The blame lies squarely with Liam," she declared, "His actions were inexcusable, and Serena is the clear victim in this unfortunate situation." "I don't care if it was carelessness or confusion. This is where it ends. There's no point in discussing it further," Oscar replied, his face set in stone. He had always wanted Serena to marry with honor and happiness, and he wouldn't allow anything less. This scandalous situation was something he could never tolerate. "How about this? Let's have Evan and Serena get engaged instead. Evan doesn't have anyone special in his life right now, no girlfriend. I've always thought Evan and Serena would be a better match anyway, even closer in age," Hubert proposed, seeing no other way out of the situation. He knew that if Oscar wasn't appeased, the Laines would face serious consequences. Oscar was known for his ruthless approach in business and personal matters. Crossing him would lead to severe repercussions. This suggestion was the Laines's way of bowing their heads, offering a compromise to save face for Serena and the Wrens. "Indeed, Mr. Wren. Weren't you considering having Serena marry Evan in the first place? You only chose Liam because Evan was still in school and not ready for such a commitment. But Evan is kind-hearted and gentle—he'd be a perfect match for Serena," Willow quickly added, backing up her husband's proposal. Although she wasn't thrilled about the idea of her outstanding son marrying this supposedly dim-witted woman, she knew this was the best option to protect the Laines' reputation. They would navigate the future as it unfolded, one step at a time, hand in hand. Evan blinked in surprise, his gaze shifting to Serena. His lips pressed into a thin line, but surprisingly, he didn't object. Willow, who had been preparing to stop her son from refusing outright, was caught off guard by his silence. Her face showed a hint of surprise. Why wasn't Evan protesting? Could it be that he was finally stepping up and being responsible for the family? Serena kept her head lowered, her lips twitching slightly in disbelief. Me and Evan? I'd rather die. Oscar remained quiet, his expression still stern. He looked toward Serena, waiting for her reaction.