Chapter 104

Both Slater and Bobby clearly thought the world of Verena, didn't they? Kaia seethed inwardly.Slater even went so far as to post on social media to mock her,just todefend Verena.

Kaia wondered how their faces would look when Verena's lie was exposed on her big day.

As soon as she got home, Kaia wasted no time sharing her discovery with Alec and Laura. "Dad, Mom, you've both been fooled by Verena. She never graduated from Pine Hill University. I'm telling the truth. I had it checked-her name doesn't exist in their records."

Laura's eyeswidened in disbelief. "Whatare yousaying?"

Alec, on the other hand, barely flinched.

He shot Kaia a measured look, reading her intentions with practiced ease.

With a dismissive snort, Alec stood up from the couch."You really expect me to believe you just like that?Even if Verena lied about her education background,what difference does it make?" He stepped closer,his words deliberate and heavy. "I'm telling you this, Kaia: I won't allow you to drag our family's reputation through the mud. There won't be any scenes at Verena's wedding. Try anything, and you'll answer to me."

With his warning delivered, Alec turned away and headed upstairs without another word.

The real reason Alec wasn't in a rush to look into Verena's education background was simple-she was his own child. If this got out, the Willis family's standing would take a hit, and so would his personal reputation.

Years spent building his public image couldn't be risked now.

Laura, who had started to question further, caught sight of Alec's stern face and thought better of it.

She gave Kaia's arm a gentle squeeze and murmured,"Your father's under a lot of stress lately. Don't add to it."

She then followed Alec up the stairs.

Left alone in the living room, Kaia stared after her parents as they disappeared from view. Her hands curled into fists, trembling from frustration. She held still for a moment, and then let out a laugh laced with sarcasm.

Once again, they were talking down to her like she hadn't heard it all before.

Ever since her name had been dragged through the mud online, Alec hadn't openly confronted her, but the cold shoulder was unmistakable. He kept his distance,barely even speaking.

Kaia knew he was biding his time, waiting for the club mess to quiet down before finally dealing with her.

All her effort to uncover Verena's secret had been a desperate attempt to win back their approval.

If nothing else, she wanted Alec and Laura to see she was not the one deceiving them-it was Verena.

Yet the only thing she received for her effort was a stern warning not to ruin her sister's wedding.

He cared so much about appearances that he'd do anything to prevent Verena from being shamed in public.

But what about the humiliation she had suffered?

All those people from their social circle had shown up just to see her fail-had Alec ever once stepped in to defend her?

Why should she be expected to protect his dignity, or Verena's, when no one ever shielded hers?

Absolutely not.

Kaia made up her mind right then: she had no intention of following his orders.

They could have their turn on Verena's wedding day -let them feel the sting of embarrassment for once.

That morning,Jacob arranged a meeting with the team from the wedding company.

After finishing a meeting at Bennett Group that afternoon, Isaac left for his appointment with them.

News that Isaac would be handling wedding details himself had the entire staff buzzing with anticipation;everyone waited out front, eager to make a good impression.

A sleek black limousine glided to a stop moments later.

Lined up in neat rows, the staff gave respectful bows as the manager hurried forward, anxious not to miss a beat. Once the vehicle was parked, Jacob assisted Isaac into his wheelchair.

With practiced hospitality, the wedding company manager greeted Isaac warmly and escorted him into a private VIP suite.

Inside, the walls were filled with displays-photographs of famous weddings, wealthy couples,and global icons, all serving as inspiration.

Isaac took a measured look around before letting his attention drift back to the task at hand.

Isaac didn't have to say a word-the manager picked up on his lack of enthusiasm for the wedding styles displayed around them.

She brought over a stack of thick albums and set them down with a soft thud. "These were put together by well-known designers from around the world, Mr.Bennett. You're welcome to flip through them, and if you've got something else in mind, I'd be happy to hear it."

Isaac turned a few pages, and then looked up and set the record straight. "My opinion isn't the one that matters."

Catching on immediately, the manager replied, "So,it's the bride's wishes we'll follow, correct?" A faint light flickered in lsaac's eyes, and a subtle smile touched his lips. "Exactly."

A few young employees nearby exchanged whispers,clearly smitten.

"Wow, Mr. Bennett always seemed so distant, but he's actually so sweet to his wife."

"When I got married, my in-laws made every choice.I couldn't stand anything they planned. Hearing this just makes me jealous."

"If only I could meet someone like him..."

The manager was quietly impressed-the Bennett Group CEO was actually a devoted husband.

Maintaining her professionalism, she pressed on, her voice friendly. "What sort of wedding does your bride envision? Does she have favorite flowers, or a particular style-maybe classic, rustic, or romantic?"

Isaac opened his mouth to answer, but the words never came.

Only then did it hit him-he had no idea what Verena actually liked.

Setting the album aside, Isaac told the manager, "I'm sorry. I'll need to check with my wife before making these choices."

The manager blinked, caught off guard for a moment,but quickly composed herself. "Of course, Mr.Bennett. Please take all the time you need."

Pulling out his phone, lsaac found Verena's number and called her directly.

Meanwhile, several staff members nearby traded whispers, the mood shifting from admiration to skepticism.

They were holding a wedding ceremony, but the groom didn't know his bride's favorite things.How strange.

Speculation buzzed through the room-maybe lsaac wasn't as devoted as he seemed.

Was it just for show?

Across town, at Seraphina Villas, Verena enjoyed a peaceful afternoon, tending to the plants with a rare lightness in her step.

When her phone vibrated, she wiped her hands,checked the screen, and grinned. She answered it and spoke cheerfully. "Hey, honey! Worn out from work?Need your sweet wife to give you a boost?"

She didn't realize Isaac was nowhere near his office. The playful endearment made Isaac's heart skip, and he tightened his grip on the phone, clearing his throat before replying, "I could use that."

Regaining focus, Isaac moved to his rea reason for calling. "Can I ask-what's your favorite flower?"

Verena arched a brow,half-expecting he was planning a surprise bouquet.

Catching sight of the ring on her finger, she smiled to herself and answered,"Roses."

Isaac, so wrapped up in worrying about the ring's origin, hadn't even noticed the rose-shaped diamond on it.

He continued, "What sort of style do you prefer for an event-romantic, classic, or maybe rustic?"

Verena paused, surprised that picking flowers came with so many options.

Stll, she answered honestly, "Romantic, I think."