chapter1200

Mona put on her best shy, wounded look. Grandpa Samuel, I've been in love with Mikey since forever. I hope you'll let us be together."

Right next to her, Mikey's brow creased. He wanted nothing to do with Mona.

Grandpa Samuel lifted his teacup and took a slow sip, something unreadable flickering in his old eyes. "Mrs. Brown, I think it's best to let the kids figure things out themselves. Mikey and Mona barely know each other. Rushing into marriage would be unwise. Why don't we let them spend some time together first? If it turns out they're a good match, I won't stand in their way."

Mrs. Brown frowned. That was not the answer she wanted. She'd swallowed her pride to bring Mona here today, hoping to lock in a marriage as quickly as possible. Now the old man was dodging the question. But she couldn't push too hard. If the Jeffersons decided to ignore her daughter's reputation, she'd have no way out.

So she forced a polite smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Of course, Mr. Jefferson, you're absolutely right. Mona's feelings for Mikey are real, though. I hope you won't let her down."

The moment she heard Grandpa Samuel soften, Mona lit up. She shot Lydia a nasty glare. Mikey was hers, and Lydia had better not even think about getting in the way.

She clung to Mikey's arm and gave him a sweet, wheedling look. "Mikey, Grandpa already agreed to let us try. You can't let me down. From now on, you need to stay away from Lydia. I don't want her messing up what we have."

She said it loudly enough so everyone could hear, making sure both Grandpa Samuel and Lydia got the message. She was claiming her territory.

That's when Grandpa Samuel's face clouded over. He set his mug down with a sharp link. "Miss Brown, watch what you say. Lydia is Mikey's future sister-in-law. She's the rightful fiancee of Connor. It's not your place to make demands or judge her."

He'd never liked Mona to begin with. The only reason he'd even considered her was

for Lydia's sake. Did she really think she could do everything she wants here?

The Norwood family had their reasons for keeping Lydia's identity quiet, but the Jeffersons didn't care about that. Lydia was Connor's fianc e, and he'd tell anyone he wanted.

Mona and Mrs. Brown looked

completely stunned. What did

Grandpa Samuel just say? Lydia was Connor's future wife? That couldn't be. Was he confused? Wasn't Connor supposed to marry Lucinda the richest family's daughter Everyone knew Connor and Lucinda had been promised to each other since they were kids. How could it suddenly be Lydia?

"Mr. Jefferson, is there... some mistake? Wasn't Connor engaged to Lucinda Norwood since childhood? How can it be her?" Mrs. Brown's voice was shaky and full of disbelief.

Mona's face was frozen in shock. She'd hated Lydia from the moment they met, for reasons she couldn't even explain. She'd thought that if Grandpa Samuel approved of Ker and Mikey she could finally push Lydia out of the picture.

She never expected Lydia to suddenly become Connor's fianc e. They'd have to see each other all the time. Just the thought of it made her want to scream.

Mrs. Brown's mind was spinning. It took her a long, silent moment to come to terms with what she'd just heard.