An hour later, a sleek black sedan rolled up to the County Clerk’s Office. Weston’s parents, Anthony and Glenda, were already waiting at the door.
The moment Glenda saw Lyra, her face lit up. Lyra was tall, flawless, and way more gorgeous in person than in photos–definitely raised right. The more Glenda looked, the more impressed she got.
With a warm smile, she slipped off her gemstone bangle. “Lyra, this was given to me by Weston’s grandmother when I married his father. Now, I’m passing it on to you.”
Lyra couldn’t help but notice the quality of the gem, feeling a little overwhelmed. She was about to refuse, but Weston cut in, calm and reassuring. “It’s a gesture from my mom–just take it.”
Relieved, Lyra accepted it. Anthony chimed in next, totally casual. “I’ve arranged for some shares of Windsor Corp to be transferred to your name.”
He said it like it was no big deal, but Lyra knew better. Windsor Corp was blowing up in the business world–those shares were worth way more than the bangle.
1/2
Chapter 9
+25 BONUS
“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Windsor.”
Her eyes stung with emotion.
Two huge gifts at their first meeting–it was obvious how much they valued her. Made her think of Joel’s mom and that chain bracelet she’d given Lyra back then, like some sort of payoff for babysitting Joel for five long years. And once the Lebeau family started losing status, Joel’s parents made it clear they thought she wasn’t good enough–kept pushing for him to marry some Guthrie heiress instead.
“Let’s go get our marriage license,” Weston said, snapping her out of it.
“Okay.”
They headed into the County Clerk’s Office, got the paperwork done in minutes. Lyra stared at the marriage certificate in her hand, trying to process it all.
Weston spoke up beside her. “I bought a villa in the city as our marital home. Just sent you the address and gate code.
“The deed’s only got your name on it. You just got back, so stay at your parents‘ place for the next three days.
“As for the wedding, we’ll hold it in a month. We can figure out the details later.”
***
Meanwhile, in Lindale.
Inside Fenwick Corp’s office, Joel’s assistant set an invitation on his desk. “Mr. Fenwick, we’re still looking into Ms. Slutz’s issues. This just came from the Windsor family–a wedding invitation.”
Windsor family? Joel frowned. They didn’t usually send stuff like this.
He picked it up and read the names.
[Groom: Weston Windsor]
[Bride: Lyra Lebeau]
The moment he saw Lyra’s name, panic slammed into his chest.
