Chapter 3

Willow POV

I stiffly greeted him. "Good morning, Mr. Lancaster…"

Sterling nodded coolly. His penetrating gaze swept over my face and neck, pausing briefly before his expression darkened.

Under his stare, my neck felt oddly warm.

Last night his burning lips had kissed my neck, leaving marks I'd covered with foundation.

A moment later, Sterling looked away and brushed past me.

I exhaled in relief. My tense nerves relaxed.

Apparently Sterling hadn't recognized me.

Other Lancaster family members arrived, fawning over Sterling as they greeted him.

I followed Charles inside first.

Charles seemed puzzled. "Sterling's no good. Stay away from him."

I knew Charles resented Sterling.

Sterling was only three years older but had achieved legendary success in business.

As long as Sterling existed, no matter how outstanding Charles was, he'd always be second.

Charles refused to remain beneath anyone, so he'd started his own company. He was undeniably elite—he'd multiplied the company's scale hundreds of times in a short period. But it still couldn't compare to Sterling's achievements.

In the living room, several elders had gathered.

Seeing Charles, they swarmed over, showering him with affection.

I followed Charles, greeting people, but received barely a glance.

Everyone ignored me in unison.

Charles's mother, Penelope Lancaster, arrived late with the demure Rachel Smith at her side.

"Charles, why didn't you bring Rachie?" Penelope scolded Charles, completely ignoring me beside him.

Charles frowned. "Mom, today's family banquet is for Willow and me. For our marriage."

Penelope waved dismissively. "Rachie grew up with you. She's like your little sister. What's wrong with her attending a family banquet?"

She pulled Rachel forward, seating her at Charles's right.

"Come, Rachie. Sit next to Charles."

The Lancaster family members all looked our way.

Everyone knew Rachel had been close to Charles since childhood. As adults, she'd clung to him constantly. If not for me, they would've been married yesterday.

Now, with Rachel seated beside Charles, no one could tell who'd actually married him.

Even with my good temper, I couldn't tolerate this humiliation.

Especially after witnessing last night's events. Seeing Rachel and Charles together made me sick.

Under everyone's gaze, I stood up.

"Willow!"

Charles quickly grabbed my hand, whispering, "I know this isn't appropriate, but with everyone watching, just sit down. I'll apologize later."

I saw Rachel's pitiful eyes.

As if she were the wronged one.

"Willow, if you're uncomfortable, I can…" Rachel made a show of standing.

I looked at her coldly. "Good. Then please change seats."

I'd intended to leave, out of sight, out of mind.

But with Rachel pushing like this, if I left, wouldn't I be playing right into their hands?

I sat down. Rachel was caught in an awkward position.

She'd only meant to appear understanding. Who knew I'd actually agree?

She turned to Penelope for help.

Penelope immediately scolded me.

"Willow, Rachie grew up with Charles. If you can't even tolerate her, does that mean Charles can't even look at other women?"

I smiled. "Since today is a Lancaster family banquet, if the other elders also acknowledge Rachel as Lancaster family, she can sit wherever she wants."

"She can even have my seat. I wouldn't complain."

The others just wanted to watch the drama unfold—no one would bring trouble on themselves. They stayed silent.

Penelope and Rachel both looked uncomfortable.

Charles frowned. "Willow…"

He was about to say something when noise came from the entrance.

Sterling entered, surrounded by others.

The moment he walked in, sensing the tense atmosphere and seeing Rachel awkwardly standing, his eyes darkened.

"Peter, please escort anyone unrelated to the Lancaster family out."

At his words, the butler Peter immediately approached Rachel.

"Ms. Smith, if you please."

Rachel didn't dare defy Sterling. Face flushed with embarrassment, she followed Peter out.

I breathed deeply, glancing up at him gratefully.

Whether Sterling intended it or not, he'd helped me.

Sterling's gaze brushed over me lightly before he took the head seat. The living room immediately filled with invisible pressure.

"Sterling…" Penelope looked guilty.

Sterling cut her off coldly.

"Penelope, you know I don't like dealing with tiresome matters when I return."

"I'll let it go this time. Don't let it happen again."

Penelope quickly agreed.

The family banquet officially began.

The servants had just finished serving food. With the older generation absent, everyone waited for Sterling, as head of the family, to pick up his silverware first.

In the silence, Charles's phone rang.

Sitting beside him, I saw Rachel's name on the screen.

Charles stood to take the call.

Before long, he hurried back and told me, "I have something to take care of. I need to go back down the mountain. I'll come back for you."

He was probably rushing to comfort Rachel.

I kept my expression neutral. "Just have the driver take me."

Perfect. I needed to buy emergency contraception anyway. Charles couldn't know.

My understanding made Charles's eyes soften. "Willow, be good. Wait for me to pick you up."

After apologizing to Sterling, he grabbed his coat and left in a hurry.

The others looked at me with pity and mockery.

After all, who didn't know Charles had abandoned me?

With one of the guests of honor gone, the banquet ended quickly.

Everyone dispersed. I didn't call for a driver, planning to hail a cab instead.

But the Lancaster Manor was remotely located. After waiting forever without catching a ride, my back and legs aching, I resigned myself to walking down the mountain. A familiar Bentley stopped in front of me.

The window rolled down. Sterling's assistant.

"Ms. Spencer, Mr. Lancaster requests that you get in."