NovelEnglishJadie held onto Zach's arm as they walked. He apologized, "I'm sorry. There was a jam, so | was delayed a little.” Jadie followed behind Zach timidly. She did not speak and dared not look around. She merely followed Zach carefully to the table.
Evelyn was the last to arrive and sat at the main table with Hayson. Hayson stood up to welcome her, "Mrs. Arnold Sr., what an honor it is. Are you doing well these days?" Evelyn responded to him out of respect for him being an in-law, "I'm doing fine. At least I'm not dead yet. Everyone must be anxious. Let the feast begin." When everyone started to eat, Evelyn took a carne frita and gave it to Madelyn. She then said, "You've gotten skinnier these days. All these dishes are your favorite. Eat more of it." Madelyn thanked her, "Thank you, Evelyn." Evelyn smiled and said, "When | arrived here, | consulted the abbot of the Linos Monastery for an auspicious date for your engagement with Ethan. Based on what Ethan said, the third day after you finish your test would be good. What do you think about setting the engagement date on that day?" Madelyn felt her heart skip a beat as she gripped her skirt tightly. Even though she could not see the others, she could feel all their gazes. She answered, "Sure. As you wish, Evelyn." Ethan caressed Madelyn's hair gently, saying, "Madelyn and | planned to do the same. We'll do it as requested since you've already decided.
"What do you think, Hayson?" Ethan asked Hayson.
Hayson was currently the happiest person there. He chuckled and answered, "Of course | would agree. Madelyn is lucky for being able to marry into and acquire all the attention of the Arnold family." Evelyn nodded, "She will be the future Mrs. Arnold. Based on customs, | will gift you Phoenix Grove for your engagement. | will have it only under Madelyn's name. What do you think, Ethan?" Ethan agreed, "Sure." Madelyn quickly refused her, "That won't do. It's too expensive. I'm just getting engaged to Ethan, so | can't receive such a lavish gift. | can't just take it, Evelyn.” Phoenix Grove was the villa that Ethan's grandfather had crafted for Evelyn. He even named the estate personally. Besides that, the estate was not for sale to outsiders, as this spot meant a lot to Evelyn. Its value was unsurmountable.
"How could | be worthy of such a place?" Madelyn thought.
"Why can't you accept it?" Evelyn's face fell. She continued, "I originally planned to make it your new residence with Ethan. I will have to give it to you eventually, so it would be the same as giving it now." Ethan chimed in, "It's one of Grandma's gifts. As the future Mrs. Arnold, half of the Arnold family's property will belong to you anyway. This is nothing compared to that." However, Madelyn had never considered this. Hayson responded coyly, "Mrs. Arnold Sr., the Phoenix Grove is still considered quite extravagant to Madelyn. Besides, she isn't married yet, so there's no rush. We can wait till she marries into the Arnold family." George interrupted them and said, "Mrs. Arnold Sr. had planned from the start to gift Phoenix Grove to the future in-law of the Arnold family. It represents the status of the Arnold family, madam. This is also what Ms. Jent deserves." Evelyn continued, "That's right. Since you're still young, you can discuss marrying into the Arnold family with Ethan after you are engaged. After all, it's a lifelong decision. So you must be careful.” After their engagement, Madelyn would have a firm grip on the position of Mrs. Arnold. Evelyn merely reassured her to prevent her from worrying too much.
Hayson answered her, "Since Mrs. Arnold Sr. has said so... Madelyn, please behave and don't let Mrs. Arnold Sr. down." Ultimately, Madelyn agreed, "Alright. Thank you, Evelyn." Madelyn had no other choice but to accept the gift.
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