Love's Tangled Web by Donna Taylor

Chapter 553 Nancy's face darkened with anger. "Apologize to that girl." "I spoke the truth; why should I apologize?" Alex replied defiantly. “She is worse than a widow. Mom, couldn't you have thought through your choice before presenting her to me?" Seeing his father and Layton's parents coming over, Alex dodged away to avoid being hit.

"You wretched boy! Don't you have any self-reflection?" Todd said through gritted teeth, clearly disappointed. "Dad, you didn't see her. I'm genuinely afraid a mere touch could make her explode." "You brat. How dare you talk like that!" Todd snapped back.

As Ellie cout of the restroom, she bumped right into Alex, who had just escaped the room. Their eyes met, and Ellie looked completely confused.

At the stime, they could hear Nancy's furious scolding. Then Ellie was pushed into the arms of Nancy by Alex.

"Ellie, are you okay?" Nancy asked, steadying her. Ellie shook her head and stood up straight. When she looked back, Alex had disappeared.

Turning to greet the group in the side room, Ellie politely acknowledged everyone before she left.

"Nancy, may I suggest you encourage Alex a bit more? I think Ellie is the best choice for your son," Layton's Mom commented, aware of the situation, as she watched Ellie walk away.

"Mrs. Warren, I was just trying to introduce a partner for your son. Just look at how he talked to my niece earlier!" "Your family isn't what it used to be, but your son is so picky, still thinking he's the best heir in Jaslands!” Before Nancy could respond to Layton's Mom, two middle-aged women began to air their grievances against her. +13) "Let's talk about this another day. The dinner is starting; we need to take our seats," Layton's parents stepped in, blocking the two women from entering the room. Inside, Alex's parents exchanged worried glances.

"Darling, we should head back,” Nancy said. The once-respected Warren family had faded away; Evan, who used to be admired in public, was now dismissed by these social climbers.

All their years of humbling themselves had been for the sake of Alex's future, hoping he could get back on his feet after his past mistakes. But the other prominent families had pushed the Warren family into obscurity. "Let's go." Todd sighed, looking at his wife's sad expression.

The couple moved through a side door and spotted their son sitting at the main table. Even the family cat beside him had a seat.

Around that table sat his closest childhood friends, now key figures in major families. Todd and Nancy exchanged glances. "Lucas isn't at that table. Why can Aaron?" Steven stared at Aaron, who was sitting next to Declan.

"Ask Dad; how would I know?" Diana replied, glancing at Aaron. Aaron had been bustling around her father since he arrived without giving her a chance to talk to him all night.

Ellie quietly sat next to Diana, just listening to the conversations around her and not joining in or looking up. Given her position, she was directly across from Alex. One glance up would let them see each other.

1/9 13 06:39 Thu, 27 Feb S Chapter 553 But Alex was not looking at Ellie. Leaning back in his chair, he seemed indifferent and relaxed, glancing around the tables without spotting his parents.

He raised his hand, and Barry quickly walked over from a distance. Alex quietly asked, "Where are my parents?" Barry leaned in and whispered, "Mr. and Mrs. Warren have already left." Alex waved him off, and Barry walked away.

The former glory of the Warren family was long gone, leaving behind only false courtesies. Alex was at the table mainly because of a few loyal friends he had.

"I'm stepping out for a smoke,” Alex said as he got up from his seat.

"Mark, can you not drink too much?” Lacey stood not far away, clutching a glass.

"I'll take you to your room first,” Mark said, taking the glass from Lacey and handing it to Tim and Liam. “Helpwith the toasts; I'll be back after I take your sister-in-law to her room."

That word nearly made Lacey tear up. At a young age, she gave herself wife.

Xave herself to Mark as his wife. Just the thought of spending a year with the large Grant family made Lacey's heart sink. She wished she could detach her own head and toss it into the washing machine for a spin. “Layton, can I go htonight?" As Lacey walked over to Layton, leaning in to ask, Layton's reply left her speechless for a moment. "Go home? Do what you're supposed to do." Finally, she reached her parents and pitifully said, "Dad, Mom, can I-" "No." Lacey's Mom pushed her toward Mark. "You are married; whatever happens is for you two to figure out." Lacey's father added, “Mark is a sensible boy, and you should listen to him, Lacey." "Mark, shall we?" Lacey turned away, feeling defeated.

"I'll return shortly for a toast," Mark said politely to Lacey's parents.

Hearing her parents' laughter behind her, Lacey hurried away with a heavy heart. The newlyweds' absence did not lessen the occasion's liveliness.

As the hall grew more cheerful, Ellie put down her fork. Aaron was at Declan's table, seemingly if no rush to leave. She excused herself to Diana and stepped out into the hall for sfresh air.

She had never felt comfortable in such lively settings. Wandering along e she the path in Grant Manor's garden,'s took put her phone, getting ready for a video call with the kids when she spotted Alex, alone and smoking by the flower bed. His black trousers and shirt emphasized his tall frame; lost in thought, he stared down, projecting a sadness that was hard to ignore.

Ellie paused, staying still. She didn't move closer or back away, watching him from afar. Just as she decided to walk away, Alex