CHAPTER SEVEN

Louis moved closer to his uncle and after a brief hesitation hugged him. "Welcome back,"though his tone lacked warmth.

Their family bond had never been strong–Karen had never particularly liked nephew and Louis had always sensed it.

As they stepped in together,and there was a commotion amongst the crowd,murmurs spread like wildfire on sighting the celebrant of the night.

"The genes of the Whitmores' are exceptional. Look at how handsome the heir apparent is" 

"And who is the man beside him? He looks remarkable as well." 

Among the older guests,recognition flickered 

"Is that Karen? Where did he creep out from? He seems to be doing well for himself...but why return now?"

The growing noise from the crowd drew the attention of Lisa and Selene,who had been in deep conversation. 

"What is going on?" Selene's expression tensed.

"That must be Louis,he must have arrived at the hall" Lisa answered knowing well,the young elites must be gushing over Louis.

Selene agreed with Lisa on this, "Let's check the party and see for ourselves."

As they approached, Selene's breath hitched the moment she laid eyes on Karen. Panic surged through her but she quickly composed herself and masked her face with a well-practiced smile.

What in the world is he doing here?

With carefully concealed agitation,she called out, "Karen," her voice warm,betraying nothing.

Lisa's eye darted towards Louis and the man beside him. She quickly made her way to her parents, her voice hushed. "Who is that person with Louis?"

However,her parents ignored her questions.Instead her mother whispered to her, "Go bid your farewell. We are leaving."

She was stunned. Tonight was supposed to be her official engagement day announcement, so why go home now?

She couldn't help but ask, "Why are we going now?,The announcement hasn't been made yet"

As she was questioning her parents, Lisa's brow furrowed as she glanced around,she noticed several prominent families were discreetly making their exit as well.

Evelyn, Lisa's mother,approached with a polite smile. "We will be on our way now.Thank you for hosting us."

She then turned to Louis,giving him an approving nod. "He has grown into a more handsome man now–you have raised a wonderful man here."

Forgetting the unsettling events for a moment, Selene felt like a proud mother. "Thank you,Evelyn" And Lisa…. She is an amazing and strong woman,we are lucky to have her as Louis ' betrothed.

At the Stones manor, Lisa sat sullenly on the sofa,her arms crossed,her face clouded with frustration.

"Why do we have to leave the party?" She muttered.Today was supposed to be my night.

Evelyn, seeing her daughter with a sullen face,sighed and sat beside her gently taking her hand. She patted it gently.

"Louis is going nowhere sweetheart. The engagement party will happen–and it will be in a grand style."

Her father chimed in,settling on the other side of the sofa. "Lisa,Louis is a good champ. So you just have to be rest assured. Once you are, everything will be as it should be."

Lisa pursed her lips and could only nod "yes, Father. Thank you". 

The Stones though powerful–second only to the Whitmores– but despite their power and influence,they preferred a simple life.

Both husband and wife love their things in a simple way,they are known for their level-headedness.

But Lisa? She wanted to have her way and do her things in a grand style.

Frustrated,Lisa walked into her room on the second floor,shutting the door behind her.

She leaned against it before slowly sinking into the floor,digging her fingers into her palm. She held a strong resentment in her mind.What kind of family is this? They are always going soft and take things pertaining to her so lightly. If she is their daughter will they have done the same?

"Madam,may I come in?" her nanny's gentle voice called from outside.

Lisa straightened herself quickly,adjusting herself in front of the mirror. "Come in," she said softly.

The nanny entered, carrying a tray. "This is your regular tea,Miss Lisa. Would you like me to bring your food to the room or would you like to come downstairs? 

In contrast to her cheerful self,Lisa responded weakly, "No", I do not want food tonight,I want to be left alone.

Her nanny's face filled with concern,stepped closer to her "Miss Lisa, you are brave,strong and smart.I am sure master Louis will definitely compliment you for today."

She knew something was wrong–Lisa she knew would have been bragging about her engagement by now immediately she arrived. It makes her happy whenever she is happy. Seeing her withdrawn was unusual.

Lisa could only mutter a soft, "Thank you." A bitter thought crept into her mind. Only if her parents could at least show this kind of care to her. Perhaps they never truly loved her.

Downstairs, Evelyn exchanged a worried glance with her husband as the nanny returned.

"How is she feeling now?" Evelyn asked. 

The nanny answered hesitantly, "she will be fine."

Evelyn sighed. They had never seen her like this before which really made them worried.All they could think of is the nanny checking on her as she has a close rapport with Lisa since she was young. Lisa had always preferred the nanny and they trusted her with Lisa.

At the dining table,Lisa finally strolled down in her comfortable homewear,taking her seat. The nanny served her meal before quietly excusing herself.

After dinner,Lisa stepped out to take a stroll in the garden for a breath of fresh air. The night breeze was cool against her skin as she wandered into the garden.

A familiar figure stood in the dark,back partially turned. She was on a call, her voice low but urgent.

"Why are you taking everything slow,you have to do everything to take her out of the picture."

Lisa's breath hitched. Her breath hitched.

Lisa quickly hides herself in the dark,her mind racing. "Who was she talking about? And who was she speaking to?"

Carefully,she turned back towards the house, slipping inside without making a sound.

She lay on the bed pondering on what just happened, questions filled her mind.