Love At The Wrong Table

Marianne’s perception of Mackenzie’s demeanor conveyed an unmistakable sense of superiority. She compared Mackenzie to a regal figure perched atop a pyramid, casting her gaze down upon others with an air of entitlement.

“Ah, Mackenzie, Beatrix, you’ve finally made it!” Roselynn greeted them warmly.

Mackenzie acknowledged Roselynn with a slight nod before turning her gaze to Marianne. “And who might this be?”

Roselynn quickly said, “She is Tia’s mother. We brought her here to attend the wedding.”

Tia, who was getting her makeup done, quickly stood up and said nervously, “Ms. Quillen, my mother spoke out of turn. Please… please don’t mind!”

Her heart raced with guilt, regardless of whether or not Mackenzie caught her words. After all, Emmanuel was Mackenzie’s husband-what if she misinterpreted Tla’s intentions toward him?

Without delving further into Marianne’s comment, Mackenzie turned to Roselynn, inquiring, “Did Ryder hastily marry Tia? Has the dowry not been settled yet?”

Roselynn responded, “Mrs. Franks just arrived. I was just about to present it.”

“Leave it to me.” Mackenzie gestured dismissively and then turned to Lexi, instructing, “Prepare a bank card with 280 thousand.”

“Certainly, Ms. Quillen,” Lexi acknowledged with a nod.

mused, How could Tia, a kindergarten teacher, receive such

we can negotiate the amount. I’m prepared to cover it for Ryder,” Mackenzie offered.

act of taking a bullet to protect her, it resulted in his paralysis. In response, she was determined to assist him in marrying his beloved, regardless of

palpable, though tinged with a hint of apprehension, a remnant of her small-town upbringing. Leaning in, she whispered,

stopped her mother. She hurriedly apologized to Mackenzie, “Ms. Quillen, I’m sorry.

roll her eyes at Tia’s

glanced at the two women and offered a reassuring smile. “The house has already been purchased. It’s a riverside duplex worth about 450 thousand. As for the

simply gathering dust in her garage, unused and unappreciated. This was an opportunity to put

Beatrix agreed readily, realizing it was also

had unfolded. She mused, Wow! I’ve hit the jackpot just by marrying off my

Mackenzie!” Beatrix agreed readily, realizing it was also an opportunity

overwhelmed by the sudden rush of happiness. She couldn’t believe how swiftly everything had unfolded. She mused, Wow! I’ve hit the jackpot just by marrying off

converted into cash as well?” Mackenzie inquired, noticing Marianne’s inability to articulate

not?” Marianne’s happiness radiated so strongly that it seemed her smile might freeze

marry Ryder, citing three specific reasons: sympathy, Emmanuel, and her disdain for the