Chapter 1226

Lydia was about to leave when Mr. Fay, who had remained silent until now, spoke up, his tone carrying an undeniable authority. "You’re not going anywhere.

“There’s a banquet tonight, hosted by the Ford family, to welcome back their son who just returned from studying abroad. He’s your childhood friend, Eugene Ford. You’re going, and that’s final.”

There was no room for refusal in his voice.

The frustration Lydia had been holding in finally boiled over. “I’m not going.”

Mr. Fay’s expression darkened immediately. He was a man who rarely spoke, but when he did, he didn’t like to be challenged. Lydia’s defiance was testing his patience, and the only reason he wasn’t already furious was because she was his daughter.

“Lydia, don’t talk to your father like that,” Mrs. Fay interjected, trying to calm the situation. “The Ford family has been close to us for generations, and Eugene is your childhood friend. It’s only proper for you to show up and give them some respect.”

Lydia let out a co