He's changed. He really has! This man used to be arrogant and domineering, but now he's become smooth-tongued and cunning. No matter how she looked at him, he didn't seem like a good person!
Lisa let out an annoyed huff, lowering her gaze to her casual homewear. A small teddy bear hugging a pillow was embroidered on the fabric.
Even if she didn't receive any compliments from Veil, she had no intention of changing. It was just dinner—was there really a need to go through all that trouble?
At the dining table, Ruly sat at the head, while Veil and Lisa took their seats on either side.
Throughout the meal, Veil's bowl was constantly filled to the brim. He hadn't even needed to pick up food for himself once.
Lisa, on the other hand, not only failed to enjoy the same treatment, but at one point, when she reached for the last chicken wing, her chopsticks clashed with her mother's.
Ruly rolled her eyes. "You're a young lady. Why are you eating so much?"
With that, she unceremoniously placed the last piece of chicken into Veil's bowl.
Lisa was on the verge of tears. "Mom! Between the two of us, who's actually your biological child?"
"Of course, you are." Ruly reprimanded her without hesitation. "But as your future mother-in-law, isn't it natural for me to dote on my son-in-law a little?"
Lisa pouted. This wasn't just a matter of "a little."
This was blatant favoritism!
She was seriously considering getting a DNA test.
She had no idea what kind of spell Veil had cast on her mother to make her so taken with him.
"If you want it, you can have it." Veil suddenly stood up, picking up the chicken wing and placing it in Lisa's bowl. "It does taste good, but if you want something, I'll always make sure you have it."
His natural charm activated, and with a warm, gentle smile, he exuded an aura that made hearts ripple involuntarily.
Even Lisa, who had always disliked Veil, found herself momentarily mesmerized.
This guy… Did he actually like her?
Though he was arrogant outside, he was always softer around her. He had never bullied her, nor had he ever laid a hand on her.
Besides, the Lancaster family held an unshakable position in Luxhaven City. If one were to consider status, their Windsor family was actually the one reaching above its station in this engagement.
Most importantly, she suddenly found that her resentment toward Veil seemed to have diminished significantly. The more she looked at him, the more agreeable he seemed.
Wait… what am I thinking?
Lisa snapped back to reality, cursing herself internally. She pressed her palms against her slightly flushed cheeks and shot Veil an annoyed glare. "Who wants your leftovers? Your chopsticks have your saliva on them! Even if you don't mind, I do!"
As she berated Veil, she scolded herself even more harshly.
What the hell was wrong with her just now?
Why had she started thinking about Veil's good points?
Something was off today—not just with Veil, but with herself too!
Veil raised an eyebrow and wiggled his chopsticks. "I used the wider end to pick it up. No saliva."
Then, completely ignoring Lisa's rejection, he placed the chicken wing back into her bowl. "It's clean. Eat it if you want. If not, put it back on the plate."
Ruly watched the playful bickering between the two with a knowing smile, occasionally touching her slender neck in satisfaction.
People outside always said Veil was an unruly rich second-generation heir—arrogant, reckless, and a complete disgrace to the Lancaster family's reputation.
But seeing was believing.
After today's gathering, Ruly realized those rumors were nothing but baseless gossip.
How could such a wonderful son-in-law be the kind of person they described?
Lisa stole a glance at her mother and felt a sinking sensation in her heart.
She was certain that Veil was deliberately putting on an obedient act today just to win her mother's favor.
His real goal… was to turn their contractual relationship into something real!
What a scheming bastard!
Lisa stabbed at the chicken wing with her chopsticks, gritting her teeth as if she wished she could shred it to pieces.
"You really need to learn some table manners," Ruly scolded, frowning at her daughter. "Why can't you behave more like Veil? Honestly, I don't even know what he sees in you. Back in my day, a young man like Veil would have suitors lining up at our doorstep the moment he came of age!"
As she spoke, she touched her neck again, her brows knitting together slightly.
"Auntie, since we're free today, why don't we go to the hospital for a check-up after lunch?" Veil suddenly suggested, setting his chopsticks down.
Ruly looked at him in confusion. "Go to the hospital? Why?"
Lisa, still simmering with frustration, snapped, "Are you trying to be difficult on purpose? My mom's in perfect health! Why are you telling her to get checked? Are you cursing her or something?"
Veil's words made it sound as if her mother was sick.
Lisa had already been in a bad mood, but now she was outright furious. Even if she and Veil were a real couple, she wouldn't tolerate this kind of talk.
Veil didn't argue. "There's nothing to lose by getting a check-up, is there? Auntie, when was the last time you had one?"
Ruly shook her head. "It's been a while. Things have been so hectic at the company in Luxhaven. Meetings, board votes, and now this short trip to Veyport City… I barely have time to breathe, let alone get a check-up."
She sighed. "It's not really necessary, is it? Besides, hospitals have such a terrible smell."
"But I appreciate the concern, dear. I feel perfectly fine."
"Exactly!" Lisa chimed in. "Mom is strong and healthy! She'll live a long life and stay forever young!"
Veil hesitated, his brows furrowing as if he were making a difficult decision. Then, gritting his teeth, he declared, "Auntie, I really shouldn't insist, but today, I have to be the bad guy. Whether you like it or not, I'm taking you to the hospital. Even if I have to carry you there myself!"
Lisa's previously cheerful expression vanished. A dark cloud settled over her face as she glared at Veil, her silver teeth clenched. "Veil, are you insane? I already told you my mom is fine! Why are you stirring up trouble? Do you really want me to throw you out? Would that make you happy?!"
"I…" Veil's face turned red, as if he wanted to explain but ultimately held back, looking extremely aggrieved.
Ruly watched him for a moment, then waved a hand dismissively. "Lisa, don't be so harsh on Veil. He's just being thoughtful. Since he insists, let's just go. It won't hurt."
"Mom!" Lisa protested.
"I've made up my mind," Ruly said firmly. "My health, my choice."
Lisa rolled her eyes. "Fine, keep spoiling him."
She shot Veil another glare, her expression full of resentment.
Lunch ended on a sour note.
At the hospital, after a series of tests and scans, Ruly found herself unconsciously rubbing her neck more frequently.
Finally, at nearly four in the afternoon, the test results were ready.
A doctor in a white coat called out, "Ruly? Who's Ruly? Come collect your report."
Lisa pulled her mother forward, deliberately squeezing Veil out. "Doctor, my mom's in perfect health, right?"
The doctor glanced at her, frowning. "You're her daughter? How do you not know her condition? Healthy? Your mother's coronary heart disease has already advanced to stage three. If treatment is delayed any longer, she could suffer sudden cardiac arrest at any time!"
Boom!
Lisa's mind went blank.
She stood frozen, stunned, as the world around her faded into silence.