"Today, I would like everyone to bear witness with me. Please welcome Ms. Lowell to the stage..."
Herman Lowell and Yvonne Carter were grinning from ear to ear. Faye Lowell was lifting her dress, ready to go on stage, when she saw Alaric Davenport leading Rosalind Lowell up instead.
Her smile froze on her face. 'What is going on?'
"Thank you, everyone. This is the Miss Lowell I intend to marry, Rosalind Lowell," Alaric Davenport said as he led her onto the stage.
Dexter Davenport hadn't specified which young lady from the family it was, only saying "Miss Lowell." At this, the crowd below the stage immediately erupted into a buzz of conversation—some expressing regret, others amazement.
They had never seen someone so beautiful, and they'd never heard of any Lowell family having such a stunning daughter. If she had been discovered sooner, countless men would have been lining up to propose marriage.
Others, seeing their idol getting married, were heartbroken. But seeing how beautiful and elegant she was, all they could do was grieve in silence.
And then there was the brooch pinned to her chest—wasn't that the one Mrs. Morrison had commissioned a top designer to custom-make for Skylar Morrison? It had caused quite a stir in wealthy circles at the time due to its exorbitant price and unique design.
'Could she be connected to the Morrison Family? This woman's background is anything but simple...'
All manner of voices rose and fell from below...
"Mom, Dad, isn't that my spot? What is that bitch Rosalind Lowell doing up there?" Faye Lowell stomped her foot in fury. "I'm going up."
"My dear daughter, you can't. The announcement has been made; it's set in stone. If you go up now, you'll be a laughingstock."
Yvonne Carter also grabbed Faye Lowell's arm. "That's right, Faye. This isn't a game."
"Dad will find you someone even better. If you go up there and make a scene, you'll lose face, and everyone will laugh at you. Be good."
Faye Lowell cared about her reputation more than anything, so she gritted her teeth and forced herself to endure it.
At that moment, someone started clapping, and soon, thunderous applause filled the air.
Rosalind Lowell gripped Alaric Davenport's hand tightly in return. It was her first time experiencing anything like this, and she was nervous...
"It's a rare pleasure to have all of you distinguished guests aboard this cruise ship for the next few days. I hope you all have a wonderful time."
After speaking, Dexter Davenport turned and looked at the pair with satisfaction. He had originally thought his son wouldn't even come on stage, so who knew he would take the initiative himself? Naturally, Dexter was pleased.
The bride had suddenly been switched, but that was just a minor detail. Alaric himself was willing to be with this girl, so Dexter's wish had been fulfilled. Any other problems were insignificant.
"Mr. Davenport, congratulations..."
Seeing that he needed to entertain his guests, Dexter Davenport patted Alaric Davenport's arm. "You two get to know each other."
Rosalind Lowell caught Faye Lowell's jealous and furious glare and hastily pulled her hand away from Alaric Davenport's. She had been in a complete daze up to that point. It only just occurred to her, 'How am I going to explain this to my adoptive parents and Faye?'
"Rosalind Lowell, what is the meaning of this?"
'As expected...'
Rosalind Lowell bit her lip, her hands clenched in front of her stomach. But then Alaric Davenport wrapped an arm around her shoulder and said in a powerful, icy voice, "I am the one who wishes to marry her. I hope my future parents-in-law will forgive us."
His words were polite yet devoid of warmth, which intimidated Herman Lowell and Yvonne Carter. They quickly and carefully backpedaled, "Of course not. The arrangement was for Rosalind from the start. As long as you don't mind, Mr. Davenport, there's no problem."
Alaric Davenport shot a glance at Faye Lowell, who shrank to the side, not daring to say another word.
Because of the previous livestream incident, she knew she was in the wrong. Later, caught up in the idea of marrying Alaric Davenport, she had thrown the memory of it to the back of her mind.
And that warning glance just now struck fear into her heart.
"Go enjoy yourself. I need to head over there."
Rosalind Lowell nodded. Alaric Davenport's voice had softened when he spoke to her, and she couldn't tell if he was naturally gentle or just pretending to be in front of those three.
But for some reason, she felt a great sense of relief.