The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 545

Bonnie, completely lacking her cousin's ironclad composure, practically glows with pride as she listens to the crowd shower Julianna with praise. Her cousin's triumph feels like her own.

"Thank you all for the kind words. I'm just doing my part to contribute to the field," Julianna replies with a practiced, modest smile. Her humble attitude only deepens the crowd's admiration.

"And look, Mrs. Calhoun is here as well!" one of the eager flatterers notes, spotting Katie. "With the marriage alliance between the Sinclairs and the Calhouns, we are truly looking at a dynasty of unparalleled talent."

"Exactly!" another chimes in, thrilled to connect the dots. "Mrs. Calhoun and her future daughter-in-law will have so much to discuss. Collaborating and sharing insights... the heights they could reach together are limitless."

A few in the crowd are well aware of the long-standing engagement orchestrated by Catherine, just as they know Katie holds her own prestigious seat as a leading academic. Trying to score points, they scramble to kiss up to both women simultaneously, praising the union of two incredibly powerful, brilliant families.

Unfortunately for them, they severely misread the room.

"Oh, the engagement is off," Katie announces flatly, her expression entirely unbothered by the sudden shift in the atmosphere. "The kids don't want to be tied down by arranged marriages. They're better off finding their own happiness."

Since taking over as Julianna's guardian after his brother's passing, Gregory has always been a father figure to her. Even now that she is an adult, Julianna highly respects his word. She had already anticipated that he would side with Katie—he always has a soft spot for her opinions—so his response doesn't shock her, though the bitter disappointment still burns quietly in her chest.

But Bonnie lacks her cousin's restraint. "But Grandma and Catherine arranged this!" she whines, completely dissatisfied. "You can't just cancel it because you feel like it. I'm telling Grandma!"

"Bonnie, this has nothing to do with you," Gregory murmurs. His voice is soft and even, yet laced with an undeniable, quiet warning that instantly commands the room.