Chapter 230

The Bentons' funeral was held at the most famous church in the city.

The guests in attendance were all from powerful families, every face set in solemn respect.

To those who didn't know, it could have been mistaken for a state funeral.

In the crowd of mourners draped in black, Lainey was impossible to miss. She wore an elegant black designer gown, with sparkling jewelry on her neck and wrists.

Her makeup was flawless, not a trace of grief on her face. Instead, her expression carried a quiet smugness,as though the day belonged to her.

And in a way, it did. Jeff and his wife's assets had fallen neatly into her hands. She had been waiting for this moment, and now it was finally hers.

Her silent gloating was interrupted when someone exclaimed, "The Stewvart family has arrived."

Her smug smile vanished in an instant.

She hurried forward, her tone soft, almost timid, as she greeted the man at the lead."Norwood."

Then her eyes shifted, locking onto the figure just behind him. "Nolan."

Norwood took in her timid, lonely appearance and couldn't help but feel a wave of sympathy for her.

He reached out, gently patting her hand. "You've been through a great deal, my dear. These days must have been hard."

Lainey offered a few weak nods, murmuring her thanks, but her attention had already slipped past him. Erick held a small box.

Her heart gave a leap. Was it a ring box?

The thought alone sent a thrill through her, her pulse quickening with greed. Around them, guests whispered among themselves, their voices a low hum.

"Lainey's fortune is unbelievable. Losing her parents and now set to marry into the Stewarts."

"Right? She'll be the president of the Benton Group and Nolan's wife. What more could anyone ask for?""Some people are just born lucky."

The jealous stares from the crowd fed Lainey's ego, making her feel untouchable.

This was it-her moment of victory. She had finally beaten them all, even Eleanor, who was no longer around to compete with her.

Norwood cleared his throat, and the murmurs around the hall died instantly.

He hadn't just come to mourn. He was here to seal the alliance before the public eye. "Give Nolan the engagement ring."

Erick approached Nolan, presenting the ring box with both hands.

Lainey's pulse raced as her eyes fell on the box.

Once she accepted Nolan's proposal of marriage, she would be his fiancée.

Lainey tilted her head shyly, sneaking a glance at Nolan, waiting for him to accept the ring.

But Nolan didn't move.

His fingers tapped lightly on the edge of the box, his face giving away nothing.

Norwood's brows knit together. Could his grandson be hesitating now, at such a crucial moment?

Lainey's chest tightened. A ripple of unease.spread through her, smothering the joy she had worn just moments ago.

Why wasn't he taking it?

Was he having second thoughts? The silence thickened until Nolan suddenly let out a low chuckle. The sound was soft, almost playful,but his smile didn't reach his eyes.

"Before we move forward," he said, his gaze locking onto Lainey's anxious face, "there's somethingl′dlike to give you. Consider it a 'gift!."

A gift?

Lainey blinked in surprise before the meaning sank in.

Of course, an engagement gift. He must be planning to present her with something special,in front of everyone.

Maybe a piece of priceless jewelry, or a share transfer.

Her worries melted away, replaced by a flush of excitement. Whatever it was, it would only add to her glory.