Julia Smith and her husband Jones Smith, weren't fond of the Bay family. They couldn't understand why such a tradition was still being upheld, they had tried to talk the old man out of it but he wouldn't budge.
It was clear, the Smith family was doing the Bay family a huge favor by accepting this marriage.
With that, they simply accepted Mercy's greetings with a smile.
The Bay family noticed the Smith's family indifferent attitude and Matilda Bay quickly chimed in
"Mercy, hurry and greet Stephan.
"Brother Stephan, Mercy whispered shyly as she sat beside Stephan with a blush.
Stephan being a man who liked innocent girls and with his favorite colour being red, Mercy simply met his requirements and he smiled happily at her while greeting back
Unbeknownst to him, all these details were something Matilda Bay looked into and prepared.
Julia and Jones were surprised by their son's behavior but chose to remain silent.
After some time, Julia's sharp voice echoed
"Matilda Bay, from what I know, Mercy isn't the eldest daughter of the Bay family, but according to tradition, Stephan should be marrying the Eldest daughter,
Is the Bay family trying to fool us??
Mercy Bay couldn't help but shift uncontrollably in her seat.
Stephan's eyes widened slightly as he took in what his mother said.
Indeed, Mina was the eldest daughter. Back then she used to chase him around all the time, fighting for his attention but now she was nowhere to be seen.
"Yes Auntie, where's Mina Bay?? Stephan asked in curiosity.
Andy Bay, trying to ease the tension in the room, laughed hard as he signaled his wife to save the situation.
This partnership was a lifetime dream and a huge opportunity for the Bay family. Investors have been reaching out to him ever since they heard of his partnership with the smith family
And he has already signed deals.
He couldn't afford to lose it all just because of that stinky adopted daughter.
"It seems Madam Julia has done her investigations well and found out we have an elder daughter…
Julia Smith couldn't help but scoff and Matilda Bay smiled slightly as she placed her tea cup gently on the table.
But it's bad Madam Julia didn't investigate further.
Julia Smith's eyebrows furrowed in anger as she stared at Matilda Bay with a frown.
"Matilda Bay, what are you trying to say??
Julia Smith replied sharply but Matilda Bay simply smiled as she continued.
If Madam Julia had investigated further, he would have known our eldest daughter murdered a friend and is currently in Jail.
"Whaatttttt?????
Stephan Smith who couldn't digest the news asked in shock and Julia's eyebrows furrowed further as she stared at Matilda Bay who calmly sipped her tea.
She couldn't help but feel there was more to it, she had to be careful, it seems the Bay family wasn't as simple as she thought.
Matilda Bay took in Julia Smith's expression and could only scoff in her heart.
Even if she suspected, so what??
She had no evidence.
Matilda Bay glanced at the bewildered Stephan Smith and continued
"We couldn't believe it at first too until the police provided evidence, there was nothing we could do"
"It's a shame,such a person had been living under my roof all these years," Andy added in anger.
Compared to that vicious murderer, our Mercy is sweet, innocent and talented. Since the engagement can't be called off, she's the best replacement
Unless the Smith family wants the murderer who'd stain their reputation.
Her words hit Julia and she realized she had no choice.
Mina wasn't a suitable choice either. None of the ladies from the Bay family were worthy of her son.
The reason she brought Mina Bay up, was to accuse the Bay family of deceit and break off the engagement but who would have thought things would turn out like this.
Unable to hold it any longer, she ushered a maid standing beside her to bring the items for the dowry.
The Bay family watched in awe as several gold pots, hairpins, business deals and a staggering 200 billion.
Andy Bay glided his fingers through his hair as his eyes shone with excitement.
Matilda Bay gripped her skirt tightly, her eyes burning with greed that didn't escape Julia Smith's eyes and she rolled her eyes in disdain.
Even Mercy Bay couldn't take her eyes off the gold accessories that filled the table.
If she wore a single hairpin won't she become V City's wealthiest lady and the talk of the city?
"Mercy dear please accompany Stephan to the back garden and spend a quality time together" Matilda Bay informed with a smile.
Mercy Bay nodded shyly before walking away with Stephan.
Julia watched their back and her blood boiled, unable to stop them.
The garden was beautiful with various varieties of flowers blooming which filled the air with a pleasant smile.
The cold breeze blew Mercy's hair and Stephan gently tucked it behind her ear
Making mercy blush harder as she intertwined their fingers.
"Did you plan all these flowers?? Stephan suddenly asked and Mercy's face changed slightly before she put on a gentle smile.
It was a smile she had practiced in front of the mirror for days and she was certain no man could resist that look.
Definitely it worked wonders on Stephan as his gaze softened and he pulled Mercy closer.
The truth was, these flowers were planted by Mina and Mercy used to mock her for doing such dirty things.
Today, these flowers actually made Mercy's admiration grow in Stephan's eyes.
Mercy couldn't help but think, Mina you aren't so useless after all but you're bad, I will take everything that's yours while you rot in Prison.
The flowers are as gentle as you, Stephan whispered and their eyes met.
Stephan leaned in Closer and kissed her lips gently which Mercy wholeheartedly accepted.
But after Stephan pulled away, she put on a hurt and pitiful as she hit his arms playful
And said shyly "brother Stephan that was my first kiss"
Stephan stared at her in admiration and gently kissed her forehead.
They were about to kiss again when they heard Julia's angry voice.
"Stephan, let's go home"