Revenge of the Hideous Lady (Xyla Quest)
Chapter 2083

The Houston family was also wealthy, but they weren't as well off as the Brenand family in many aspects.

The Brenands were deemed as well connected in this age where 'it's not what you know, but who you know that matters'.

If the Houstons could be connected to the Brenands by marriage, the Houston family's situation would improve drastically.

For the sake of her family, glory, and all the benefits that came along with it, Yvette Houston believed that getting married to Sebastian Brenand was her best option.

It was mutually beneficial for both the Brenand family and the Houston family, where they could support each other and overcome any obstacles together.

It didn't matter whether Sebastian had feelings for her or not.

Children from wealthy families seldom had the freedom to choose their partners anyway, sacrificing their happiness for the greater good of their family.

Yvette knew why Sebastian showed up in a disheveled mess; there was a woman he loved deeply.

But, so what?

His family didn't approve of her, so she would never become a part of the Brenand family.

Yvette, who was chosen by Sebastian's parents, was his only option. No matter how much he loved Rachel Wood, he'd forget about her in time. If not, she would replace a way to make Rachel leave. Yvette believed in her own capabilities.

Based on what she knew, Rachel was a hostess who came from a poor family.

She supposed that Sebastian was only attracted to Rachel's gentleness and good looks. In time to come, he'd come to his senses and realize that Yvette was the one meant for him.

"I like you a lot. Do you like me?" she asked Sebastian directly, her tone calm and gentle.

She had the natural confidence of a girl with an exemplary upbringing.

"Does it matter if I like you?" he sneered.

She chuckled at his bluntness. "No, it doesn't matter. Honestly, people like us don't have the right to choose our spouses, isn't that true? Don't we all have to marry whoever our parents choose? "Now, both our parents have decided we should be together. That is what's important now," she added.

He laughed humorlessly upon hearing that. He wanted her to leave, but he didn't dare go against his mother after all the threats she had made.

It was all fake, what his mother said about allowing him to get to know Yevette better. Their families had already decided before he'd even agreed to meet her. They only wanted him to come and play his part.

If Rachel was by his side, he'd refuse without even thinking about it, but now she was at their mercy. With her as a hostage, there was no way he could refuse.

Sebastian initially had a slither of hope that Yvette wouldn't fall for him. However, after hearing what she said, he realized instantly that she had the same mindset as their parents.

She only wanted to get married to him for their mutual benefit. It was never for love.

It didn't even matter who her husband was as long as there were benefits their marriage could offer her family.

"Why are you laughing?" she wondered.

He sneered again. "Don't you think your life holds very little value?"

Yvette remained calm, her face devoid of emotions. "Not at all."

"You're hopeless," Sebastian declared before stepping forward to leave her behind on her own.

Despite his callous behavior, she didn't feel anything, shrugging in nonchalance before hastening to catch up to him.

"If you think you can drive me away by insulting me like this, you can stop it. Our marriage is inevitable," she told him. Sebastian lit a cigarette and took a puff at it, his brows furrowed. "You are quite shameless."

"I'm not shameless. I'm only being

rational. know about your past.

There's someone you love, but your

parents won't allow you to be

together, and rightly so. She doesn't deserve you."

"Shut up! How dare you talk about my woman like that?" he yelled, his entire body emanating a murderous rage.

Yvette merely shrugged indifferently. "Okay, I apologize."

She was still speaking calmly, her emotions as cold as her facial expression.

She only cared about the benefits this marriage would bring to her and her family. She wanted romance, but it was fine if she had to live without it. Hence, she didn't mind how Sebastian treated her.

"You're hopeless!" he yelled again when he saw her reaction, picking up his pace forward.

She continued to follow him calmly. "I'll tell our parents that I like you later."

Sebastian was speechless.

Chuckling, she promptly changed the topic to the design of his family's courtyard.

"The courtyard's design is quite lovely. I like this kind of European design. I studied design when I spent five years abroad."

"What does it matter how long

you've studied when your brain is still dysfunctional?" He was snappy with her as he wasn't interested in saying much to Yvette.

However, Yvette refused to react. She wasn't even angry. Instead, she chuckled and started talking about something else.

No matter how many topics she'd bring up, he stubbornly remained silent.

He led Yvette back to the house once they'd circled the courtyard.

They found their parents in the midst of an exciting conversation about wedding gifts and the venue.

Sebastian found the irony suffocating, not wanting to spend another minute here.

"Sebastian, Yvette, you're back! Come and have a seat," his mother beckoned and smiled as they entered the hall.

Seeing his mother's elegant demeanor made him feel an even stronger sense of irony. Who'd have known that a woman like her could be so evil? He took a seat next to her, frowning in stony indifference.

Meanwhile, Yvette sat between her parents.

As soon as he sat down, his mother whispered into his ear again. "Sebastian, do as I say. Otherwise, you know the consequences."

He remained silent, feeling as if all his efforts were futile at this point. He had repressed anger that he couldn't express.

The Houston family heard his mother's thinly veiled threat, but nobody cared.