Chapter 103: What a Coincidence

"Holy smokes! The whole town's decked out. This is just over the top!"

On their way, Amelia marveled at the festive decorations lining the streets.

"Must mean he's head over heels, huh?" Liam chuckled in response.

"Yeah," Amelia nodded slightly, then paused before continuing with a hesitant tone. "Liam, about that last talk we had... when I joked about you needing to propose before I'd say yes – I was just..."

"Amelia," Liam cut her off with a warm smile, "I promised I'd propose to make you the happiest woman alive, and I intend to keep my word, trust me!"

"I... I don't need any sort of fancy proposal," Amelia inhaled deeply.

"I just need to know you truly love me, that you're serious about Ruby, and you really care for my family. That's clear to me now, so really, there's no need for..."

"Amelia, even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have proposed regardless. I want every woman in CUG city to envy you!" Liam interrupted firmly.

"But..." Amelia tried to continue.

"Amelia, trust me!" Liam Thompson flashed another grin.

"Fine, whatever," Amelia hesitated slightly before speaking up.

Despite Amelia's openness, Liam remained unyielding—perhaps he had other plans.

Reflecting on the gap between herself and Liam Thompson, a tinge of despondency welled up in her again.

Tonight, the streets of Grandview city were exceptionally congested.

A journey usually around twenty minutes took Liam nearly forty to get close to the checkpoint area.

Surveying the scene, Amelia noticed that the checkpoint was teeming with people. Fortunately, there was quite a staff presence, directing the throngs in an orderly fashion toward the controlled area.

Although it was dark, the thousands of searchlights made the whole area as bright as day.

"They're not letting cars in up ahead. Find a spot to park, and we'll walk the rest of the way," Amelia said, noticing Liam had no intention of stopping.

"No worries!" Liam chuckled. "I had a friend pull some strings. We can drive straight up to the Grandview Mansion's parking lot."

"Is that for real?" Amelia was taken aback. "Your friend has that much pull?"

"Yeah! He's well connected; a little favor like this is a piece of cake for him," Liam replied with a smile.

"Huh!?" Just then, a wave of surprised murmurs swept through the crowd nearby.

It was Emma Harris with her parents and a few of the younger Harris clan. When they saw Liam and Amelia sitting in a Porsche, Emma's brows furrowed deeply.

Because of the last incident, not only had she failed to secure the Vice President of Marketing position at the company, but Alex had demoted her for ineffectiveness, causing the Harris clan a loss of five million.

Therefore, she still harbored a deep-seated loathing for Liam and Amelia.

"Isn't that Amelia?" Scott also noticed the two in the car.

With apparent anger, he blurted out, "Using the money we gave them to buy such a fancy car, utterly wasteful!"

His animosity towards the pair was evident, and even though the family patriarch had repeatedly instructed them not to provoke Liam, Scott couldn't easily let go of his resentment.

While talking, he glanced back at a Range Rover behind them and saw a few of the Harris clan, his face flashing an unmistakable look of contempt.

"Hey, isn't that little miss Emma Harris of the prestigious Harris family? Living the life of luxury, aren't we?" Emma sauntered up to the car, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

The rest of the Harris crowd was casting disdainful looks at the pair.

Liam Thompson had intended to drive straight in, but when he heard the comment, he deliberately slowed down.

He glanced at Emma and her family, offering a faint, almost taunting smile. "What a coincidence, you're here too? Fancy that."

"Hmph!" Emma scoffed. "Just because you're here, doesn't mean we can't be. You don't own the place!"

"Oh, is that so?" Liam's lips curled into a smirk. "I'd advise you to watch your tone. Whether you get in tonight might just become an issue."

"Arrogant!" Scott snorted. "Who do you think you are, thinking you can stop us? Go on, I dare you to try!"

"Liam, let's just go," Amelia urged, a frown marring her beautiful brows.

She had no fondness for the Harris family, having endured their true colors over the years. If it weren't for her father, she wouldn't bother wasting words on them.

"Alright!" Liam quickly texted Bruce, then floored the accelerator.

"Such an idiot!" Emma watched them with a scornful expression.

"It's a restricted area up ahead, no vehicles allowed. He must be dreaming if he thinks his fancy sports car will get special treatment. The nerve of some people!"

"How did their cars get in?" Emma's statement was cut short by her mother's astonished voice.

"What?!" In disbelief, Emma and her father watched as both the Porsche and the Range Rover glided unhindered into the controlled area.

In shock, Emma hurried to a staff member at the entrance, her voice sharp and demanding.

"Didn't you see those cars? Why did you let them in? This is a dereliction of duty! Stop them immediately!"

"Who are you?" The staff member frowned, eyeing Emma. "Are you trying to tell us how to do our job?"

"You…" Emma was momentarily stunned. "Your rules clearly prohibit vehicles, so why were theirs allowed? I demand an explanation!"

"Who do you think you are, expecting an explanation from us? Should we report every action to you, too?"

The staff member gave Emma a dismissive look and waved her away. "Move aside, don't interfere with our work!"

Emma Harris was fuming.

"Sweetie, let it go!" her mom approached.

"That kid must know someone at the CUG City Mansion; must've pulled some strings. Forget about them; we need to get in, it's almost time!"

"Hmph! It's just like the scoundrels to succeed. This is infuriating!" Emma's face was red with anger as she headed to the entrance.

"Hold on, you guys!" At that moment, several staff members ran over.

"What's the problem?" Scott turned to the approaching staff.

"We've been informed that your family isn't allowed to enter!" one of the staff declared.

"What!?" The whole family exclaimed in unison, "Why?"

Everyone's thoughts flashed back to Liam Thompson's words from earlier. Could he really have the clout to bar them from entry?

"There's no reason. If you're told you can't come in, you can't. If you want to watch, go home and turn on the TV!" the staff member said indifferently.

"Jerk! Who gave you these orders?" Scott yelled furiously.

"Call your manager. I want to ask them why, of all people, we're being singled out!"