"Take your disgusting eyes away, or I'll have them gouged out!"
Lance's cold gaze was intimidating.
Dalilah hadn't expected the usually gentle man to suddenly change his demeanor, shifting from infatuation to fear in an instant.
Seeing this, Deanna smirked with satisfaction.
She addressed Dalilah indifferently, "Although I'm Julia's friend, I'm not just a friend; I'm also family. Julia's future in-laws are visiting Cloudmere, and as family, how could I not come to greet them? If word got out, people might say we don't know how to treat guests."
Almost as soon as she finished speaking, Dalilah's face changed.
Family?
No, she absolutely couldn't let this woman in, or tonight's plan would be ruined.
But before she could think of a way to stop them, Deanna noticed her unease and quickly urged Lionel, "Let's go inside. It would be rude to keep your parents waiting."
Lionel nodded and was about to lead them into the dining room.
Just as they moved, Dalilah blocked their way, anxiously saying, "You can't go in."
This was directed at Deanna and Lance.
Deanna and Lance raised their eyebrows with interest.
It was the first time someone had barred them from entering.
Especially for Deanna, who hadn't encountered such a situation since being with Lance and clearing her mother's name.
She looked at the woman blocking their way and then at Lionel, her tone icy, "Professor Grant, care to explain what's going on?"
"Yes, I'd also like to know why my family can't go in. Are you saying the Grant family isn't welcoming us?"
Julia broke free from Lionel's hand and glared at him.
Although the Grant family hadn't invited her family to tonight's dinner, as future in-laws, it was only proper for her family to show respect by greeting them.
But now, Lionel's friend's daughter was blocking her family from entering, making her think twice.
"Of course not, Julia. Don't overthink it. I've already told my parents you'd be coming tonight. If they knew your family was here, they'd be especially welcoming."
Lionel quickly defended his parents.
He hadn't mentioned that his parents didn't know Julia had a friend who was the Mercer family's young mistress. Otherwise, they wouldn't have such a negative opinion of Julia.
This was why he didn't refuse Deanna and Lance's attendance tonight.
Thinking of this, he immediately scolded Dalilah, "Move aside."
"I won't. They can't go in!"
Dalilah was scared of Lionel's stern face but still gritted her teeth and stood firm.
Deanna laughed at this point, "Do you think we really want to go in? If it weren't for Julia, I wouldn't have come at all. Since the Grant family has this attitude, Professor Grant, I think we need to reconsider your marriage to Julia. Julia, let's go. These days, good men are easy to find."
"Alright."
Julia smiled and started walking towards Deanna.
She intended to give Lionel a lesson.
Although she liked Lionel and was pregnant with his child, she wasn't desperate to marry him.
So she didn't need to compromise herself, especially since her parents hadn't arrived yet. Who knows how the Grant family would treat them?
Lionel hadn't expected Deanna to say something so decisive. He was both angry and anxious.
Angry at Dalilah for causing trouble and anxious that Deanna might convince Julia to call off the engagement.
He knew very well that Julia would listen to whatever Deanna said.
"Dalilah, this is my family's business. It's not your place to interfere!"
Lionel scolded her and quickly grabbed Julia's hand, apologizing to Deanna, "I was too soft-hearted earlier. It won't happen again. I genuinely want to marry Julia."
Deanna glanced at him without speaking and gave her friend a look.
Clearly, she would follow her friend's decision.
Julia saw this and felt sweet inside.
Having such a good friend made her life worthwhile.
But despite her gratitude, she still needed to handle the situation.
"Lionel, you saw it yourself. My parents aren't here yet, so Deanna is representing my family. Her presence shows our respect for your parents. But your family's attitude makes me doubt your sincerity in wanting to marry me. How can I save face if any random family friend can block my family?"