The next day, before dawn, Deanna and Julia were awakened by the servants and pulled into Amy's styling team's pre-makeup preparations.
By the time they were fully made up and dressed in their wedding gowns, daylight had fully broken outside.
Amy glanced at the time and smiled, "Lance and Mr. Grant should be arriving soon. I'll take my team down the mountain to block them. We can't let them get to the bride so easily."
With that, she called her team and turned to leave.
The Kings loved to join in the fun. Over the years, they had left Julia behind to travel all over the world.
After saying a word to Julia, they followed Amy out.
Meanwhile, Lance and Lionel drove the wedding car to the foot of the mountain, only to be surrounded by a group of people, making it impossible for the car to move.
"Both grooms, get out of the car. There's no reason to drive into the estate to pick up the bride," Julia's mother said, tapping on the car window, clearly intent on making things difficult for Lance and Lionel.
Julia's father stood with Norah in front of the wedding car, exuding an unyielding aura.
"Picking up the bride won't be that easy. Both of you get out of the car," Amy said, knocking on her nephew's car window. She was determined to give her nephew a hard time on his wedding day.
"Auntie, these are cash gifts for everyone," Lance said, having anticipated this situation. He took out a thick stack of cash gifts from the car.
Lionel was also prepared, dividing cash gifts and candies into dozens of small packages, ensuring everyone got a share.
"We hope our friends and family will let us through so we can pick up the bride."
"Wow, such big cash gifts."
"In honor of the bride, we'll reluctantly let you into the estate. But there's one condition: you must walk in."
"Yes, walk in without driving!"
"Get out of the car! Hurry up!"
Satisfied with their cash gifts, everyone made a small concession.
Lance and Lionel exchanged glances, communicating silently.
As soon as they got out of the car, they were surrounded by the crowd. Lance quickly signaled Xavier to distribute the cash gifts.
Xavier understood and handed out cash gifts as he moved forward. "Make way; everyone gets a cash gift."
Lionel also carried bags of candies, happily distributing them to those nearby. "Take some luck; may all singles get married next year."
Lionel's well-wishes made everyone laugh. Those who received gifts cleared a path, allowing Lance and Lionel to proceed.
Seizing the opportunity, they hurried up the mountain. Their speed caught everyone off guard; it was clear they intended to make a break for it.
Realizing this, the crowd quickly surrounded them again.
This time, those who had received gifts moved to the outer circle, while those who hadn't formed an inner circle to block the grooms.
Despite five minutes passing, Lance and Lionel had only moved a few meters.
"This isn't good," Lance and Lionel thought.
"Let's go with Plan B."
The two men decided on their next move.
Lance threw several cash gifts into the air while Lionel scattered candies.
The crowd erupted in excitement, creating chaos.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Lance broke through the crowd. Lionel followed closely behind.
After a few minutes of running, they reached the estate's main gate but were blocked by another group.
Though out of breath, they remained composed.
"The brides are inside. If you want to get in, you'll have to give us something," said Ollie, Lance's friend from the Houghton family.
"Everyone gets a share..." Lance habitually signaled Xavier for cash gifts but was met with disappointment.
"Mr. Mercer, we've run out of cash gifts."
"No more cash gifts? You'll have to find another way through."
Ollie wasn't surprised by Lance's predicament; after all, it was part of their plan.
Lance and Lionel exchanged glances. "What's the challenge?"
"The first challenge is escaping from our sticks!"
Ollie pulled out a plastic stick meant for children.
Everyone else did the same, grinning mischievously. "If you can get past us with these sticks, you've succeeded."
"Lance, I won't hold back. Finally, I get to hit you without worrying about retaliation."
Ollie laughed triumphantly as he waved his stick.
But in an instant, Lance snatched Ollie's stick away. "If you want to hit me, try in your next life."
With that, Lance signaled Lionel to do the same. They grabbed sticks and charged forward.
The scene became chaotic.
Despite their efforts, Lionel and Lance were outnumbered and eventually overpowered by Ollie and his friends.
Amidst the commotion, Lionel looked up and saw a pair of beautiful eyes watching him from a second-floor window-it was his wife, Julia.