Garrett's body trembled with anger upon hearing her words.
He cursed, "You rebellious woman!"
He walked over and raised his hand to slap Deanna's face.
With full force, it seemed like it was about to land on her face.
Everyone gasped in shock, imagining her delicate face swelling even if it didn't break the skin.
At that moment, Garrett's wrist was stopped by someone. His wrist was firmly held, unable to move.
It was Lance, who had walked over at some point. Dressed in a black suit, he stood tall and exuded an air of nobility.
All eyes turned to him, filled with astonishment.
Who was he?
Garrett, still fuming, glanced at him and saw a young man he had never seen before.
Whose kid was he?
So bold, daring to provoke even Mr. Jones!
He immediately demanded, "Why are you stopping me?"
Lance glanced at him, his voice so cold it could freeze.
"Is today such a big occasion that the Howard family invited me, just to witness this drama?"
With that, he shook off Garrett's hand with disgust.
He took the handkerchief Xavier handed him and wiped his hand.
Garrett stepped back, stumbling.
Before he could regain his balance, Aiden, excited, approached respectfully.
"Mr. Mercer, you're here?"
This statement shocked everyone present.
Mr. Mercer?
Mercer, could it be from the Mercer family?
The crowd murmured among themselves.
"I've heard that the Howard family invited the Mercer family to the wedding. I thought it was a joke, but it turns out it's true. And they invited none other than Lance, the president of the Mercer Group!"
Many wealthy young ladies whispered to each other.
They stared at Lance's handsome face, blushing involuntarily.
"Mr. Mercer is indeed a talented young man!"
"Yes, I've heard that the president of the Mercer family is outstanding and noble. I didn't expect it to be true!"
They admired him, feeling excited.
If they could marry Mr. Mercer, it would be a stroke of luck in this life.
Even Emily couldn't help but take a few more glances at him.
How could there be such a handsome man?
Compared to him, Raphael by her side suddenly paled in comparison.
In terms of looks, physique, temperament, family background, and ability, the president of the Mercer Group could be described as perfect!
Aiden took in everyone's reactions with pride, feeling very honored.
He cleared his throat and said solemnly, "Everyone, please calm down! Today is after all the wedding of the young master and his wife. Please pay attention to the order of the ceremony."
Some people looked at him disdainfully.
Just now, Mr. Howard didn't seem to perform as well.
Now that Mr. Mercer has arrived, he knows his manners.
Aiden stepped forward, extending his hand respectfully. "Welcome, Mr. Mercer, to the wedding of the young master. Thanks to your presence, our humble event shines brightly!"
He waited for Mr. Mercer to shake hands with him, anticipating being able to boast in the business world.
He would be someone who could converse with Mr. Mercer!
With this status, who would dare to look down on the Howard Group?
However, Lance did not extend his hand, instead standing there coldly.
Garrett quickly stepped forward to apologize. "I was blind just now, not recognizing Mr. Mercer. Please forgive me for the disrespect, Miss Jones embarrassed herself in front of you!"
He chuckled, smoothly trying to defuse the situation.
Raphael also regained his composure and greeted, "Thank you for coming, Mr. Mercer. We wish the young master and his wife a happy wedding."
They hadn't expected Mr. Mercer to come.
All attention was on Lance.
Deanna was left on the sidelines, looking at him in astonishment and embarrassment.
She hadn't expected him to come to such an occasion.
And by chance, he witnessed her in such an embarrassing situation.
How would Lance react to this?
Would he, like everyone else, think she was a shameless and immoral woman?
Lance was so cold and noble, he would surely humiliate her.
What would he say?
"Miss Jones, I never expected you to be like this."
Or, "I regret knowing you and letting you become my doctor?"
Or even worse?
She didn't care, she was not afraid at all.
The worst experience would be being scolded by her own father in front of so many people.
As for him?
If he looked down on her, then let him.
At worst, he would be completely disappointed in her, and then never contact her again.
Deanna gritted her teeth and clenched her fists.
She turned her head away, refusing to look at him anymore.
She was prepared to face his indifference and disgust.
But he hadn't said a word.
She looked at him suspiciously; things seemed to be different from what she had imagined.
The Howard family and the Jones family were so eager to please Lance.
Yet he ignored everyone, not responding to anyone.
Aiden's hand hung in mid-air, his smile frozen on his face.
The atmosphere was awkward.
Raphael and Garrett, having been snubbed in public, also looked unnatural.
The guests couldn't help but gossip.
"What's going on? Mr. Mercer doesn't seem flattered!"
Someone sighed, "Mr. Mercer's quite a character. He doesn't give a damn about those who fawn upon him."
Aiden approached Lance and said respectfully, "Mr. Mercer, we're honored that you come to my son's wedding."
"You don't have to. I'm not here for the wedding."