Chapter 192

The Scott family was well-off, but the company had only truly flourished under her father's leadership. The Wood family, on the other hand, was old money, a true dynasty in Northpine. The Harris family was in another league altogether-one of the oldest and most powerful families in the city, with roots stretching back decades.

Arranged marriages were common in their world. Daughters who had enjoyed a life of luxury were expected to sacrifice for the family. Once two families were bound by marriage and business, divorce was often out of the question.

At the mention of it, Lindsay's mouth turned down. "That's part of it. My father would never agree. If my mother were still alive, maybe we could have talked about it."

Marguerite frowned. In the past, Lindsay would cry whenever her mother was mentioned. She seemed to have gotten stronger.

"She passed away from an illness," Lindsay explained. "Then my dad married his personal assistant. The arranged marriage was the stepmother's idea. The family business was in crisis at the time."

The eleven years had passed in a blink, but for Marguerite, it was another stark reminder of how much had changed. She never would have guessed Lindsay had been through so much. It explained why the proudly spoiled Ms. Wood had been married off.

She wrapped an arm around Lindsay's shoulders, patting her gently in silent comfort.

Feeling the light pressure on her shoulder, Lindsay managed a smile. "It's in the past now. Whenever I was sad back then, I would think of you. You were my role model."

Marguerite's parents had died overnight, yet she had barely allowed herself time to grieve. She seemed to grow up in an instant, taking on the responsibility of the Scott family. All Lindsay had to do was marry into the impossibly wealthy Harris family. She would never have to worry about money. She was lucky.

Marguerite grinned. "You're amazing too, Lindsay."

The bigger the family, the more rules they had. To remain herself after seven years of an arranged marriage was no small feat.

Lindsay looked at Marguerite's bright smile and her expression turned serious. "Marguerite, I want to apologize again for our fight back then. I'm so sorry."

It hadn't been a big deal, really. After their exams, Lindsay had wanted Marguerite to go on a trip abroad with her.

“I can't,” Marguerite had said. “I'm afraid of flying.”

"Oh, come on, there's nothing to be afraid of, Lindsay had insisted. "Just try to overcome it. It'll be so much

fun beaches, resorts, hot guys with abs!"

Marguerite had shaken her head. "I'm sorry. I can stay here and we can travel around the country together."

Lindsay, spoiled by her mother and used to getting her way, had never been turned down twice like that. "Marguerite, are we best friends or not?" she had pouted.

Marguerite had frowned. "Please, just find someone else to go with you." That had made Lindsay angry. "Fine! Let's just stop being friends then!"

She had been so childish back then, so desperate for Marguerite to go with her that she'd tried to threaten her Affer that, she fiad waite certain that Marguerite would be the one to reach out. She knew how important she was to her. .net

But Marguerite never called.

Instead, Lindsay received the news of her death. It felt like a bolt of lightning, she couldn't believe it. She flew back from her trip immediately and even hired people to search the river. She was consumed with regret. If only she hadnt insisted on going abroad.