Chapter 566
Marcus Valentine stepped forward, directly shielding Evelyn Ross.
His sharp gaze landed on Nicole Sterling.
"Is this how the Castillo family treats its guests? The invitation came from you. The Valentine family accepted and arrived. Now you want to kick us out? Is the Castillo family openly slapping the Valentines in the face?"
As his words fell, the other Valentine brothers moved in unison.
They formed a protective line in front of Evelyn.
Ethan Valentine crossed his arms, his chin lifted.
"Want to make my sister leave? You'll have to get through me first!"
Nicole's face darkened completely.
"Today is my engagement party with Anthony Castillo. By causing trouble like this, is the Valentine family determined to make an enemy of the Castillos?"
Anthony Castillo spoke up urgently.
"Nicole, that's enough! Why make a big deal out of nothing? Miss Ross is just a guest. There's nothing between us. Don't go too far!"
Nicole scoffed, her eyes mocking as she looked at him.
"Anthony, it seems your grandfather hasn't made things clear to you yet. Have you truly grasped what marrying me entails?"
She let out a cold laugh and turned to a nearby server.
"Go and fetch the Old Master!"
A servant immediately scurried off toward the lounge area.
Anthony frowned deeply.
"Why involve the elders over such a trivial matter?"
Nicole raised her chin.
"If you won't give your fiancée face, then I have no choice but to ask Grandfather to uphold justice!"
Her gaze shifted to Evelyn, her tone threatening.
"You can still leave now. Once Grandfather comes out, it will be embarrassing for everyone. The situation will be difficult to salvage."
Marcus's expression was grave.
The Valentine family had deep roots in New York, but the Castillo family's influence overseas was immense. A direct confrontation was indeed unwise.
The last clash with the Evans family, at least, was justified. Even so, rumors of the Valentines throwing their weight around had started circulating in New York's social circles recently.
If another scene erupted today...
As he pondered, Susan Langley's voice chimed in.
"Big brother, with things like this, why stay? We're just becoming a laughingstock. We should leave quickly!"
Marcus looked at Evelyn.
Evelyn pressed her lips together tightly, her fingers clenched until they turned white.
If Nicole and Anthony's engagement proceeded smoothly today, the third task would likely be hopeless.
If she couldn't save her mother...
She took a deep breath and raised her eyes to meet Nicole's.
"I just want to speak with Mr. Castillo for a moment. In front of all these people, Miss Sterling, you won't even allow that? Isn't that too domineering? Will Mr. Castillo not be allowed to speak to any women after this, only men?"
Nicole narrowed her eyes.
Chloe Roland chimed in from the side.
"That's right! We're all watching. What could possibly happen between Miss Ross and Mr. Castillo? Miss Sterling, are you really that insecure?"
Natalie Castillo couldn't hold back either.
"My brother having a conversation with Miss Ross, and she'll whisk him away? Nicole, don't be so controlling! Besides, my brother is a living person, not your private property. After marriage, will you lock him up at home and forbid him from seeing anyone? You're trying to control him!"
Nicole sneered.
"You two are clearly in cahoots with Evelyn Ross. Save your reverse psychology. Anthony, I order you to keep your distance from Evelyn Ross. Do you hear me?"
Anthony's face turned ugly.
"Nicole, this is a marriage alliance, an equal partnership! I am not your subordinate. You have no right to order me around!"
Nicole raised an eyebrow.
"Shall we ask Grandfather then? After we're married, who will have the final say in this family?"
Anthony's expression froze.
Nicole looked back at the Valentine family, her voice decisive.
"All Valentine family members present, please leave! Today's engagement party between Anthony and myself does not welcome the Valentines. From now on, the Castillo family does not welcome any member of the Valentine family!"
Her forceful tone drew sidelong glances from the surrounding guests.
Anthony was livid, his face pale with anger.
Natalie quickly walked over to Evelyn and linked arms with her.
"Miss Ross, what did you want to tell my brother? I'll relay the message for you! That way, certain people won't think a simple conversation implies something more. Honestly, is there no basic trust between people anymore?"
She gave Evelyn a playful wink.
Seeing this, Evelyn looked at Anthony again.
"Let me see the photo. Maybe I can think of something."
She still refused to give up, clinging to a last shred of hope.
Natalie craned her neck.
"Brother, what photo? Hand it to me. I'll give it to Evelyn!"
Anthony nodded. He reached into his suit's inner pocket, took out his wallet, and extracted a photograph, handing it to Natalie.
Nicole immediately stepped forward, about to speak.
Natalie stuck out her tongue.
"Nicole, you can try to control my brother, but I'm a daughter who will marry out of the family. You have no authority over me!"
With that, she shoved the photo into Evelyn's hand.