Secretly Married for 4 Years, He Regrets to Tears After the Divorce-Chapter 38: Losing Nothing in Presence

Arriving with Adrian Lancaster, Maya Marshall immediately became the center of attention.

She loved and savored this feeling, narcissistically casting herself in the role of Mrs. Lancaster.

Especially when she saw Wren Sutton, she tightened her grip on Adrian Lancaster’s arm, pressing her body closer to his. She stared directly at Wren Sutton in a silent, unabashed provocation.

Wren Sutton stood her ground, not flinching. Her clear, dark eyes watched the approaching pair with disdain.

Though her outfit wasn’t as flashy and luxurious as Maya Marshall’s, her presence was no less commanding.

If Maya Marshall was a proud, preening peacock, then Wren Sutton was a sacred and elegant white magnolia—her transcendent grace captivating at first glance, yet so pure one wouldn’t dare defile it.

Adrian Lancaster and Maya Marshall stopped in front of Lucia Lancaster, and Wren Sutton caught an unintentional glimpse of their linked arms out of the corner of her eye.

On the way to The Seagate Villa, she had already guessed she would see this exact scene.

Maya Marshall wore a wine-red gown, and Adrian Lancaster wore a matching tie—their own subtle way of showing off their relationship.

’If I remember correctly, Adrian doesn’t even like that color for a tie.’

’But now, he’s compromised just to match Maya Marshall.’

Wren Sutton’s heart was as still as water. She coldly retracted her gaze, missing the look Adrian Lancaster sent her way.

You can’t be rude to someone who’s all smiles. Besides, with so many people watching... For the sake of her own birthday, Lucia Lancaster didn’t want to make things awkward, so she decided to be gracious to her brother and Maya Marshall.

"Maya, welcome."

Adrian Lancaster subtly released Maya Marshall’s arm. Maya stepped forward and gave Lucia Lancaster an affectionate hug.

"I haven’t seen you in years, Lucia. You’re more beautiful than ever! Happy birthday."

With that, she pulled the key to a red Maserati sports car from her purse.

"The car’s outside."

Lucia Lancaster didn’t lack for sports cars, but she accepted it cheerfully all the same.

"Thank you, Maya."

Immediately after, she turned to Adrian Lancaster and held out her palm. With a playful pout, she asked bluntly, "Bro, where’s my birthday present?"

Adrian Lancaster patted his sister’s head, his tone doting. "Same as always. You write the number on the check yourself."

Lucia Lancaster’s eyes lit up as an idea struck her.

"Can I add a zero to last year’s amount?"

"Of course."

For Adrian Lancaster, adding even ten zeros would have been nothing.

Lucia was his only sister; naturally, he doted on her and spoiled her rotten.

"Bro, I could just die, I love you so much! You’re the best brother in the world."

Lucia Lancaster was so happy she practically bounced on her feet.

Maya Marshall noticed the watch on her wrist and pointed. "Lucia, who gave you that watch?"

Lucia Lancaster proudly linked arms with Wren Sutton, her smile radiant. "My sister-in-law gave it to me. I absolutely love it."

A warm feeling spread through Wren Sutton’s chest as the two of them exchanged a smile.

"I’m just glad you like it."

Maya Marshall’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

’She gave Lucia Lancaster a sports car, which was far more expensive than that watch, and she didn’t see Lucia get particularly excited. All she got was a simple "thank you" before being dismissed. So ungrateful.’

"No wonder you like it. The watch is certainly beautiful. It’s from this season’s new collection, isn’t it? But... I was browsing their official website just the other day, and I didn’t see this particular style listed among the new models."

Maya Marshall was so obviously trying to stir up trouble; there was no way Wren Sutton could miss it.

The watch wasn’t from the latest collection, nor was it the most expensive, but it was the one that suited Lucia Lancaster best.

She had chosen it with care and sincerity, and her conscience was clear.

Before Wren Sutton could say a word, Lucia Lancaster jumped to her defense.

"Whether this watch is new or not, I love it. The most important part of a gift is the thought behind it, and I can feel my sister-in-law’s sincerity. That’s enough for me. We don’t care what other people think."

Her use of "we" was a show of solidarity that gave Wren Sutton all the confidence she needed.

Maya Marshall’s expression froze, and an awkward smile touched her lips.

"Right. The thought is what’s most important."

Maya Marshall hadn’t expected Lucia Lancaster to side so openly with Wren Sutton.

’They had known each other for four years, at most, and that girl was hardly ever in Aston. How on earth did those two get so close?’

’Look at how chummy that girl is with Wren Sutton. She’s really treating her like a proper sister-in-law.’

’Damn it. I never realized Wren Sutton was so scheming. When sucking up to her mother-in-law didn’t work, she just switched her target to the sister-in-law. Absolutely shameless.’

When she thought no one was looking, Maya Marshall shot Wren Sutton a vicious eye-roll.

Wren Sutton saw it out of the corner of her eye but couldn’t be bothered to engage. If they actually started a scene, it would ruin Lucia’s birthday mood, and she had no intention of spoiling the atmosphere.

Guests continued to arrive at The Seagate Villa. Lucia Lancaster received so many gifts her arms grew tired, and the presents piled into a small mountain of luxury goods.

Lucia Lancaster actively introduced Wren Sutton to her friends.

"This is my sister-in-law, Wren Sutton. She’s like a real sister to me."

"It’s nice to meet you, Wren."

"Hello, everyone. It’s a pleasure to meet you all, and thank you for coming to Lucia’s birthday party."

Wren Sutton’s voice was melodious, and her lips were curved in a perfect smile. Her every word and gesture was poised, graceful, and effortlessly elegant.

From a short distance away, Adrian Lancaster watched her before looking away, satisfied.

’Good. She’s not embarrassing me. Her every move is up to the standard of a Mrs. Lancaster.’

Just then, Maya Marshall walked over holding two cocktails and handed one to Adrian Lancaster.

"After being away from Aston for four years, I realize I don’t know most of Lucia’s friends, aside from a few familiar faces."

Adrian Lancaster swirled the liquid in his glass. "Lucia is several years younger than you. It’s normal that you don’t know her friends, just like she doesn’t know yours."

Hearing his words of reassurance, Maya Marshall smiled sweetly and gave a docile nod.

’Why should I lower myself to compete with Wren Sutton? So what if Lucia introduces her to people?’

’The most powerful man in the room is standing right beside me. He hasn’t said a single word to Wren Sutton since we arrived. On that point alone, I’ve already won.’

"Oh, by the way, I haven’t seen Uncle Lancaster and Aunt Sterling. Are they not here?"

"It was Lucia’s idea not to have them come."

Maya Marshall looked a little disappointed. "Why?"

’She had planned on using Claire Sterling’s blatant favoritism to make Wren Sutton face the reality of who the truly favored daughter-in-law was.’

’Such a perfect opportunity to put Wren Sutton in her place, wasted.’

"The younger crowd can’t really let loose with the older generation around," Adrian Lancaster explained.

"Oh, that makes sense." Maya Marshall was forced to accept the reality of the situation.

’Fine, so they didn’t come. The future is long, and there will be other opportunities.’

She reined in her thoughts and scanned the room, realizing someone else was still missing.

"Why isn’t Julian Lancaster here? It’s his sister’s birthday. You, her older brother, are here, so he should be too."

Adrian Lancaster’s dark eyes instantly turned cold. He had an innate revulsion for that name.

"I don’t know."

He truly didn’t know the reason, nor did he deign to care about anything concerning Julian Lancaster.

Maya Marshall didn’t notice the dark look in Adrian Lancaster’s eyes, but she never stopped watching Wren Sutton’s every move.

Seeing Wren Sutton break away from the crowd and head toward the restroom, she set down her glass and followed.