He Does Not Deserve My Devotion-Chapter 16: Brought a Boyfriend

"Lemon, Cameron Lawson saw your designs and has agreed to make an exception and give you a chance to bid. The bidding will be in three days."

After receiving the call from Michelle Quinn, Nina Walsh rushed to the clothing factory to discuss making the sample with Leo Lloyd.

"The Lawson Group wants to do a co-branded product line. With their backing, we won’t have to worry about sales or promotion. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Maelie."

Leo Lloyd couldn’t hide his excitement. "Really? That’s wonderful! You’re amazing, Miss Nina. I knew that with you back, the company would get back on track."

Nina Walsh took out her design sketches. "The bid is in three days. We need to hurry and produce a physical sample."

Leo Lloyd sounded hesitant. "To maintain confidentiality and for the continued use of the design later, bids are usually just price quotes. Are we really going to show them the actual sample right away?"

Nina Walsh said, "We can’t compete with the big companies on their terms, and we can’t win a price war. Our only option is to convince the Lawson Group with our design and quality."

Leo Lloyd nodded in agreement, then looked at the design again, his brows furrowing. "Miss Nina, these are all wool and real silk. The costs are very high. If we do get the order, the Lawson Group will, at most, pay a thirty percent deposit upfront, which isn’t nearly enough for us to purchase the fabrics. Besides raw materials, our machinery and workforce all need to be upgraded and expanded. This..."

Leo Lloyd admitted frankly, "Right now, the company is just surviving by taking on orders others can’t finish, doing processing work for a slim profit. Our cash flow is extremely tight. We’re barely staying afloat, running solely on the trust of a few old suppliers. At this point, there’s no money left in our accounts to draw from."

Nina Walsh said, "Mr. Lloyd, don’t worry. I’ll figure out a way to get the funds. For now, just have someone make the sample."

...

「That afternoon, at the Sheridan residence.」

Wendy Sherman was dressed in an elaborate evening gown, a glittering diamond necklace around her neck and thumb-sized pearl earrings on her ears. It looked as if she were trying to wear every piece of jewelry the family owned.

"Dad, you promised me! Today’s the day you have to make it clear to the Grant family that I’m the one marrying into their family," Wendy Sherman wheedled.

Brian Sherman readily agreed. "Don’t you worry, my dear daughter. I’ll make sure it’s all settled today."

"But what if Nina Walsh backs out and doesn’t go to the Grant residence today?" Wendy Sherman asked worriedly.

Brian Sherman’s gaze sharpened. "She wouldn’t dare. And even if she doesn’t go, the Grant family wouldn’t want her anyway. The Grants have grown rapidly these past few years. Declan Grant has returned from his studies abroad and has already made a name for himself with several major surgeries. The Grant family will definitely want a daughter-in-law from a family of equal social standing."

With this assurance, Wendy Sherman felt completely reassured and couldn’t help but start fantasizing about marrying Declan Grant.

"Where is she? Go get her down here," Brian Sherman asked impatiently, glancing at the time.

Just then, Nina Walsh’s figure appeared, descending the stairs. She wore a sleeveless, pinkish-white qipao, her hair casually pinned up. With only a touch of lip gloss, her entire appearance was understated and elegant.

Wendy Sherman sneered, "The Grants are hosting an engagement party, and you’re dressed like you’re going to a funeral."

Brian Sherman was also displeased but, not wanting to waste any more time, ordered everyone into the car.

Nina Walsh and Wendy Sherman sat side by side in the back seat, Nina silently watching the scenery outside the window.

Wendy Sherman hated that serene look of hers; it was infuriating just to see it. But remembering that it was best not to start a fight with Nina before the night’s main event, she forced herself to hold back.

She opened her phone and found a friend’s chat. [Haven’t you found out yet? What kind of drug was it?]

The other person replied: [I’ve already given the medicine to a doctor friend of mine for analysis. I’ll get back to you as soon as I hear anything.]

...

「The Grant Residence.」

Today was the engagement party for the Grant family’s eldest son, Nathan Grant, and the Thompson family’s daughter, Shirley Thompson. Declan Grant, tall and impeccably handsome in a black tailcoat, stood at the entrance helping to greet the guests.

As soon as the car entered the gates, Wendy Sherman spotted Declan Grant from a distance and became instantly energized, as if she’d been given a shot of adrenaline. The moment the car slowed to a stop at the entrance, she rushed out first. Declan walked over to them, his expression instantly brightening.

Just as Wendy Sherman was feeling smug, Declan Grant walked around the car to Nina Walsh’s side and opened the door for her.

"Nina, you came too? I was just telling my mom about you today. Quick, come on in."

Declan Grant intimately placed his right hand on Nina Walsh’s shoulder, guiding her inside. Wendy Sherman hurried up from behind and latched onto his left arm.

A woman on each arm—the peculiar sight immediately drew the attention of those nearby. Declan Grant hastily pulled his hands free and took a step forward, leading the two of them over to Mrs. Grant.

"Aunt Grant, it’s been so long! You’ve gotten even more beautiful," Wendy Sherman said upon seeing Mrs. Grant, immediately stepping forward for a hug as if they were the dearest of friends.

Mrs. Grant subtly disengaged from the hug and smiled at Nina Walsh.

"Hello, Aunt Grant," Nina Walsh said, stepping forward to greet her.

Mrs. Grant looked startled, her eyes scanning Nina Walsh from head to toe.

"That’s your mother’s dress. I have one just like it. For a moment, I thought I was seeing your mother."

Mrs. Grant pulled Nina Walsh down to sit. "Nina, I haven’t seen you in so many years. You’ve grown so beautiful. Your father said you were studying abroad. When did you get back?"

Before Nina Walsh could answer, Declan Grant chimed in, "She just got back a few days ago."

Seeing that all the attention was on Nina Walsh, Wendy Sherman quickly changed the subject. "Aunt Grant, when is Nathan’s wedding? Have the groomsmen and bridesmaids been chosen yet?"

At the mention of her son’s happy occasion, Mrs. Grant perked up. "The wedding is next month. Besides Declan, the other groomsmen are Nathan’s friends. We are, however, still short one bridesmaid."

Without a second thought, Mrs. Grant turned to Nina Walsh. "Nina, why don’t you be a bridesmaid?"

Nina Walsh felt it wouldn’t be appropriate, but before she could decline, Wendy Sherman, seeing herself being excluded, cut in anxiously, "Aunt Grant, my sister isn’t a suitable choice. She has a boyfriend and is getting married soon herself."

Mrs. Grant and Declan Grant were both stunned. Wendy Sherman turned to Nina Walsh. "Isn’t that right, Sister? Didn’t you say you were going to bring him here today for everyone to meet?"

’This was Brian Sherman’s plan: uphold the marriage contract, but substitute Wendy Sherman as the bride. The best way to do that was for Nina Walsh to bring a "boyfriend" of her own, making it clear to the Grant family that she wasn’t interested in Declan Grant.’

Mrs. Grant asked awkwardly, "Nina, you have a boyfriend?"

Nina Walsh nodded. She looked toward the entrance, stood up, and walked toward it. "He’s at the door now."

Aiden Sinclair had just arrived at the main gate of the Grant residence when he saw a familiar figure walking toward him from the crowd.

She was wearing an ankle-length, pinkish-white qipao with a high slit. As she moved, the hem swayed gently, revealing a glimpse of a slender, pale calf. Her waist, as graceful as a willow in the spring breeze, held an indescribable allure.

Aiden Sinclair had never seen her like this. He tilted his chin up slightly, his gaze fixed on her face.

An undeniable tenderness emanated from Nina Walsh’s eyes, and a faint smile touched her lips, making her look like a painting that begged a closer look. That expression... Aiden Sinclair knew it well.

For the past two years, whenever he came home from work, no matter how late, he would find Nina Walsh waiting to greet him with that very same expression.

’So, she’s finally figured it out and is ready to come back, is she?’ A slight smile played on Aiden Sinclair’s lips.