Everyone turned their heads in unison.

The Vance family's dowry gifts were carried in one by one.

A dozen bodyguards in black suits.

Each carried a heavy case.

The cases were opened.

Brilliant jewels glittered dazzlingly.

Property deeds were neatly arranged.

Each item was worth a fortune.

The elite guests widened their eyes.

They couldn't help but gasp.

"The Vance family is truly extravagant!"

"This dowry is incredibly generous!"

People craned their necks to look behind.

They all wanted to catch a glimpse of Mr. Vance himself.

At the end of the dowry procession.

A man in a suit stepped forward.

He was tall and well-built.

With a sunny, handsome face.

A roguish smile played on his lips.

"Is this Mr. Vance?"

"He looks quite young…"

"Doesn't quite match the legends…"

Evelyn's mouth twitched.

The person who arrived wasn't Alexander Vance at all.

It was Thomas Watson.

Such a grand display.

Yet the man himself didn't show up?

She pursed her lips.

Thomas walked up to Third Master Valentine.

He bowed respectfully. "Third Master."

"Mr. Vance is occupied with urgent matters."

"He specifically sent me to deliver the dowry."

Third Master Valentine glanced at Evelyn.

He knew exactly what Alexander was busy with.

Being Evelyn's chauffeur.

His lip twitched.

He said calmly, "How thoughtful."

"Marrying a Valentine daughter requires sincere effort."

Thomas smiled ingratiatingly.

He winked at Evelyn.

Evelyn rolled her eyes in response.

Thomas grinned even wider.

He was genuinely happy.

When Evelyn was presumed dead, Mr. Vance almost followed.

Thankfully, Madame was still alive.

The surrounding crowd finally understood.

So this wasn't Mr. Vance.

Just his assistant.

The dowry gifts were displayed one by one.

The guests stopped eating.

They crowded around for a closer look.

Someone called out to Penelope Valentine. "Miss Valentine, come see your dowry!"

Penelope blushed and stood up.

She felt she had finally regained her footing.

Earlier, when Grace was recognized, her seven brothers gave extravagant gifts.

Now the Vance family's dowry surpassed all of those combined.

"My God! Fifteen percent of Vance Group shares!"

"Mr. Vance is truly sincere in his proposal!"

"Though he's been married before, he treats Miss Valentine so well!"

Penelope was stunned by the shares.

She never expected Alexander to be so determined.

When the Vance family didn't respond earlier, she thought the engagement was off.

Now she couldn't help but smile.

People around her rushed to flatter:

"This dowry is absolutely unmatched in New York!"

"The Valentine family's bridal gifts must be equally impressive."

"Miss Valentine benefits the most!"

A daughter of the Xu branch family sneered at Grace. "See? This is how the Valentine family marries off daughters! What did Zack Davis give you when you married?"

Penelope pretended to be kind. "Don't say that to Grace."

"She was treated poorly because she wasn't recognized back then."

"Third Uncle, if Grace remarries, we must provide a proper dowry…"

Evelyn scoffed.

Third Master Valentine raised an eyebrow.

Marcus Valentine detected the hypocrisy.

But Ethan Valentine took it seriously. "Yes, yes! We must set up assets for Grace!"

Charles Valentine nodded. "Sister, don't reconcile with him. There are plenty of good men in New York. We'll contribute to your trousseau!"

Evelyn was speechless.

Penelope said insincerely, "Grace, why aren't you speaking? Are you unhappy? How about I share half the Vance dowry with you…"

The Xu branch daughter immediately objected. "This is the Vance dowry! How can it be shared? Miss Penelope, you spoil her too much!"

Thomas also frowned. "What right do you have to share half?"

Penelope explained. "My sister just returned to the family. I'm giving her a welcome gift…"

Thomas laughed scornfully. "Then give from your own possessions! Sharing from Miss Grace's dowry? That's just taking credit for someone else's generosity!"

Penelope froze. "What do you mean… Miss Grace's dowry?"

The Xu branch daughter pointed at the dowry. "Isn't this the engagement gift for the Valentine family? The unmarried Valentine daughter is Penelope!"

Thomas was bewildered.

He pointed at Evelyn. "You've misunderstood. The Vance family is proposing to Miss Evelyn Ross!"

After Grace returned to her roots, she was called Evelyn Ross.

Everyone understood now.

Penelope's voice turned shrill. "What did you say?"

The Xu branch daughter couldn't believe it. "Grace is married and has a daughter! You've made a mistake!"

Thomas finally understood.

He glanced at Evelyn.

Now he knew why his boss made such a grand proposal.

He was here to secure Madame's position.

He sneered. "Listen carefully!"

"Mr. Vance is also remarried!"

"He and Miss Evelyn Ross are a perfect match!"

"Today, he specifically came to propose!"

"The position of Madame Vance belongs only to Third Master's biological daughter!"

"What right does an adopted daughter have to marry Mr. Vance?"