Chapter 367: Derek's Eyes Narrowed as He Stepped Closer

Derek’s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer. “Senior Henry, you misunderstand. It’s not that I don’t love Vanessa. I was simply overwhelmed and didn’t know how to respond. But my mind is made up now. Vanessa and I will be engaged in three days. I won’t fail her.” His voice was firm, carrying a polished gravity. Vanessa’s gaze flickered at his words. An engagement. Not a marriage. That was his promise.

She was already one month pregnant, and all he offered was an engagement? Vanessa knew Derek too well. This was just a tactic to placate everyone in the room. Once the pressure eased, he would find a way to back out. Derek… Oh, Derek!

“Do you take us for fools, Derek?” Senior Henry scoffed. “Vanessa is pregnant, and you’re talking about an engagement? Do you want everyone to think she’s being forced into this?”

“Our Vanessa isn’t some toy for you to play with and discard!” Helena insisted. “If you truly love her, the wedding must happen immediately!”

Derek frowned. If he married Vanessa, any chance with Sienna would vanish. He needed to buy time. Calmly, he explained, “Of course. Precisely because I love Vanessa, I want to plan every detail carefully. I intend to give her the most perfect wedding. Vanessa, what do you think?” His gentle eyes settled on her. Vanessa smiled bitterly. Love? What a convenient excuse! Despite her resentment, she couldn’t expose him. She couldn’t let Derek feel coerced. That would ruin her next move.

“Mother, Grandpa,” Vanessa said weakly, “I’m exhausted. I don’t want to pressure Derek. It’s fine if he doesn’t want to get engaged.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! Derek said he would, and he will! I’ll handle everything and invite all of Kingsport! It will be spectacular!” Margaret declared.

All of Kingsport? That would be a massive event. Derek’s expression shifted. He had hoped for something low-key. Inviting the entire city… Senior Henry glared at him. “Your face says it all, Derek. Do you want this engagement? With all of Kingsport invited?” His tone was heavy with authority. Derek knew better than to act impulsively. As for Sienna… He would find a way later.

“Yes,” Derek replied.

Senior Henry’s expression softened slightly. “Good. Make it grand!” A faint smile touched Vanessa’s lips. It wasn’t a marriage, but with all of Kingsport watching, it might as well be. She would be announced as Derek’s official fiancée!

“No! They can’t get engaged!” A sharp, clear voice cut through the room.

Everyone turned to see Sienna walking into the ward. Vanessa clenched her fists. Why was Sienna here? To ruin things again?! Derek’s eyes lit up. Sienna came… She actually came! Did she finally have feelings for him? Enough to object to his engagement? Worried that Sienna would stop the engagement, Helena quickly said, “Sienna, you’re just in time. Your sister is pregnant with Derek’s child. They must get engaged and be together.” What she really meant was: the engagement must proceed. Sienna should not interfere.

Caleb glared at her and snapped, “I don’t care about your feelings for Derek. Vanessa is pregnant. They belong together. You need to accept that.”