His phone was buzzing with incessant calls and messages, carrying news of his engagement ring purchase for Delilah and the widespread gossip about Claudia and Bennett getting married.

He noted more than ten missed calls, with no desire to return them.

He searched for Claudia's number and dialed. However, a robotic voice greeted him with, “Sorry, the number you have dialed cannot be reached at the moment.”

Only then did Anthony comprehend that Claudia had blocked his number.

He sat silently for a moment, staring at his phone before he reluctantly started the car and drove away.

The Nixon residence, in contrast, was icy and tomb-like in its silence.

Everly Nixon, Anthony's younger sister, sat on the couch engrossed in her phone, barely daring to let out any sound.

As Anthony entered, a teacup was hurled in his direction, landing near his feet.

Anthony bit his lips and looked at Rachel and Henry, greeting quietly, “Dad, Mom."

“Are you pleased now?"

Henry asked, his face stern as he pounded the table.

The marriage alliance between the Nixon and Marshall families had been in the works for a while. Despite the Marshall family's recent downturn, things for Claudia's maternal side were on the rise.

Even more unfortunate, Anthony's flight from the wedding had ruined a friendship of over forty years between Henry and Jace.

The teacup narrowly missed hitting Anthony. If it weren't for the fact that Henry had only one son, he would have disowned Anthony and kicked him out of the Nixon family right in an instant!

Rachel, Anthony's mother, was also visibly distressed, tears falling freely as she began to speak. “What are you even thinking?! Who would marry Delilah of all people? She will only tarnish our family name You've embarrassed Claudia for such a woman! Anthony, don't you feel any remorse?"

Everly couldn't help but scoff. "Men are always drawn to fragile women who require their protection. It seems my brother isn't an exception.”

Her words stung both her father and brother. Years ago, Henry once had a mistress just Like Delilah!

Rachel, too angered to wipe her tears, walked over to Anthony and gave him a hard pinch. “Go to the Marshall family. Bow down and apologize to Claudia! We don't mind her marriage to Bennett. If she’s willing to divorce, we'll throw her a splendid weddin:

Everly, known for her sharp tongue, scoffed again. "We might be willing, but I doubt Claudia would be."

“No one would mistake you for a mute if you kept quiet, Everly!"

Henry glared at his daughter, resulting in Everly Leaving the room with a defiant smile.

Anthony bore his mother's scolding and physical rebuke. When she finally calmed down, he uttered, "I'm ready to apologize to Claudia."