Chapter 20 Two hours later , the car pulled into a mountain estate . The ornate iron gates creaked open , revealing a driveway lit as bright as day . Violet had always known the Drakes were elite - but not this elite . Rumors said the family's wealth rivaled that of states , and now she knew those weren't exaggerations . The car stopped outside an estate . Xavier stepped out first and offered his arm . Violet took it , exhaling deeply as she looped her arm through his . 1/8 Chapter 20 + 5 Points A dozen uniformed staff came out to greet them . " Mr. and Mrs. Drake . " It was her first time in a setting like this . She couldn't help but feel uneasy , her steps instinctively retreating just slightly . Xavier gently wrapped an arm around her waist . " Don't be nervous . You're practically the lady of this house . Just relax . " He led her inside . Though it was technically a family dinner, the living room was glowing with crystal lights and elegance . The chandelier bathed the space in brilliance , and there were already guests scattered around in quiet clusters . 2/8 Chapter 20 + 5 Points The moment they stepped into the estate , all eyes shifted to Violet . " Mr. and Mrs. Drake . " Everyone they passed lowered their heads in respect . Violet leaned toward Xavier and whispered , " But we haven't even gotten our marriage certificate yet … Isn't it a bit early for them to call me that way ? " Xavier gave a small smile . " It's only a matter of time . " The living room was massive - at least ten times bigger than the Martins's villa . Just walking across it took a few minutes . And since she was in heels , her pace slowed even more . 3/8 Chapter 20 + 5 Points At the far end of the room , a regal - looking woman sat surrounded by other women , the center of attention like the moon among stars . Xavier did something rare - he lowered his head slightly . " Mom . " The elegant woman looked up slowly , her expression unreadable as she studied the woman next to her son . " So this is Violet ? The eldest daughter of the Martins ? " Xavier answered casually , " And your daughter - in - law ." 4/8 20 + 5 Points Isp97s sida shot her son a look, then turned her 19dfontion back to Violet . medie heard you've cut ties with your family ? " -he said it in an even tone - neither warm nor cold . It was impossible to tell what she was really thinking . " Your parents gave birth to you and raised you . And now that you're grown , you cut them off completely ? Aren't you afraid people will think poorly of you ? " Violet's palms were slightly clammy , but her voice stayed firm . " They gave birth to me , but they didn't raise me . There's no point keeping ties like that . And honestly , it's my life . I'm not here to live it according to other people's opinions ." 5/8 Chapter 20 + 5 Points The room went completely still . Years ago , Xavier had lost his father . Back then , relatives from the extended family had tried to take over their assets . Cressida held the line , all by herself . Half of what the Drake Group was today - its success , its power - was because of her . So no matter how powerful Xavier was in the business world , when it came to his mother , he was always respectful . There was even a saying in their social circle . " Whatever status Xavier holds among men , Cressida holds among women ." The silence now was tense and heavy . Then , unexpectedly , Cressida laughed . She raised a brow and said , " Dear , you're the 6/8 Chapter 20 + 5 Points second woman in our circle who's dared to do something so outrageous ." Violet blinked in surprise . It wasn't exactly something to brag about - and it wasn't like many women even could . Cressida pulled a soft blanket off her lap and stood up . nuour The women around her rose too , parting to make way . Clarise walked over to her son's soon - to - be wife , her smile bright and sharp . " The first woman who cut ties with her family … was me ! Violet's eyes widened . 7/8 Chapter 20 + 5 Points " Back then , when I broke off with my parents , everyone in our circle called me ungrateful . They even tried to block me at every turn . " Xavier's Dad was the only one who didn't judge me . He stood by me - and married me despite all the backlash . " It's been over 20 years now , and my son … has chosen a path just like his Dad's ." 8/8