Chapter 10:
Dinner, Disdain, and a Binding Promise

The Lorenzo Residence stood grand and imposing against the twilight sky-an exquisite colonial‑style estate with warm cream‑colored stonework, sweeping arched verandas, and terracotta roofing that glowed softly under the warm lamplight lining the cobblestone driveway. Towering palm trees swayed gently along the iron‑gated entrance, and manicured gardens filled with blooming foliage framed the wide stairs leading to the main doors. But once inside, the atmosphere shifted dramatically: the formal dining hall was a masterpiece of modern luxury and timeless elegance. Floor‑to‑ceiling glass walls stretched upward to a double‑height ceiling, offering views of the lantern‑lit courtyard and reflecting the dazzling arrangement of suspended golden pendant lights that hung like glowing stars over the long wooden table. The walls were lined with smooth stone and warm timber paneling, blending natural textures with sleek sophistication, while soft ambient lighting cast a golden glow over fine bone china, crystal stemware, polished silver cutlery, and delicate floral centerpieces. Yet beneath this breathtaking beauty, the air felt heavy-thick with unspoken judgment and a tense silence that hummed between every breath.

Kath sat perched on the edge of her plush leather chair, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. She could not still her nerves; her fingers were locked tightly around Gavin's, squeezing for dear life as if he were the only anchor in a storm. She had never imagined stepping into a world this lavish-surrounded by wealth and grandeur that felt almost surreal-but here she was, with no path left to turn back. Beside her, Gavin sat relaxed and commanding in his tailored suit, his posture calm yet fiercely protective. Beneath the table, his hand rested possessively yet tenderly on her thigh, his palm warm against the black satin of her dress, his fingers brushing lightly upward-close enough to make her breath catch, close enough to make her skin tingle with a craving she had never known before. Even in this intimidating room, she found herself leaning into his touch, drinking in every bit of affection he offered.

No one spoke. The silence stretched on, long and eerie, filling the vast dining space until the faint rustle of fabric sounded like thunder. Finally, Gavin let out a low, amused chuckle-sharp, confident, and deliberately loud enough to cut through the suffocating stillness.

"Dad, Amanda," he said clearly, his voice ringing with unshakable pride. He turned slightly, his arm resting casually along the back of Kath's chair, marking her as his in every way. "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend-Kathryna."

Across the table, George Styles-Gavin's father-broke into a warm, welcoming smile. A distinguished man with kind eyes and a gentle demeanor, he leaned forward, radiating genuine warmth. But Kath could feel another gaze burning into her: Amanda's. Gavin's stepmother sat poised and elegant in a designer gown, her posture rigid, her lips painted a sharp crimson and pressed into a thin, cold line. Her eyes swept over Kath from head to toe-cold, calculating, and openly dismissive-making it abundantly clear she found her wanting.

"Good evening, sweetheart," George said warmly, his smile softening the formality of the room. "I'm George, Gavin's father, and this is Amanda-my wife and Gavin's stepmother. It's truly wonderful to meet you. It's been years since my son brought a young lady into this home, and I must say, I'm delighted he's found someone as lovely as you."

Kath offered a polite but nervous smile, her voice steady despite the tremor in her chest. "Good evening, Mr. Lorenzo. Thank you-it's an honor to be here."

"So," George continued, slicing neatly into his perfectly cooked steak, his tone friendly and curious. "Is my boy treating you well? I've always known Gavin has excellent taste-but seeing you here, I know he's chosen someone beautiful and kind." He winked playfully at Gavin, making Kath's cheeks flush a deep, rosy crimson.

Gavin grinned, his green eyes shining with pride. "Of course I am, Dad. I intend to love and cherish her exactly as a lady like her deserves-with all the respect and devotion in the world."

The two men shared a warm, amused laugh-but beside him, Amanda let out a sharp, disdainful huff. She rolled her eyes so dramatically there was no mistaking her contempt, her manicured fingers tightening around her wineglass until her knuckles whitened. The warmth in the room seemed to evaporate instantly.

Then, she spoke-her voice sharp, icy, and dripping with arrogance, shattering whatever peace had remained.

"Let's cut the pleasantries, shall we?" she said slowly, tilting her head as she raked Kath with a cruel, assessing stare. "Tell me, dear-what kind of background do you come from? The Lorenzo name is world‑renowned-we own luxury hotel chains across Europe and America, a multi‑billion‑dollar empire. What business does your family hold? What is your status? What class of life do you actually live?"

Kath's throat went bone‑dry. She swallowed hard, panic flaring in her chest-but before she could speak, Gavin's hand gave her thigh a firm, reassuring squeeze. He answered calmly, his voice steady and unflinching, refusing to let Amanda intimidate them.

"Her family owns no business, Amanda. Her father is a respected investigative journalist, and her mother worked as a housekeeper for many years to support their family."

Amanda's eyebrows shot upward in exaggerated shock, a sneer twisting her lips as if she had smelled something foul.

"A maid?" she repeated loudly, emphasizing the word with utter disgust. "Oh, how quaint. So your mother was nothing more than a servant? Tell me the truth, sweetheart-aren't you just using Gavin as your golden ticket? Climbing out of poverty and selling your innocence just to buy your way into our wealth and status?"

Rage exploded inside Kath like wildfire. Her hands curled into tight fists in her lap, her nails digging into her palms until they stung. How dare she? she thought, her heart pounding with indignation. How dare she insult my family, my mother, and my worth like this?

"Amanda-that is enough!" George's voice boomed across the dining hall, deep and thunderous, echoing off the high glass walls and timber beams. His face hardened into a look of stern disapproval. "You have gone too far."

"I'm only protecting this family!" Amanda shot back, unrepentant and defiant. She lifted her chin, her eyes flashing with malice. "He is the sole heir to this empire! His name carries honor and power! What will society say if they see him with a girl of such humble roots? I am only safeguarding our reputation!"

Gavin shoved his chair back violently, the legs scraping loudly against the polished stone floor as he rose to his feet. His face was dark with fury, his emerald eyes blazing like storm‑tossed gems.

"Since when did you become part of this family enough to judge me?" he shouted, his voice sharp and commanding, ringing through the vast room. "You have no right-no right-to speak to her like that, to insult her family, or to look down on the woman I love! You are not my mother, and you never will be!"

With a fierce motion, he slammed his crystal wineglass onto the table-red liquid spilling over the rim, staining the white linen and glistening like rubies in the golden light. George shook his head slowly, a look of deep disappointment etched across his face.

"We are leaving," Gavin announced, his tone final and unyielding. He adjusted the lapels of his expensive suit, then reached down and took Kath's trembling hand firmly in his. "I'll see you soon, Father."

He guided her quickly across the gleaming dining space, past the hanging lights and floor‑to‑ceiling windows that framed the star‑dusted garden outside. They were almost through the grand arched entrance when Amanda's voice sliced through the silence again-cold, triumphant, and laced with malice.

"Gavin!" she called out, using the private name only Kath used, twisting it into a weapon. "Don't you dare walk away and forget the truth! There is a formal agreement-signed and sealed-between the Lorenzo family and the Lim! You are promised to marry Olivia Lim!"

The words hung heavy and damning in the air. Gavin froze for one heartbeat, his grip tightening protectively around Kath's hand-before he pulled her forward again, stepping out into the cool night air, away from the judgment, the cruelty, and the cruel promise that threatened to tear them apart.