My Substitute CEO Bride

The Cricton residence in Antaria sat on a vast seaside villa area with more than 300 villas stretching as far as the eye could see. This was the home of the Cricton family and its many branches. They were a family with deep roots and intricate connections, reminiscent of an old tree with entwined roots. Today, many of the family's younger members had gathered at Tatiana's private villa. "Tatiana, tomorrow is your big day. Congratulations!" said a beautiful young girl. She smiled sweetly as her large, black, gem-like eyes shone with sincerity.

Tatiana responded with a smile, "Delilah, I see you've been working on your acting!"

Her grandfather had five brothers, and Delilah was the granddaughter of the fifth brother. Out of everyone in the Cricton family, Delilah was the least sincere about wishing Tatiana well. Beneath her innocent and cute exterior lay a heart full of pretense and deceit. Hearing Tatiana's sarcastic comment, Delilah's eyes suddenly reddened. "Tatiana, how can you say that about me? I truly wish you well!"

Her pitiful look made her the object of sympathy.

"Tatiana, you're being too harsh. Yesterday, Delilah even went to a jewelry store and ordered a pair of bracelets worth 800,000 to give you as a wedding gift," scolded another relative as they frowned at her. Tatiana glanced sideways and retorted sarcastically, "Wow, Delilah, I haven't seen you for a few days and you've already found yourself a new lapdog?"

"Tatiana, watch your mouth!" Devin's expression darkened as he stared at her. He was Delilah's childhood friend, and their mothers were as close as sisters, which gave him access to the Cricton family estate. Despite his fear of Tatiana, he could not stand to see his childhood friend insulted.

With a swift slap, Tatiana struck Devin across the face. Her tone was icy as she said, "How dare you speak to me like this?"

As a direct descendant of the main family, Tatiana held a higher status than Delilah, who was from a

collateral branch. Her status wamet

certainly higher than Devin's, who was even less significant in the family hierarchy.

"You... You..." Devin clutched his face, struggling to find words.

Delilah tearfully intervened, "Devin, you don't need to speak up for me. This is between Tatiana and me. You don't need to get involved."

Seeing her cry for him, Devin felt that the slap was worthwhile. He realized his place. They were in Tatiana's home, inside her personal villa in the Cricton residence. He had no right to speak out of turn.

"Tatiana, if I said something wrong,

please correct me. I can change. I don't want to upset you and harm your health," Delilah said, attempting to defuse the tension. Delilah's tear-filled eyes and soft, aggrieved voice melted the hearts of many gentlemen present.

Tatiana simply responded with a faint smile, "You're giving yourself too much credit. I simply find you annoying, that's all."

Delilah pursed her red, moist lips and nodded slightly. "I heard that your to-be husband is very handsome. Why don't you show us a photo, Tatiana?"

Her suggestion immediately piqued

the curiosity of everyone there. Tobias Thoran, the eldest son of the Thoran family, was a man who was rarely seen in public. If not for this marriage alliance, his name would have remained unknown.

Such was the mystery that shrouded a reclusive family. They rarely appeared in public view, and any rare sightings would quickly be erased to protect their privacy. "Come on, Tatiana, show us a photo. Tobias must be really handsome, right?"

"Exactly, just satisfy our curiosity!" The crowd of relatives from various branches clamored.

The noise gave Tatiana a headache, and she frowned, replying, "You'll see him tomorrow!"

Delilah smiled cunningly and suggested in a coquettish tone, "Since Tatiana doesn't want to show us, maybe I should do it for her?"