The dining hall remained silent after Alexander's firm words.
"And anyone who disrespects her… disrespects me."
Emily could feel everyone staring at her again, but this time the atmosphere felt different.
Alexander's grandfather slowly placed his fork down on the table.
The small sound echoed across the quiet room.
"Enough," the old man said.
Immediately, the whispers stopped.
All attention turned toward him.
He looked directly at Emily.
"You are not what I expected."
Emily wasn't sure if that was good or bad.
She straightened slightly in her chair.
"With respect, sir, I didn't expect any of this either."
For a moment, the old man simply watched her.
Then, surprisingly, he nodded.
"At least you are honest."
Sophia's expression darkened.
"Grandfather," she said sweetly, "surely you don't actually believe this marriage is real."
The old man turned his sharp gaze toward her.
"And why shouldn't I?"
Sophia smiled politely, but there was tension in her voice.
"Because Alexander would never marry someone so… suddenly."
The room became uncomfortable again.
Emily lowered her eyes slightly, unsure what to say.
But Alexander spoke first.
"My personal decisions are not open for debate."
Sophia's smile stiffened.
Alexander's grandfather raised his hand slightly.
"That is enough."
The entire table fell silent again.
The old man slowly stood up.
"I have heard enough tonight."
Emily felt her heart begin to race.
Was he about to end this marriage?
The old man looked at Alexander… then at Emily.
"If this marriage is truly real," he said slowly, "then there is only one way to prove it."
Alexander frowned slightly.
"And what is that?"
The old man smiled faintly.
"You will both move into the main Knight residence."
Emily's eyes widened.
"Move in?"
"Yes," the old man continued calmly. "A real married couple should live together."
Sophia's face turned pale.
"But Grandfather—"
"I have made my decision," he said firmly.
Then his gaze returned to Emily.
"And if you survive living in that house…"
He paused slightly.
"Then perhaps you truly deserve to be part of this family."
Emily felt her stomach twist with nerves.
Because something told her that living in the Knight residence would not be easy.
Especially when Sophia was still watching her with cold, angry eyes.