Similar to the exterior of the house, the interior followed a classic and luxurious French design, well-lighted with several huge chandeliers.
It is easily notable that only the finest materials are used.
Soon, what greeted them are two grand and elegantly curved staircases that leads to the second floor of the mansion.
"!!..."
Wow!! This place is basically like a palace!
Stephanie Ruan quickly recognised the expensive paintings that are hanging on both sides of the wall.
Each painting could easily be sold at the auction for at least ten million yuan (about 1.5 million US dollars)!
And there are at least 20 paintings here in just this area alone!
...
As they entered the main living room, the originally lively atmosphere had become totally silent within a split second!
In the eyes of Stephanie Ruan, it is pretty obvious that the two of them are not welcomed at all.
Meanwhile, the Zhong family members are astonished by the fact that Javier Zhong has brought back such a beautiful lady.
But having said this, it is not like he has even brought home any woman before!
Jealousy filled their hearts as they continued to stare at the perfect couple with their unfriendly gazes.
"..."
Just then, an older lady dressed in a branded red midi dress with several pieces of expensive jewellery on her stood up and walked towards them.
"Javier, you came back today?" Auntie Josephine asked him with a fake smile.
With his cold character, she knew that he would ignore her and so she moved on to her next target - Stephanie Ruan.
"Oh... And who is this girl that you brought home?? Why didn't you let the elders know about this? Not anyone could just step into our Zhong's Residence, you know that right?"
Of course, who would dare to speak to Javier Zhong in this manner? Even his family members are not exempted from his ruthlessness.
In fact, she was indirectly speaking to Stephanie Ruan and letting her know that she does not belong here!
But upon saying her piece, Auntie Josephine could not help but steal another glance at Stephanie Ruan from head to toe.
Designer dress by one of the top fashion designers in the world?!
Her limited-edition handbag that is worth close to five hundred thousand yuan (about 79 thousand US dollars)?!
And the high heels!!... That is the one she has been eyeing for a long time but... it is too expensive!
Did Javier Zhong already pamper this lady to the skies?!!
While she is still secretly in shock, another lady stood up from her seat and stepped forward.
This lady is even more well-dressed than Auntie Josephine, and with just one look, you could instantly tell that she holds a higher status in the family.
Completely disregarding the fact that Stephanie Ruan is standing beside him, Victoria Zhong spoke to him directly, "Javier, I've arranged a blind date for you next week at Fordworth Hotel, you will..."
However, Javier Zhong did not hesitate to interrupt his stepmother, "There's no need for that. I've brought my fiancé home today."
His words immediately caused a big commotion in the family. Everyone, including the servants, was shocked by this sudden news.
"How dare you do this?! Did you forget who I am?!"
To which Javier Zhong let out a cold sneer. "You??... Aren't you just nothing but my father's second wife?"
"!!..."
Victoria Zhong could not bear the embarrassment that he has brought to her in front of everyone. She put her hand up and was ready to give him a slap on his face.
To be honest, he is already used to such a situation at home and it did not bother him at all that his stepmother is reacting in such a manner.
In fact, for a woman like her who had seduced his father and stolen his biological mother's status in the house after she had passed away, how much respect could she get from him?
The point is... does she even deserve any??
However, what's different today is that...
Before he could even block her hand from reaching his face, Stephanie Ruan is one step faster and has already grabbed onto her wrist.
"!!!..."
Prior to this, Stephanie Ruan could feel the tension in Javier Zhong's body. She could also tell that he does not respect any of the members sitting in the living hall.
Judging from the way they are treating him, it's no wonder why he would treat them poorly.
These rude and disrespectful people... Stephanie Ruan could not help but frown at them.
Is this how a family should be like??
She looked at Victoria Zhong directly in her eyes and smiled at her indifferently. "Why not? You are not happy that he chose me as his fiancé?"
Stephanie Ruan maintained her courteous smile while throwing Victoria Zhong's hand away.
She then looked at the other family members behind and assured them, "Don't worry. Everyone will soon realise that Javier has made the right decision. After all... not anyone can step into the Zhong's Residence..."
She then fixed her eyes back at Victoria Zhong and smirked coldly, "...you know that, right?"
As soon as Stephanie Ruan had said her piece, she stared fearlessly into Victoria Zhong's eyes.
Feeling Stephanie Ruan's strong aura, everyone held on to their breaths and no one dared to speak another word.
For that minute or so, it truly felt as though she was in full control of the situation and no one had the capability to compete with her!
Meanwhile, Javier Zhong, who had been observing her the entire time, displayed a satisfactory look on his face.
Seeing how she had fiercely protected him earlier, his ice-cold heart had subconsciously softened a little.
In the past, there would only be one person who would protect him just like this, and that person is his grandmother.
Although he has already become a strong and capable man, it still feels undeniably good to have someone to protect him like this once in a while.
...
After hearing that her words were being used against her eldest sister-in-law, Auntie Josephine subconsciously shrunk back and did not dare to look up.
Argh! This lady is surely wise and quick-witted!!
Within a few seconds, Stephanie Ruan took a step back to Javier Zhong's side and cling onto his arm affectionately.
"Darling, you must be feeling tired from all this unnecessary drama... Shall we have a bigger heart and not waste our precious time mingling with such people??"
"Mmm... I'll listen to you." Javier Zhong smiled gently and played along with her.