Chapter 22
At Harrington Manor, a voice filled with confusion broke the silence. “What? Switch to someone else?”
Stephen stared at Raymond, clearly not following. Raymond never got involved in family matters, yet here he was, suggesting the Harringtons should renegotiate the engagement with the Westons
You think there’s someone more suitable for Alex in the Weston family?” Stephen asked. Before waiting for an answer, he shook his head. “No chance. They only have three girls, including Mason’s two illegitimate daughters. I’ve seen all of them.
“Veronica is the only one with real potential. The other two girls are as small–minded as their mother. Not even close to being good enough for anyone in our family.”
Raymond adjusted his tie in front of the mirror, his voice calm as ever. “You have sons, not just grandsons. Remember?”
Stephen nodded. “Of course I know that. But right now, we’re talking about Alex and Vero” He stopped talking and shot Raymond a surprised look. “Wait Are you saying… take Alex out of the picture and have you marry Veronica instead?”
Raymond didn’t blink. “Does that not work?”
Stephen sucked in a sharp breath, then suddenly grabbed the cane beside him and swung it toward Raymond. “You brat, don’t you know Veronica is much younger than you? How can you even say something like that with a straight face!”
Though Stephen was furious, the cane never stood a chance of landing on Raymond. Raymond leaned down, picked it up off the floor, and calmly placed it back next to Stephen. He said, ‘Pick one–your pride, or your son staying single for life”
“No brainer. Let you stay single,” Stephen shot back without hesitation. He sounded completely serious.
Raymond’s eyes settled on Stephen, cold and steady.
Stephen squared his shoulders and snapped, “What are y you staring at? That’s the answer. Deal with it”
“Well” Raymond gave a slight nod, turned around, and walked out without another word.
Stephen kept a straight face as he watched his son’s tall figure disappear into the courtyard. The moment Raymond was out of sight, Stephen waved to the butler nearby. “Quick, get me the phone. I need to call Mason.”
Ruben Rankin held back a laugh, thinking, ‘Mr. Harrington’s really like a kid sometimes. Acts all tough, but he’s worried sick about Raymond deep down. Good thing Raymond knows his father is just stubborn. If he didn’t, the two of them would’ve blown up.
Ruben handed Stephen the phone. “Sir, Raymond has sharp hearing. If you’re gonna talk about the engagement, better keep your voice
down.”
Stephen shot Ruben a glare. “Who said I’m gonna talk about the engagement? I’m calling to see if Mason is free for a round of golf.”
Ruben glanced at the phone, then at Stephen’s eyes, and sighed inwardly, ‘Golf? From Northware to Cloudhaven? That’s hundreds of miles. Well, let’s just pretend that makes sense.
Ruben turned to leave, but Stephen called after him, still gripping the phone. “Go check the front gate. See if that brat is really gone.”
The way Stephen peeked toward the door looked more like a thief than a prestigious old man.
Ruben said nothing, but his face said plenty.
In the Weston Manor sitting room, Mason was seated on the main couch. Veronica stood beside him, while Edwin and Gavin flanked her on either side like bodyguards.
They had serious faces as they stared at Alexander and Grace, who was sitting next to him with her head hanging low.
Under Edwin and Gavin’s intense gazes, Grace wished she could just sink into the floor. She didn’t dare to look up, let alone glance at Veronica’s amused expression.
Alexander noticed how uncomfortable Grace looked and immediately assumed the Westons had done something terrible to her. That only made him more determined. He straightened his back and came right out with it. “Mr. Weston, I’m here today to tell you–I’m not marrying Veronica”
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Chapter 22
Mason, Edwin. Gavin, and even Veronica all looked confused. Grace, on the other hand, had a flicker of joy in her eyes.
Alexander continued, “I—”
“Hold up,” Veronica cut him off. It wasn’t actually her time to say, since her grandfather was still there. But this was about her marriage, so she figured she had the right to speak. Still, before she said more, she turned to Mason for permission.
Mason said. “Ronie, go ahead. What you say represents my thoughts.”
With the green light, Veronica spoke up, “Sorry, but may I know who you are exactly?”
Alexander stared at her, totally shocked.
Veronica continued, “Do you think you’re God’s gift or something? Or do you assume I’ll take any guy thrown my way? Sounds like you’re forced into some tragic marriage. What kind of soap opera are you living in?”
Alexander just sat there, stunned.
He thought, “Wait, isn’t she supposed to cry and run off after I reject her? Why is she standing here and judging me? Though, bad attitude aside, she really is good–looking!
Grace, who had been watching Alexander closely, panicked. She jumped in to speak for Alexander, “Sis, Alex didn’t mean-
“You are calling me your sister now?” Veronica raised her brows, smirking. “And what’s with you and him, huh? Jumping to explain things for him? Don’t tell me he’s trying to marry you instead?”
Whatever fleeting fondness Alexander had for Veronica vanished instantly.
Seeing Grace about to tear up again, Alexander turned to Mason in frustration. “Mr. Weston, I don’t understand why you’d ignore your well–educated granddaughter and support a village girl instead. Aren’t you worried people will judge you?”
Veronica snapped, “My grandpa’s choice is none of your business, okay?”
Edwin added, “Mr. Alexander Harrington, I suggest you choose your words carefully
Gavin, always the more hot–headed one, went straight to mocking. “Alexander, you seriously think you’re hot stuff? You come to our house running your mouth and still have the nerve to judge our grandpa?”
Alexander stammered, “You guys… I just…
Grace tried to smooth things over, “Come on, we’re family. Can’t you at least do it for me
“Wait, we’re definitely not family.” Gavin cut her off.
Both Edwin and Gavin were clearly siding with Veronica without question.
Grace’s eyes welled up with tears again.
Alexander tried to comfort her. “Grace, don’t worry about them. One day, they’ll see they were fooled by a snake.
His eyes stayed locked on Veronica the whole time, making it obvious who the snake was in his mind.
Veronica let out a cold laugh, clearly annoyed. “Edwin, Gavin, what do we usually do when a stray dog barks in our house?” She flexed her wrist, looking like she was about to fight.
Edwin quickly grabbed her arm and said, “Ronie, chill. You haven’t recovered yet. Don’t make it worse.”
Gavi
Alex
