Wife my

Chapter 391

Geoffrey smiled politely. “I have a simple request. I mainly want to meet President Harper. There’s nothing beyond that. Don’t think too badly of me. Not everyone has an ulterior motive.”

“Threatening my daughter-in-law with your own son, and then telling me you have no ulterior motive? Chairman Carter, we’re not children or idiots, so let’s not lie with our eyes wide open,” Sydney snapped.

She was filled with rage. Every word she said was sharp, and she wasn’t showing Geoffrey any courtesy.

Rosalie didn’t expect Sydney to be so direct, either.

Sydney turned her head, and said, “Rose, go pick out some seafood. Choose the freshest ones.”NôvelDrama.Org content.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

“Okay.” Rosalie stood up. “You two chat first.”

It seemed they had things to discuss.

The waiter led Rosalie to the seafood section. “This way, please.”

All the seafood here was live, and selected on the spot.

After Rosalie left, Geoffrey discarded his polite demeanor.

Sydney’s expression grew colder. “Geoffrey, what are you playing at? Do you find this amusing?”

Geoffrey chuckled, and rested his elbow on the table. He leaned forward a little, and said slowly, “Yes, I find it very amusing. More importantly, I really want to see you angry, just like before.”

Time seemed to have been especially kind to Sydney, leaving only few traces on her face. She didn’t have a single wrinkle, and it made her even more charming. This charm was too lethal and too attractive, something young women couldn’t compare to.

Sydney scoffed. “Really? It seems your life is quite boring, Chairman Carter. How bored must you be to have such a twisted sense of humor?”

Geoffrey heaved a sigh. “Indeed, it is

a bit boring. The nights are endless. Why don’t you suggest how to make my life more interesting, President Harper?”

He nudged Sydney’s calf lightly with his toe.

Sydney didn’t move. Her expression was calm, though she really wanted to splash a glass of water on his face.

“Geoffrey, keep your feet in place. You should be more dignified at your age, or you’ll be an old lecher.”

Seeing Sydney’s face devoid of anger, excitement, and any other emotion, Geoffrey narrowed his eyes. A trace of displeasure flashed in them.

He sat up straight, and leaned against the chair. “Let’s talk about your husband. Have you reconciled with him?”

Sydney smiled. “We’ve been reconciled for a long time. We’re doing very well, thank you.”

“Oh, really? I suppose you’re the type to reconcile with a scumbag husband. What’s the term? A scumbag is usually with a cheap woman, right?” Sydney stiffened slightly.

“Geoffrey, don’t use terms you barely

understand to criticize others’

personal choices. I generally think

et

people who do that are quite low Only lowly beings have such narrow minds. Besides, you rich folks secretly cheat on your wives all the time, don’t you?”

There were too many people in this world who criticized others without bothering to look in the mirror. Who gave them the right to do so?

“Heh.” Geoffrey tugged at the tie

around his neck, feeling a bit

irritable. “You really know how to rile

me up. Fine, let’s talk about your son Theodore. I didn’t even know he was married.”

Sydney’s lips curled up as she chuckled. “That’s none of your business.”

Chapter 392

Meanwhile, Rosalie picked out the seafood.

When she returned, she saw from a distance that Geoffrey and Sydney were still talking. She didn’t know what they were discussing. Worried she might interrupt them by approaching them now, she sat nearby and waited.

Suddenly, she remembered that she had told Sebastian last night that she would call him once she was feeling better. Now that she had some free time, she dialed Sebastian’s number.

Sebastian picked up immediately. “Hello, Rose.”

“Seb, it’s me. Sorry about leaving early last night.”

“It’s okay, it was an emergency. It wasn’t your fault. Are you feeling better now?” Sebastian asked.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Rosalie responded with a hum. “I’m much better. By the way, how did it go with Miss Yancey last night? After I left, did you get along well with her?” Seeing that Sebastian remained silent, Rosalie asked, “What’s wrong? Didn’t you talk with her? How do you expect to win a girl’s heart like this? If you really can’t manage, ask Vonnie to help you. She’s clever, and she seems to have a lot of ideas.”

After a few more seconds of silence, Sebastian said, “Rose, can we not talk about Lily anymore?”

“Why?” Rosalie frowned slightly. “Did something happen? What’s going on between you and Miss Yancey?”

“Rose, actually, I…”

Before Sebastian could finish, a bodyguard walked up to Rosalie. “Miss Young, the chairman invites you to the table.”

Sebastian thought the bodyguard’s voice was familiar. “Rose, where are you now?”

Not wanting him to worry, Rosalie replied, “I’m fine, don’t worry. I’ll explain it to you once I’m done here.” Her calm voice gave nothing away. “Alright, let me know if anything comes up,” Sebastian said.

After hanging up, Rosalie returned to her previous seat. She sensed an unusual tension between Sydney and Geoffrey. She had a feeling this wasn’t their first meeting.

“Rosalie, where did you run off to?” Geoffrey asked with a smile.

Rosalie say Geoffrey as a smiling tiger; he was particularly sinister ruthless, and hypocritical. He even called her name so nicely! He

е

certainly wasn’t this kind when he

threatened her.

“I felt that you and my mom had something to discuss, so I didn’t want to disturb you,” Rosalie said formally.

Even if she disliked someone, she still maintained basic courtesy.

“It’s alright Geoffrey said. “There’s nothing you can’t hear. I just want to be friends with your mom, nothing more. By the way, you don’t mind if I call you Rosalie, do you?”

Rosalie shook her head. “I don’t mind.”

Even if she did mind, it didn’t seem to matter.

Geoffrey continued, “I didn’t know you were Mr. Spencer’s ex-wife. At first, I thought you were Sebastian’s girlfriend.”

“No,” Rosalie quickly explained. “Seb and I are just friends, nothing more.”

l

“Even if there was something, it’s no big deal.” Geoffrey seemed very open-minded. “After all, you’re divorced, right? My son is also single d’m not old-fashioned. Even if there’s something going on between you two…”

“Mr. Carter, there really is nothing going on between your son and me. We’re just friends. Please don’t misunderstand,” Rosalie insisted.

Sydney picked up her glass and sipped some juice, all the while glancing a

Chapter 393

Seeing how eager Rosalie was to clarify herself, it seemed she really had nothing to do with Sebastian.

Sydney was an objective and fair person, and she wasn’t someone who would side with family over reason. But Theodore was her son, so she was somewhat biased toward him.

“So that’s how it is.” Geoffrey nodded. “I understand. Now, I can rest assured about Sebastian getting married.”

“What?” Rosalie asked in confusion. “Sebastian’s getting married?”

Geoffrey said, “Yes. He’s not young anymore. It’s time for him to settle down and start a family. I’ve already chosen a wife for him.”

Rosalie frowned. “Who is she?”

“A friend’s daughter, whom I watched grow up. I like her a lot, and most importantly, her father and I have a good relationship and some business dealings.”

Hearing Geoffrey’s explanation, Rosalie understood everything completely. This was an undisguised business alliance.

“Did Sebastian agree?” Rosalie asked.

“He’s the eldest son of the Carter family. This is his responsibility, so whether he agrees or not doesn’t matter.”

“Mr. Carter, people should have the right to choose who to marry. After all, this isn’t the past. Times are changing, so I think…”

“Rosalie,” Geoffrey interrupted her, “I understand your point, but regardless of which era we’re in, interests always come first. Of course…”

He continued, “At first, I thought you and Sebastian were a couple. I never planned to break you up. I think you’re very smart, so if you stay by his side, you can be of significant help to him. But since you said you’re not dating him, I definitely need to find him a wife. If left to him, he probably wouldn’t want to settle down even by the time he’s forty.”

Geoffrey’s words sounded

reasonable on the surface. Upon deeper thought, however, he was still the patriarch who dictated everything in the family-just like in ancient times.

Even if his son didn’t have a girlfriend, he shouldn’t arrange a marriage like this.

Rosalie wanted to say more, but Sydney said leisurely, “Rose, you’re not his girlfriend. You shouldn’t meddle in his marriage. I’m sure Chairman Carter will handle himself.”

Sydney was hinting at Rosalie to stop minding other people’s business.This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Rosalie wanted to say more, but hearing Sydney, she swallowed her words. It wasn’t because she was obedient, but because she knew that speaking up now would be useless.

Geoffrey was a very dictatorial person; how he treated Sebastian at home last time was evident.

Rosalie was very worried about

Sebastian. He had a father who even interfered in his marriage. She felt that Sebastian wasn’t someone who would willingly accept an arranged marriage and a fate like that if he clashed with his father, it would lead to another chaotic situation.

As she ate, Rosalie felt like she was chewing on cardboard instead of seafood.

Later, Sydney and Geoffrey discussed some economic issues, and Rosalie listened in. Just from these two bigwigs’ conversation, she learned quite a bit.

After lunch ended, Sydney went to the bathroom. Only Geoffrey and Rosalie remained.

Rosalie also wanted to find an excuse to go to the bathroom, but before she could speak, Geoffrey spoke first.

“Rosalie, I’m very happy to have met your mother-in-law today. Thank you.”

Rosalie forced a smile on her face. “You’re welcome, sir.”

Chapter 394

He should be grateful to himself for threatening others.

Geoffrey noticed Rosalie’s lukewarm reaction, and seemed to understand something.

“I know you don’t have a good impression of me, but I have a reason for everything I do. As a father, I naturally care about my son’s happiness. But since he doesn’t have a girlfriend now, even if I wanted to fulfill his wishes, I wouldn’t have the opportunity.

“I know my son. If we wait for him to get married on his own, who knows when that will be? The woman I’ve found for him is very nice. I believe they will be well-suited for each other once they get to know each other.”

“Mr. Carter, you may think they will get along well after getting to know each other, but Sebastian might not feel the same way. What if he refuses? What will you do, then?” Rosalie asked. She wanted to know what consequences Sebastian would face.

“So he better not refuse.” Geoffrey’s voice turned a bit colder. “You can also persuade him to accept my arrangement.”

“Me, persuade him?” Rosalie found it absurd.

This was utterly unreasonable! She hadn’t even met the woman Sebastian was supposed to marry, so on what grounds could she persuade him to marry her? Besides, even if she had met that woman, whether Sebastian wanted to marry her or not was his business. Why should she persuade him?

If it were a woman Sebastian liked and he asked her for help, she would be willing to assist, like with Lily. Back then, Sebastian had asked her in the office how to pursue a girl.

She couldn’t—and wouldn’t-match him with a woman he didn’t like.

“Yes, Rosalie. You can persuade him,” Geoffrey repeated.

“Mr. Carter, have you talked to Sebastian? What if he has someone he likes…?”

“So what?” Geoffrey dismissed this. “Whether he likes or loves her doesn’t matter. Once he’s married, it all turns sour eventually. Marriages built on love don’t last long. The marriages that stand the test of time are maintained by interests, with clear goals and a clear understanding of why one is getting married.”

Rosalie was really speechless. She really hated such cruel and realistic words, as they were disheartening.

It seemed that apart from interests,

there was nothing else in this world. According to Geoffrey, this world

was devoid of genuine emotionee

between people. Even if there they wouldn’t last long. If that were the case, how sad would this world be?

Marriage, originally the union of two people who wanted to spend their lives together, now seemed meaningless, and even repulsive.

If it was all about interests, then why not just make deals directly? Why tarnish the institution of marriage?

Two people were supposed to

spend a lifetime together. If the

relationship was only maintained by interests, how long could it last? One couldn’t be sure that one could provide lifelong benefits to the other.

Geoffrey was too confident.

“My marriage with my wife was also a business alliance,” Geoffrey said. “We’re doing just fine, and there are no problems. Most of the people around me who married for love

have either divorced or argue daily.”

“I thought you were a wise person, Mr. Carter,” Rosalie said angrily. “But it turns out, you only focus on the people around you.”

Why did some people think that those around them represented everyone in the world?

“I admire your persistence. People do need to have hope. But sometimes, one has to face reality. After all, didn’t you and your husband also get divorced? Didn’t you marry for love?” Geoffrey said.

Rosalie’s hands, which were resting on her legs, clenched into fists.

Yes, she and Theodore had divorced. On top of that, their marriage lasted only a year.From NôvelDrama.Org.

How could she now confidently assert what marriage should be like? She couldn’t even handle her own marriage!

Chapter 395

Rosalie married Theodore for love and not interest, but they still got divorced.

So, how was one supposed to maintain a marriage? Neither love nor interests worked. It was no wonder that more and more people were reluctant to get married, preferring to live alone for the sake of freedom and ease.

Rosalie took a deep breath, and tried hard to compose herself before asking, “Sebastian is your son. Don’t you care about his happiness at all?” “From what you’re saying, you want him to be happy? Then tell me, what should I do to make him happy?” Geoffrey asked.

“Let him choose for himself,” she said. “He has the right to choose the woman he wants. His marriage should be his decision, regardless of the outcome. It’s his choice, not something imposed on him by others.”

Geoffrey slowly straightened his sleeves. “I see. Seems like you really care about him. It’s a pity…”

He sighed.

“Pity about what?” Rosalie asked.

Before Geoffrey could answer, Sydney returned. “What are you two talking about?”

Geoffrey smiled. “Nothing much. We were just talking about how you’re a great mother-in-law. You treat your daughter-in-law so well even after the divorce. It’s like you’re still family.”

“Chairman Carter, we’ve met and had lunch. Now, Rose and I will be leaving.” Sydney didn’t want to stay there a second longer.

Rosalie stood up as well. She straightened out her clothes before following Sydney.

Geoffrey nodded. “I’ll walk you out.”

“No need. We can manage by ourselves. Please stay, Chairman Carter.” With that, Sydney turned around and glanced at Rosalie. “Let’s go.”

After getting into the car, Sydney asked, “Are you really just friends with his son?”

She sounded rather interrogative. As she always spoke coldly, it felt somewhat aggressive.

“Yes,” Rosalie answered truthfully. “We’re good friends.”

“Just good friends, and nothing else?”

“Mom, Seb and I are really just good friends, nothing more.”

“Never slept together?” Sydney pressed.

Rosalie was stunned. “Mom, why would you think that? Seb and I are innocent. We haven’t done anything! We’re just friends. His father is mistaken.”

“Then why would his father be mistaken? Isn’t it because you’re too close with Sebastian?”

Rosalie frowned. “Mom, I have a clear conscience. Nothing has happened between Seb and me. We’re just friends.”

As soon as Rosalie finished speaking, her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID-it was Sebastian.

Rosalie answered the call. “Hello.”

“Rose, how are you now?”

“I’m fine, why?” Rosalie asked.

“I was worried about you,” Sebastian said. “Earlier on the phone, I think heard my father’s bodyguard. Did

IMS

you meet my father? Did he trouble you?”

Sebastian had been thinking something was off, so he called to check on her.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“I’m fine, don’t worry. I’ve already

et

finished unch, and I’m on my way

finisher father didn’t trouble

e said.

“What did he say to you?” Sebastian asked.

Chapter 396

“Seb, you don’t have to worry. Your father wasn’t here to see me today, but my mother-in-law, the president of Apex Bank. I was just accompanying her. Nothing happened.”

“Really?”

“Really. If something had happened, would I still be sitting here talking to you? Don’t worry too much.”

Sebastian heaved a sigh of relief. “That’s good. Rose, if you need to meet my father next time, let me know in advance. I didn’t know about today’s meeting.”

“It’s fine, Seb. Your father wouldn’t do anything outrageous to me. By the way, do you know that he…”

“What about him?” Sebastian asked.

Rosalie suddenly remembered that Sydney was sitting next to her, so she said, “Seb, let’s talk about it next time we meet. Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. I’m fine. I’m heading home now.”

“Alright, call me when you get home, just so I know that you’re safe.”

“Okay, I will. Bye.” Rosalie hung up.

She turned, and saw Sydney staring meaningfully at her.

Feeling awkward, she forced herself to smile. “He called me because he was worried. He knows his father can be scary.”

“Oh, really?” Sydney said calmly. “Your friend is quite considerate.”

Rosalie nodded. “He’s a very good friend. Even though we haven’t known each other for long, he treats me very well. I can’t be cold to someone who’s kind to me.”

She then received a message on her phone. It was from Sebastian.

[Rose, you mentioned on the phone that you’d tell me about my father when we meet. Can I come over after you get home today? We can talk in person.]

Sydney glanced at Rosalie’s phone screen.

“Did Sebastian send that? What did he say?” Sydney had seen the sender’s name, but not the content of the message.

“He wants to meet today.”

“Today?” Sydney shook her head. “No. Tell him you have plans.”

Rosalie was puzzled. “Mom, I don’t have any plans this afternoon.”

“You do now,” Sydney said. “Didn’t I say earlier that I want to have a good talk with Theo? You need to be there. I’ve decided it will be today. I’m worried we might argue, so I need you around.”

“Today?” Rosalie thought for a moment. Mom, didn’t you say that you took care of Theo last night? That means you were together yesterday. Do you really need to see him again today? Isn’t it too much?”

“So, you don’t want to come?” Sydney’s voice rose a few notches.

Rosalie felt like a child terrified of her strict parent. She couldn’t understand why, but she was very afraid of her former mother-in-law. She had never been this scared of anyone else.

Sometimes, people just feared someone for no reason.

“No, of course not. I’ll come.”

“Good. I’ll take you home first. Once you’re home rest and don’t go anywhere, When I’ve arranged things with Theo, I’ll send someone to pick you up, th the meantime, don’t meet your friend. If you delay things, I’ll be very upset,” Sydney said, sounding serious and stern.

Rosalie nodded. “Alright.”Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Sydney was like an exceptionally fierce tiger mom.

Chapter 397

By the time Rosalie got home, it was already half-past one.

She had promised to call Sebastian to let him know she was safe, but she didn’t feel like talking, so she sent him a text message instead.

[Seb, I’m home now. Don’t worry.]

Sebastian replied, [Okay. I’m glad you’re home.]Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Rosalie sat on the sofa and started browsing the rentals that were available in for Hullbeck, the city she had chosen to stay. She would leave the day after tomorrow.

Tonight, she would accompany Sydney to meet Theodore, and tomorrow, she would spend the day with her grandmother. The day after that, she would leave.

Rosalie quietly planned out what she would do once she got there. She would buy some books to read during her pregnancy. After she gave birth, she would pursue her graduate studies.

Although she was divorced, Rosalie still thought that she was quite lucky. At least she didn’t have to worry about money. She had shares in SK Enterprise and plenty of cash in her account.

She was a thrifty person. She never wasted food and water, didn’t like luxury goods, and never bought things she didn’t need. She had no idea how many lifetimes it would take to spend all her money.

Rosalie browsed through the rentals on her phone. She finally found a few promising options after a long search. Just as she was about to call to inquire, her phone rang.

Rosalie picked up the call. “Hello, Seb.”

“Rose, I’m outside your building. Can I come up?”

“Outside?” Rosalie quickly went to the window, pulled back the curtains, and opened the window. She saw a car parked nearby, and Sebastian was waving at her.

“Seb, why are you here?”

“You said you had something to tell me in person about my father, so I came to ask about it. Don’t worry, I won’t take up too much of your time. I’ll leave in ten minutes. Can I come up?”

Since Sebastian was already here, Rosalie couldn’t turn him away. Moreover, she was free now.

“Alright, come up. I’ll open the door for you.”

Shortly after Rosalie hung up, Sebastian arrived at her apartment. He looked a bit tired and worried. As soon as he walked in, he asked, “Are you sure you’re okay after meeting my father today?”

Rosalie sighed helplessly, and spun around once in front of Sebastian. “Look, I’m perfectly fine. No missing limbs. Do you want to count my hairs to see if any are missing?”

Hearing Rosalie joke, Sebastian relaxed. She really seemed alright.

“That’s good. You said you had something to tell me about my father. What is it?”

“Your father said you’re getting married. Is that true?”

Sebastian was taken aback. “I’m getting married? He told you that?”

Rosalie nodded. “He told me at lunch today. You didn’t know about this?”

Sebastian shook his head. “No. No one told me.”

Rosalie sighed. “Your father just decided without informing you.”

“Did he tell you who I’m supposed to marry?”

Rosalie said, “He mentioned it’s the daughter of a friend of his. Regardless of who it is, it’s clearly a business alliance disguised as a marriage.” Sebastian suddenly laughed bitterly. “I knew this day would come.”

He took a few steps back, and sat down weakly in a chair. “Has your father ever spoken about this to you?” Rosalie asked.

Sebastian sighed. “When I was ten, my father told me that as the eldest son of the Carter family, everything I did represented the family. I couldn’t do as I pleased. My life, my thoughts-everything about me, even my clothing style, had to be proper and orderly. This also includes my marriage. If bever did

anything to bring shame to the Carters, I’d lose everything.”

Rosalie was at a loss for words.

She couldn’t imagine what kind of pressure Sebastian must have endured growing up. He was such a good person; it must have been so tough for him.

How could parents bear to hurt their children like this? Yet, they didn’t even see it as harming them, but for their child’s own good. It was laughable. Was bringing honor to the family really that important? It was all so superficial. Wasn’t a child’s happiness more important?

Theodore didn’t have parental love growing up, while Sebastian was overcontrolled by his father. These parents had once been children, so how could they forget what they had longed for as children once they grew up?

S

“Seb, do you really have to accept your father’s arrangement?” Rosalie was genuinely worried about him.

“I don’t know.” Sebastian looked up and asked, “Rose, why did my father tell you this?”

Rosalie said, “At first, he thought we were in a relationship. When I told him we weren’t, he asked me to persuade you to get married.”

Sebastian laughed helplessly, and said nothing more. He was rendered speechless.

He stood up. “Rose, I’ll leave now and won’t bother you anymore.”

Then, he turned dejectedly to leave.

“Seb.” Rosalie grabbed his arm. “Don’t lose hope. Tell your father you have someone you like. Today, your father told me that if we were in a relationship, he wouldn’t interfere.”

“What did you say?” Sebastian was shocked. “Did he really say that?”

Rosalie nodded. “Yes. It seemed like he only arranged this marriage because you don’t have a girlfriend. If you do, and you push for it, maybe you can avoid a marriage of convenience.”

Sebastian was silent for a moment. “I’ll think about it. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. Just don’t argue with your father. I’m worried it might backfire.”

Sebastian nodded. “Alright.”

Chapter 398

The Carter Residence.

Geoffrey was in his precious collection room and taking a photo out of a hidden compartment. The photo was quite old. On it was a young woman, beautiful and smiling brightly.

Geoffrey sighed. He stroked the woman’s face in the photo gently, murmuring to himself, “Sydney, why did you have to go back? What’s so good about that man?”

Outside the door, the butler’s voice could be heard. “Sir, there was a call from Madam. She said she won’t be coming back tonight.”

Geoffrey frowned. He turned around and said, “Tell her that Sebastian’s getting married. She should come back quickly to prepare. After our son’s wedding, she can go wherever she wants.”

“Understood,” Phillip said, and then another voice came from outside.All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

“Is my father inside?”

“Mr. Sebastian, you’re back. Mr. Geoffrey is inside. Do you need anything?”

Sebastian knocked on the door. “Dad, I need to talk to you.”

Geoffrey put the photo back nicely, locked the hidden compartment, and opened the door. He stared coldly at Sebastian.

“You still remember to come back, huh? If I don’t call you, you won’t even think about returning.”

Sebastian went straight to the point. “Dad, I can listen to you on other things, but I want to make my own decisions about my marriage. You can’t force me to marry a woman I don’t even know.”

“Who said you don’t know her? You’ve met her often at banquets. She’s Tammy Jones.”

“I won’t marry her,” Sebastian insisted.

He had never gone against Geoffrey before; this was his first time. He thought Geoffrey would be angry, but to his surprise, Geoffrey remained calm.

“I remember teaching you that

whatever you do represents the

elmet

family, even when you were very young. You’ve always thought it was fine. Why are you making a complete turnaround now that it’s time to get married?” Geoffrey asked.

Sebastian said coldly, “Back then, I was too young to understand the meaning of marriage or what it feels like to love someone. But now that I’ve grown up, I can’t marry a woman I don’t love.”

“Are you willing to lose everything for this? Even be expelled from the Carter family?” Geoffrey asked sternly.

“Yes.” Sebastian smiled faintly, fearless. “Even if I lose everything, I don’t want to lose the happiness of the rest of my life.”

“Fine.” Geoffrey nodded. “Since you say so, I’ll grant your wish. You don’t have to get married anymore. You may leave.” “Fine,” Sebastian said. “Don’t worry. When I leave, I won’t take anything from the family with me.”

“I didn’t ask you to leave the Carter family,” Geoffrey interrupted. “I’m saying, you don’t have to marry if you don’t want to. I don’t intend to expet you from the family. You’re still the president of our company.”

“What?” Sebastian was puzzled. “Why?”

He had already prepared himself to be expelled from the family, but now, Geoffrey was saying he was still the president? Was this really his father? Normally, Geoffrey would be furious and might even beat him. The fact that he didn’t was already unusual. Now, he was giving up on the marriage and not expelling Sebastian from the family?

Sebastian wondered if Geoffrey had

cancer and didn’t have long to live, so he had decided to act like a decent person for once. It wasn’t that he thought too ill of Geoffrey; his father really was an awfubman, and he knew it all too well! Content

belongs to

“Why?” Geoffrey snorted coldly. “As a father, I haven’t been able to make you happy despite all these years. I finally want to do something for you, but you don’t want it. So forget it.”

“Dad, is finding some random woman for me to marry what you want to do for me? You know very well…” Sebastian said, but Geoffrey cut him off.

“I know very well that you like Rosalie. Is that what you’re thinking?” Geoffrey saw through his son in an instant.

Chapter 399

Sebastian’s face stiffened, and he shifted his gaze away.

“I don’t.”

He didn’t dare to admit it, because he was afraid it would implicate Rosalie. When he was in elementary school, he was very close to a girl. Both of them had been children, and they innocently expressed their liking for each other.

However, his father found out about it. Soon, the girl was sent away, and he never saw her again.

His father didn’t allow him to like anyone. Everything had to be arranged by him. From that moment, Sebastian never dared to admit to his father that he liked someone. He was afraid his father would act again.

“No? If that’s the case, then you don’t need to marry Rosalie. Since you don’t like her, there’s no need for me to match you two up. I don’t want to force you. You can go now.”All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

Geoffrey seemed impatient as he brushed past Sebastian.

The more Sebastian thought about it, the more something felt off. He followed Geoffrey. “What exactly do you mean? This has nothing to do with Rose. It’s all my decision. She doesn’t like me at all.”

He was worried Geoffrey was trying to trap him.

Geoffrey stopped in his tracks. “So, you like her?”

“Dad, she’s Theodore’s ex-wife. She’s not someone you can just send away. You better not touch her, or else the Spencers…”

“Sebastian, do you really think I’m so cruel? Do you think I’m going to send her abroad and hide her, so you’ll never see her again?” Geoffrey said helplessly.

Sebastian clenched his fists. “Didn’t you do that before?”

“You’re still holding a grudge against me for that? Don’t worry, that girl is doing well. I made sure she received a good education and is now living a good life. She should thank me. The price was just staying away from you. No big deal. If you had insisted on keeping her by your side, her fate might not have been as good.”

This incident had happened a long, long time ago. It had almost been twenty years. Now, hearing his father mention it again, Sebastian actually thought it might have been for the best. He was convinced his father was telling the truth. His father was cruel, but rarely lied.

“Dad, I don’t want to dwell on the past. I just want to tell you not to repeat your mistakes. I’m not a child anymore.”

Geoffrey stared at him without saying anything. Instead, he took out his phone, dialed a number, and put it on speaker.

On the other end of the phone, a gentle voice could be heard. “Hello?”

“Rosalie, it’s me.”

“Mr. Carter, what can I do for you?”

Sebastian was surprised that Geoffrey had called Rosalie. He was about to say something when Geoffrey gestured for him to stay quiet, and then said, “It’s nothing. I just wanted to ask if you told Sebastian about the marriage.”

“Yes. He’s the one involved, so he should know.”

Geoffrey said, “No wonder Sebastian came to me, saying he wouldn’t get married. Could you try to persuade him again?”

“Mr. Carter, I can’t persuade him. This is Sebastian’s decision. I can’t force him to marry a woman he doesn’t love.”

Geoffrey sighed. “He is the eldest son of the Carters, and he has responsibilities. If he insists on not marrying, I will have to expel him from the family.”

“That’s too cruel! He’s your son!”

“Precisely because he is my son, I

have given him such a privileged life. But now, he won’t even listen to me about marriage. It’s only going to get worse in the future. While I can still strip him of everything, I’ll kick him out and let him experience what it’s like being a failure.”

“If that’s what you want to do, I can’t stop you. Sebastian is an outstanding man. Even without the Carters, I believe he can still shine,” Rosalie said.

“You’re really naive!” Geoffrey

laughed. “Do you think that after I drive Sebastian out of the Carters, he can still stand on his own? Who would dare to take him after I kick him out? I can even make sure he can never leave the country for the rest of his life!”

“You’re going too far! How can you do this to him? Driving him out of the family, and even cutting off his future? Why must you ruin him like this? You’re a tyrant!” Rosalie snapped, furious. Content belongs

“I gave him a chance, and he didn’t cherish it. That’s his choice. I also gave you a chance to persuade him, but you refused. So, this is on both of you,” Geoffrey replied coldly.

“You…”

Rosalie wanted to say more, but Geoffrey hung up abruptly.

“Dad, why did you say those things to her?”

Sebastian was utterly confused by his father’s actions. Just as he said that, his phone rang. It was from Rosalie.

All of this had been within Geoffrey’s expectations. Just as Sebastian was about to answer, Geoffrey snatched his phone away and rejected the call.

“Dad, what are you doing?”

“Stopping you from contacting her,” Geoffrey replied.

“Do you have to go this far?” Sebastian’s eyes burned with anger.

“You idiot, don’t you understand my intention? I’m helping you,” Geoffrey said with a meaningful grin.

“Helping me?” Sebastian asked suspiciously. “What do you mean?”

Geoffrey continued walking forward. “Follow me.”

Chapter 400

Half an hour later, Sebastian left the Carter Residence. Geoffrey sat alone in the living room, looking around at the empty space. Not far away, Phillip stood watch.

It had always been like this a master and his servant. Whether it was his son, daughter, or wife, none of them came home regularly. He truly was a good husband and father; so good that they all chose not to return.

Just as he was about to leave, a middle-aged man with an imposing presence and a commanding aura walked in.

“Hello, Brother-in-law.”

Geoffrey looked up, and was surprised to see him. “What brings you here?”

“I came to see you.” The man walked forward, adjusted his coat, and sat beside Geoffrey casually, as if this were his home too. “And to talk about my sister.”

His sister was Xyla Jackson, Geoffrey’s wife. The man, Christopher, was Xyla’s second older brother. He was a few years younger than Geoffrey. Geoffrey remained calm. “Are you here to criticize?”

Christopher said, “Not exactly. I’m just worried about Xyla, who’s been living at our family home. I know very well how she’s been treated at the Carter Residence.”

Geoffrey said, “She is the lady of the house, and lives in luxury. I haven’t wronged her in the slightest, nor have I ever laid a finger on her.”

“I’m aware of that,” Christopher said calmly. “But Xyla is unhappy, and only you and her know why.”

Geoffrey raised his chin slightly. “So, what’s your reason for coming today?”

“Geoffrey, our family loves Xyla.

Even though she’s been married for

many years, she’s still our

Qu

sister. I don’t want to see her unhappy. I came here today hoping you and my sister can have a better relationship, or at least, mend it.”

Geoffrey wasn’t one to appreciate interference in his private matters. He said coldly, “Our relationship has been like this for years. Most couples are like us. There’s nothing to mend.”

“But you two aren’t most couples.” Christopher’s gaze turned cold. “Geoffrey, don’t forget. If it weren’t for marrying Xyla, you wouldn’t be where you are today. Don’t forget your roots and disappoint the Jackson family.”

“What’s this? A threat?” Geoffrey narrowed his eyes as they glinted dangerously.

“It’s just a reminder.” Christopher smiled. “One shouldn’t forget their beginnings.”

“The Jacksons haven’t exactly refrained from benefiting from me over the years either,” Geoffrey replied coldly. “After all, it’s all a matter of trade and mutual benefit. You and I both understand that.”

“Some policies are about to change,” Christopher suddenly said. “Exclusive information is something many people dream of but can’t obtain. I wonder if you’re interested.”

Christopher held a high position in Blencalgo’s government, so he controlled many resources and had insider information. These resources and information were exclusive to those with authority, and by the time others found out, it was usually too late. Many wealthy individuals tried to win his favor, but often failed to qualify.

Geoffrey was intrigued when he heard about the policy changes. Some people became millionaires overnight because they had

advanced knowledge of certain

changes, while others went bankrupt overnight because they couldn’t foresee sudden policy shifts.

In Blencalgo, business and governmental policies were closely linked. Therefore, having exclusive information was crucial.

The last time Geoffrey had advance knowledge of some news, he had manipulated the market in time, causing the company’s value to soar by several billion overnight and gaining enormous profits.