Chapter 32 Calm Down
Chapter 32 Calm Down
Flint tousled Lisa’s hair with an easygoing smile. “If it stings, remember it. Now, whose side are you on?”
Before she could say anything, he was already walking away. “Let Bernard know—I’ve accepted his present.”
Lisa blinked in confusion. “What?”
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“Dad,” Nathan finally spoke up, unable to stay quiet. “That guy downstairs–Flint, or whatever his name is–isn’t he part of the Hales?”
Bernard calmly took a sip of tea. “And so what if he is?”
Nathan jumped up. “You’re seriously planning to marry Lisa off to him? That’s basically sending her into a nightmare!”
Mario cut in, warning, “Watch what you say.”
“But I’m serious!” Nathan said. “I’m not even part of their world, and even I’ve heard how dangerous he is. Lisa’s too soft–how could she survive being around someone like that? Why are we throwing her away like this?”
Tiffany spoke softly. “Nathan, if he really is from the Hales, then this marriage could actually be a great match. They basically run Argionas.”
In truth, she was far from pleased with this decision.
Lisa–an outsider with no class–how could she deserve a place in such a rich family? In Tiffany’s mind, even marrying a penniless man would’ve been too good for Lisa.
Nathan frowned. “You don’t get it. Flint’s reputation is terrifying … Alas, you won’t understand even if I tell you!”
Mario snapped, “If Lisa doesn’t go, should Tiffany be the one to marry him?”
Tiffany gasped. “Nathan-!”
The words Nathan was about to speak caught in his throat.
Let Tiffany marry Flint? He wouldn’t dare imagine it.
Bernard set his teacup down and said, “You’re being dramatic. Lisa marrying into the Hales is a huge step up for her. What’s so unfair about it? She lives under our roof–she should contribute something. A marriage is nothing compared to our family’s future. Her personal happiness doesn’t matter as much as our legacy.”
“Still- Nathan started, but stopped short when Neil burst in.
“Neil!” Tiffany called happily.
But Neil didn’t even look at her. He marched forward, “Bernard, is it true you’re forcing Lisa into this marriage?” “Yes,” Bernard replied without hesitation. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“She doesn’t even want this-”
Bernard cat him off. “That’s not true. I asked her myself. She agreed.
“No way.” Neil said firmly. “She hasn’t even finished school. Why would she suddenly want to marry a man she doesn’t even know?
Bernard’s expression grew cold. “Neil, I know you’re engaged to Tiffany, but you’re not officially part of this family yet. Don’t overstep.
Neil realized he’d gotten too worked up. Taking a breath, he said, “I’m just asking you to think twice. Lisa shouldn’t be getting married right now.”
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Chapter 32 Calm Down
Bernard’s frown deepened.
His wife had once hinted that Neil might have feelings for Lisa, but he hadn’t believed it. Neil always acted so mature. But seeing this reaction now made him wonder.
“Neil,” Bernard said, “Lisa has already made her choice. Stay out of it.”
“I didn’t agree to anything.” Lisa’s voice rang out as she stepped into the room. She met Bernard’s eyes. “I never said I was getting married.”
Maggie stood up immediately, scolding her. “Who said you could speak?”
“Mother, isn’t it my life you’re deciding? Why shouldn’t I be allowed to speak?”
Maggie snapped, “And what’s so bad about marrying into the Hales? They’re not even bothered by your rough background- and yet you have the nerve to complain? You don’t even deserve to be picky.”
Lisa responded coldly, “If the match is so wonderful, why not let Tiffany marry him?”
“This is outrageous. You actually dare to talk back to me?” Maggie clutched her chest dramatically. “Are you going to piss me off to death?”
Tiffany rushed to her mother’s side, begging Lisa, “Please stop. You know how weak Mom’s health is.”
Lisa stared at her. “If you were the one marrying Flint, I wouldn’t have said a word.”
“You-!”
“That’s enough,” Bernard snapped. “How much more drama are you going to cause?”
Lisa’s voice was quiet but full of pain. “To you… am I just a tool? Or am I really your daughter?”
Bernard’s face twisted with anger. “Ungrateful girl! I raised you, and now I ask you for one thing, and you act like it’s the end of the world? What was the point of taking care of you at all?”
He raised his hand, clearly about to strike her–but Neil stepped in quickly and shielded Lisa behind him. “Bernard, you and Lisa both need time to calm down. I’m taking her out for a bit. When everyone’s calmed down, we can talk again.”
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