Chapter 24
+8 Pearls
Adrian looked at me, his expression conflicted. “But how can I keep her money? As a man, as
I take the inheritance of a woman
someone who has worked hard to build his own name, how caner money? As a man, as
I no longer want in my life?”
I exhaled softly, stepping closer to him. “Adrian, think about your mother. She needs expensive medical care, and the family’s finances are already stretched thin. Your recent business ventures haven’t yielded returns yet, and we both know that wealth in our industry doesn’t accumulate. overnight. We can’t afford to neglect her health.”
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his features. “Vivian, I don’t want to owe Cassandra anything. I’d rather struggle than take what doesn’t belong to me.”
I hesitated, knowing this was a delicate subject. “Look at it this way. If you return everything she contributed, people might see it as you admitting fault. It could damage your reputation, and we both know perception is everything in our world. But if you keep at least a portion of what she invested into your family, it shows that you acknowledge the reality of the situation. That she played a part in the business, and it’s not just about emotions–it’s about fairness.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened. I could see the war waging inside him. He had always been a man of principle, but this wasn’t just about him anymore. It was about his family’s survival and his future. with me.
After a long pause, he sighed. “I’ll figure it out. I don’t want you to worry about this.”
I reached for his hand, squeezing it lightly. “Whatever you decide, I’ll stand by you.”
itis shoulders relaxed slightly, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of relief in his eyes. “Vivian, I swear, you’ll never regret choosing me. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”
I rested my head against his shoulder, letting the warmth of his embrace soothe my own. uncertainties. I knew keeping Cassandra’s money wasn’t about greed–it was about making sure the past didn’t get to rewrite our future. She had played her games, and now she would learn that actions had consequences.
The next morning, preparations for the seperation were already underway. It wasn’t just about signing a document. With families as influential as the Warrens and the Sinclairs, this separation. needed to be formalized in front of witnesses, with clear evidence to justify the split. Cassandra had set this chain of events into motion, and now, she would have to face the outcome of her choices.
Given the prominence of both the Warren and Sinclair families, a separation of this magnitude couldn’t be handled quietly or without formality.
There were no remaining male heirs from Hector’s direct line of the Sinclair family. Over the years, many had either died young or perished under tragic circumstances.
Hector’s father had three sons, all of whom had passed away. Hector himself had six sons and a
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Chapter 24
+8 Pearls
entrepreneurs, they had all fallen victim to an orchestrated financial takedown that destroyed their holdings and, in some cases, their lives.
Five of those sons had been married with children. But in a brutal twist of fate, an attack six months ago wiped out the last of their lineage. Now, only Cassandra remained.
On the other hand, overseeing the Sinclair affairs was a man from a distant branch of the family. a descendant of Hector’s great–grandfather. He was not the family head, but his influence was undeniable. His name was Theodore Sinclair, Cassandra’s great–granduncle, and she had always referred to him with respect as Granduncle Theodore. Theodore and his family resided in the heart of the business world, managing high–end investments and enterprises that had thrived for decades.
When news of Adrian’s impending marriage to Vivian reached the Sinclair family, it sent waves of fury through their ranks. Some found it unfair to Cassandra, given everything she had done for Adrian’s career, while others saw it as ironic–the once–powerful daughter of a financial empire now being cast aside.
As Theodore arrived at the Warren estate, his grandson, Vincent, a sharp–minded businessman in his fifties, walked beside him.
Theodore, now in his nineties, was visibly shaking with anger. Despite his age, his commanding presence hadn’t faded. The moment he entered, he locked eyes with Adrian, his expression as cold as steel.
“Throughout history, we’ve seen men trade in their wives for younger models, but to discard a woman who has built your career, invested in your future, and stood by your side–this is beyond disgraceful.” His voice rang through the hall, unwavering and sharp.
“If the Warren family does not offer a proper explanation today, I will take this matter straight to the highest courts. I may be nearing the end of my days, but I have nothing to lose. As long as I draw breath, no one will treat a Sinclair like disposable property.”
The tension in the room was suffocating. Adrian had expected resistance, but Theodore’s fury
was not something he had fully prepared for. And now, with the weight of Cassandra’s sacrifices hanging in the air, he realized that this battle was far from over.
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