“Since you disagree, there must be a reason for your disagreement. It’s pointless to ask, so I might as well not ask,” Flynn shrugged indifferently.
He had already heard enough reasons from Layla and Madeline.
Since Maria believed he was just a puppet, the reasons she mentioned were probably about family background, personality, abilities, and appearance, the whole package.
In Maria’s ideal son-in-law, Flynn was undoubtedly inferior in every aspect.
After all, in the eyes of such a strong-willed woman, her daughter should definitely marry a more outstanding man.
Maria looked at Flynn with surprise.
In her impression, someone like Flynn, who didn’t have much talent, would feel constrained in the presence of such a dominant woman like herself.
Or after hearing her opposition to their relationship, he would try to prove himself and even say things like: “Mrs. Wong, although I haven’t achieved much at the moment, I will work hard to give Scarlet a bright future.”
“I will love her more than any other man.”
And other vague and empty words.
However, Maria clearly sensed the arrogance and disdain behind Flynn’s calm demeanor.
After thinking for a moment, Maria changed to a more serious and concerned tone and said, “At your age, you have lofty dreams of achieving a bright future through your own efforts.”
“It’s a good idea!”
“But now, it’s not twenty years ago when you could succeed by daring to take risks during the wave of policy.”
“Even I, more than a decade ago, seized some opportunities for national development and established Berrygate Group, earning a place in Pelens’ pharmaceutical industry.”
“In today’s society, connections matter more. It’s nearly impossible to become a billionaire on your own.”
Flynn nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Twenty years ago, opportunities were everywhere. Take real estate, for example. As long as you had audacity and resources, you could defy the downward trend of the real estate market, acquire vast amounts of land, and experience skyrocketing property prices that never came down.
Riding that wave, Ostrad flourished and produced dozens of billionaires.
Nowadays, various industries are saturated, and if you want to carve out a future in any field, you have to put in ten times the effort.
The risks of failure are also several times greater than before.
Seeing Flynn remain silent, Maria changed the subject, “Flynn, has Scarlet told you about me and my husband?”
“I only know a little bit about your background, but it seems like you’re from the East Sea area and come from an ordinary family. Mr. Wong, on the other hand, is from Pelens and has some status within his family.”
“You seem to have known Mr. Wong since college,” Flynn pondered for a moment before speaking.
He didn’t know much about Scarlet’s family background as it was something that happened in the previous generation, and Scarlet herself didn’t like to talk about it much.
“That’s right. I come from an ordinary background with no male heirs in my family except for me and Scarlet’s aunt,” Maria replied calmly.
“Back then, there was a strong preference for sons over daughters, which made life difficult for Scarlet’s grandfather who received constant criticism from others. From a young age, I worked hard hoping to make something of myself and gain recognition.”
“But even with all my efforts and opportunities that came my way, success wasn’t easy to achieve given that I was just one woman with limited resources coming from a poor household.”
“That’s why later on you chose your husband because you saw potential in the Wong family,” Flynn said nonchalantly.
Maria nodded her head calmly before saying, “At that time both Scarlet’s aunt Paulina and myself had our eyes set on Eduardo but eventually he chose me.”
Flynn was surprised by this revelation.
He never thought that Paulina and Maria had such history between them; no wonder they hadn’t spoken much over the years.
“I chose Eduardo because he lived up to my expectations by supporting me throughout these twenty years,” Maria continued.
“In this time span of twenty years or so I’ve achieved quite a bit within the Wong family while bringing honor back home as well. Now nobody dares look down upon Scarlet’s grandfather anymore.”
Maria reminisced with sadness creeping into her voice as if she were an emotional woman at heart.
But Flynn knew better; he knew her true character lay beneath what she showed on surface – strong-willed, ruthless even at times when necessary – traits required if one wanted success in life.
Otherwise how could she turn against her own sister over one man? And not speak or interact much with each other after two decades?
Furthermore, how could she become CEO of Berrygate Group amidst disdainful attitudes towards her within the Wong family?
The entanglements involved here were far more complicated than anyone could imagine!
“But despite all this we are still too weak compared to Scarlet’s uncles,” Maria sighed heavily before continuing, “In such families where people only respect those who have power or wealth behind them, there is still so much left for me to achieve.”
“Unfortunately, no matter how hard I’ve worked over the years, Berrygate Group remains stagnant. At this point, I know that it’s no longer a time for competing with courage and tactics.”
“If we want to go further, we can only rely on external forces, such as a family with political or financial connections.”
“And all of this can be achieved through Scarlet’s marriage alliance.”
Flynn remained indifferent for a moment, then nodded and said, “I understand.”
In fact, Maria could have relied on the Wong family’s connections to further Berrygate Group.
But she was too proud, wanting to accomplish something and prove herself to the Wong family. She didn’t want to bow down in front of them.
Therefore, Maria placed her hopes on Scarlet.
“You may have the determination to love Scarlet and the resolve to become someone extraordinary.”
“But both I and Scarlet’s father don’t want her youth to be wasted on your futile struggles.”
Maria’s gaze was sharp as an arrow, staring directly at Flynn.
“I only have one child, and eventually Berrygate Group will be handed over to her. Scarlet needs a strong support, someone who can face challenges with her. And you…”
At this point, Maria didn’t mince her words, “Scarlet told me that you were the abandoned child of the Clark family, that you didn’t even go to college and spent ten years in prison.”
“From your personality, abilities, and education, I don’t see any future prospects that could help Scarlet.”
Flynn remained calm and composed.
When Scarlet disclosed his past completely, he wasn’t angered. After all, it was the truth.
If they were to be in a relationship, these things couldn’t be hidden.
Flynn calmly responded, “So, are you planning to marry off Scarlet to Rolando Gray?”
Maria paused, shaking her head and saying, “Rolando Gray is her grandfather’s arrangement. The Gray family is one of the top three powerful clans in Pelens, with both political and financial connections at the highest level.”
“But Rolando is too much of a playboy. Even if I want to go further through a marriage alliance, I don’t want Scarlet to be unhappy.”
“I have someone else in mind for him, Clayton Robinson.”
“The Robinson family in Pelens is worth billions, and that young man is also outstanding. He graduated from Everland Defense University and is now the captain of the Dragon Cavalry Special Forces’ third squadron, with the rank of Army Captain.”
“Clayton is only 24 years old, with limitless future prospects. He could become a Colonel or even a Brigadier General in the future.”
“In terms of family background, abilities, and education, he is the perfect match for Scarlet.”
“If you truly love Scarlet, you should let go instead of keeping her immersed in the fantasies you provide and holding her back.”
Maria lifted her coffee cup, elegantly took a sip, and calmly looked at Flynn, as if she wanted to see a hint of anger in his eyes, so she could further dismiss him.
How could a man who couldn’t even control his temper provide a future for her daughter?
However, she was disappointed. Flynn merely smiled faintly and calmly said, “If I told you that no matter where Scarlet and I end up in the future, if she wishes, I can help her become the business queen of Ostrad.”
“Would you still obstruct our relationship?”