Conrad naturally understood this. That’s why, even now, he was slowly tightening the net to swallow up the White family. “What if I said I was determined to swallow up the White family?”
Old Mrs. Brown’s eyes deepened. “Then that’s your skill. It takes talent to take a kingdom, and it takes talent to keep it. Your ambition will determine how much you can swallow. Play with fire and you’ll burn yourself. If you’re too arrogant, you must be prepared for the consequences.”
“Wait and see. Nelson will personally deliver that so-called sky-high dowry, because no one else dares to take on this project except the Brown Family Group.”
He stood up and started walking out.
“For your 80th birthday, I’ll give you the whole White Family Group as a gift. Oh no, by then, it’ll probably be a subsidiary of the Brown Family Group.” Conrad finished speaking and left.
He was flamboyant, arrogant, and full of pride.
This was the Conrad she knew.
Old Mrs. Brown looked out at the vast Brown family estate.
She took a sip of the now cold coffee.
The White family…
Forget it, this young man would likely do whatever he wanted, and no one could stop him.
As for Daisy from the White family, she had probably fallen for the wrong person. Her grandson only had eyes for Lillian; no one else mattered to him.
Loving such a man was hopeless.
But being loved by him-whether it was a blessing or a curse-only the person involved could say for sure.
“Old Mrs. Brown, should we return to your room?”
“Let’s pick a good day. Hopefully, everything will settle down by then.”
******
Meanwhile, Kenneth had already sought out Nelson.
What the two discussed, no one knew.
Daisy waited at home until evening before Nelson finally returned.
“Dad.”
Nelson glanced at his eldest daughter.
She had always been well-behaved and sensible, the perfect daughter in her parents’ eyes, and a highly praised socialite in the circle.
“It’s so late. Why aren’t you in bed?”
“Are you going to agree to Conrad’s terms? Since he already brought it up, it means he’s thinking about an engagement. My friends are all waiting for my answer. I don’t want to be the subject of their jokes. If I can’t marry Conrad, I’ll be mocked by the gossip columns.”
In this circle, who could you really call a friend? Who cared if you were happy?
Nelson sighed. His situation wasn’t much better. Many business partners were openly and secretly probing the engagement.
But after tonight, he had already made up his mind to go all in and try his best.
“Daisy, is it really Conrad you want? What if there’s someone else, someone who isn’t worse than Conrad?”
“Who could be better than Conrad? The circle is so small, and you know what those other young men are like-no skills of their own, relying entirely on their families. What would a son-in-law like that do for the White family? It wouldn’t mean anything to us.” Daisy was stubborn. “I only want to marry Conrad.”
“Do you have the confidence?”
“Of course I do. As long as you support me, Dad, I’ll make it happen.”
“Aren’t you afraid he’ll look down on you?”
Daisy felt a pang of bitterness. “What else can I do with a man like him except pamper him?”
Nelson exhaled deeply. “Alright, I’ll agree. You’d better get ready to be a bride, and dress nicely.”
Daisy was surprised. “Really?! Dad, I love you!”
She threw herself into Nelson’s arms, then joyfully ran upstairs to pick out a dress and immediately called her best friends to share the news.
This time, she would redeem herself.
As for the issue with the driver, she thought it should be cleared. After all, how could Conrad agree to the engagement otherwise? Or maybe he knew, but he wouldn’t pursue it for Lillian’s sake anymore.
Her family had the leverage over Conrad, after all… Daisy thought to herself. If anyone was to blame, it was because Lillian was no longer the young lady of the Lewis family!
Nelson narrowed his eyes. Conrad, if you’re ruthless, so am I.
Don’t blame me later!
A son-in-law like this was something he couldn’t afford to have. He couldn’t let the White family go down with him!
******
Conrad returned in the middle of the night. The blanket was suddenly pulled off, and Lillian woke up with a start.
“Awake?”
Lillian replied sharply, “It’s hard not to wake up. I’m not numb.”
“I’ll be busier starting tomorrow.”
Lillian’s mind shifted. “Is that so?”
“Yeah, I won’t be back for quite a while, but I’ll make time to see you on the weekend. Whether you want to go shopping in Milan, or just take a little trip, it’s up to you. If you don’t want to go out, you can just stay home and wait for me.”
Lillian eyed him suspiciously, but in the end, she said nothing.
Was this a test? Or another chance?
Conrad hadn’t returned for a full seven days.
At the beginning of the month, Ford arrived with a bunch of brand representatives to buy new clothes and jewelry for Lillian.
Lillian didn’t hesitate and picked the most expensive and best items.
These things could get her through a while, even if she had to sell them at a secondhand store.
On the eighth day, Lillian started experiencing severe stomach pains at night, sweating profusely. Nancy was startled and quickly had someone fetch a doctor.
Lillian’s pain caused her to spasm, and she threw up several times. Ada anxiously stayed by her side, gently licking her damp hair.
Nancy called Conrad for guidance. Conrad told her to send an ambulance. Finally, Lillian was taken to the hospital.
Conrad hadn’t hung up, and there was a lot of noise in the background, clearly indicating he was in the middle of a social gathering.
“Don’t be scared. The doctor’s here. Everything will be fine.” He spoke in a low, soothing voice.
Hogan and his group were sitting inside, the air thick with smoke, bottles of red and white wine scattered around.
Conrad in black stood outside, facing the wind, calmly speaking, which was a stark contrast to the ruthless and sharp tone he had used earlier at the negotiating table.
He was being patient, but it was all him talking. He couldn’t even say a kind word.
Hogan turned his head and joked, “Heroes are no exception to the beauty trap, and Mr. Conrad is no different.”
Hogan sneered, “Serves him right.”
Conrad left everyone waiting in the room while he was at ease.
Lillian’s voice was faint, barely audible. He raised his voice slightly, and she couldn’t hear him.
He had someone take good care of her. She impatiently told him to hang up, and only then did he end the call.
When he returned, everyone teased him.
“Conrad, is the one you’re talking to your precious little darling? You’re spoiling her so much, why don’t you bring her out to play with us?”
Everyone knows that Conrad and Daisy are about to get engaged, but it didn’t seem like he was comforting Daisy right now.
As for Daisy, she’s known in the circle for being understanding, so she definitely wouldn’t distract Conrad with her needs while he’s working.
Conrad smirked, looking like a rogue. “Wait until we’re married, and I’ll bring her out for you all to see.”
Hogan raised an eyebrow. Though he had guessed Conrad’s intentions earlier, this was the first time Conrad had admitted it openly.
At least now, they could have some peace for a while, thank God.
No one knew, though, and they all assumed it was Daisy. It seemed Miss Daisy had some real influence. In this circle, for a marriage alliance, she’s lucky to have earned Conrad’s genuine affection. She’s truly fortunate.