When Chris heard those words, his eyes widened in disbelief.
He never imagined that Caspian, for the sake of his granddaughter, would resort to such a bold and unconventional move.
Although Amerosia had no explicit laws mandating monogamy, societal norms had evolved to favor it. It was rare for anyone to marry more than one woman, let alone multiple. However, if Master William were to decree a marriage, that would be a different matter entirely.
Master William’s words carried the weight of law-absolute and unquestionable. Once he spoke, even Chris would not dare to defy him.
Esther hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly. “Mr. Vance, could I take some time to think this over?”
Caspian nodded. “Alright. Take your time. Let me know when you’ve made a decision.”
He didn’t press Esther further, knowing that such matters couldn’t be rushed. For now, forcing Chris was futile-Chris was too stubborn to be swayed. Caspian realized that the key was Esther. If she agreed, Chris would naturally follow suit.
Turning to Chris, Caspian asked, “Chris, what are your thoughts on the current situation?”
Chris smirked coldly. “We don’t need to rush. Now that I’m back, someone’s bound to make a move. I’d like to see who dares to step forward.”
Chris had made plenty of enemies during his time in Middleton. Now that he was crippled, many would be eager to seek revenge. Among those with the deepest grudges, Eagle Noire stood out.
While Chris had been away, Eagle Noire had led an attack on Emberwood Estate, causing heavy losses to its guards. This infuriated Chris. However, given his current condition, it wasn’t the right time to confront Eagle Noire.
Chris remembered that during their previous clash, Eagle Noire had deliberately held back. The thought brought a cold smile to his lips.
By the time Chris returned to the villa, it was already 10 p. m. He looked at Mara Wainwright and asked with a smile, “Mara, what did you buy today?”
Mara began unpacking the items she had purchased, one by one. “Mr. Shelby, these are gifts for you, Esther, and Candace.”
Most of the items were for Chris, with a few for Esther and Candace. Mara had bought almost nothing for herself.
Chris chuckled helplessly. “Mara, I sent you out shopping, and you ended up buying everything for me?”
At his words, Mara stuck out her tongue playfully.
Candace walked over and laughed. “Mara, you’re too kind to us.”
Hearing this, a happy smile lit up Mara’s face. For her, this was the happiest time of her life.
Although she had once been the heir to the Wainwright family, she had often suffered under Mrs. Wainwright’s mistreatment. Even after Mrs. Wainwright’s death, Mara had never truly fit in with her family.
But here, Chris, Esther, and Candace treated her with kindness, giving her a sense of warmth and belonging she had never experienced before.
Suddenly, Esther asked, “Darling, when do you plan to return to the East Coast?”
Chris paused for a moment. “I’ll head back in a few days.”
He turned to Candace and asked, “Candace, will you come with me?”
Candace shook her head. “No. Panda Networks can’t spare me right now. You should go ahead without me.”
Chris nodded. “Alright, then we’ll go first.”
He didn’t notice the hint of bitterness in Candace’s smile.
The truth was, Candace didn’t want to disrupt Chris and Esther’s life together. No matter what, Chris and Esther were legally married. Her presence on the East Coast would make things awkward for all three of them.
Esther noticed Candace’s expression and suddenly took Mara’s hand. “Mara, could you come upstairs and tell me more about Aethelgard?”
Mara beamed. “Of course!”
The two women went upstairs together, leaving Chris and Candace alone in the villa’s living room.
Chris understood Esther’s intentions. Though she didn’t like the idea of sharing her husband with another woman, Candace was different.
Candace had nearly sacrificed her life to save Chris. She had lost her company and even her father because of him. In many ways, her sacrifices were far greater than Esther’s as his wife.
Over the past year, Esther and Candace had lived closely together. Esther knew exactly how Candace felt about Chris. She wanted to give them time alone together.
—
A few days later, at the East Coast airport, Chris arrived with Esther, Mara Wainwright, and Harold.
As they stepped out of the plane, they were greeted by a stunning sight: over a hundred luxury cars lined up outside, and the streets were cordoned off by thousands of armed guards.
A beautiful woman approached them, her face lighting up with a smile. “Chris, Esther, you’re finally back!”
It was Juliette.
During Chris’s absence, Esther had stayed in Middleton to manage the Chester Group’s branch operations, while Juliette had taken charge of the East Coast headquarters.
Over the past year, Juliette had undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer the spoiled and arrogant young woman she once was, she had become a successful businesswoman and a workaholic.
Chris remembered how difficult she had been when she first came to the East Coast. Back then, her brash and willful demeanor had been a constant headache for him.
Yet in just two short years, she had matured beyond recognition.
Chris smiled at her. “Little sister, it’s been a while!”
He glanced at the rows of luxury cars and asked, “Did you arrange all of this?”
Juliette smiled but said nothing.
At that moment, James Mester, the former richest man on the East Coast, approached them.
“Mr. Shelby!” he greeted respectfully.
James Mester had once been the wealthiest man on the East Coast, later rising to power as its underworld leader with Chris’s support. However, after making several mistakes, Chris had replaced him with Bull Parker.
Now, under Chris’s guidance, James had taken on a new role as chairman of the East Coast Chamber of Commerce.
Chris hadn’t seen him in some time and was surprised to find him here to personally welcome their return.