?Chapter 115:
The instant Lenard dropped that bombshell, Ran’s expression darkened to match a gathering tempest. Abandoning Paige, painful as it might be, was one thing—but pursuing Elliana, that “ugly nobody”?
The very thought twisted his stomach into knots.
“Grandpa, why are you so dead-set on me marrying Elliana?” Ran challenged, his voiceced with unmistakable contempt. “She didn’t even finish primary school! What qualifications does she possess to be the Hudson matriarch? If this stems from your ancient promise to her mother, remember she’s already bound to the Evans family. That deal’s off, so why this insistence?” Frustration saturated every syble as Ran spoke.
Lenard released a derisive snort. “I assumed Elliana’s revtion as the mastermind behind Rosa’s fashion empire would have illuminated your perception. Yet, here you stand, utterly oblivious! A woman capable of orchestrating a global brand hardly qualifies as insignificant!”
Ran faltered, momentarily stunned by Lenard’s cutting retort. “Perhaps she’s not entirely inconsequential. But must the Hudson heir settle for someone so—so aesthetically challenged? You’re condemning me to wake beside her every morning. Have you considered my feelings in this arrangement?”
Witnessing Ran’s anguish, Kristen intervened swiftly. “Ran’s a catch. Forcing him to bind with Elliana borders on cruelty. If you value her so highly, we could show care without forcing matrimony. Why insist she be his wife?” Perceiving Lenard’s unwavering resolve, she pressed further. “Besides, Elliana now answers to ‘Mrs. Evans.’ Wouldn’t Ran’s pursuit antagonize Cole unnecessarily?”
“I’ve deliberated on thatplication,” Lenard replied with cialposure. “Cole harbors no affection for Elliana. Word is, he’s evaded their marital obligations by abandoning their home. He’d likely remain indifferent to Ran’s advances and might even wee such intervention.”
Lenard lifted his gaze meaningfully toward Ran. “Iprehend your position, Ran. I too experienced youth’s folly, chasing pretty faces. But as the heir, the Hudson family’s interest must supersede desire. Sometimes duty eclipses personal preference. Understood? If family obligation proves too burdensome to you, relinquish the inheritance. Pursue your carefree existence and wed some vapid beauty devoid of intellect as you wish. I won’t impede you.”
Ranpsed into contemtive silence, absorbing Lenard’s weighted words. Though the logic proved irrefutable, the implementation remained daunting. His visceral aversion to Elliana’s appearance created an almost insurmountable barrier.
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“Grandpa, even acknowledging Elliana’s business acumen, her fashion and jewelry expertise offer minimal benefit to our interests. Why mandate this particr union?” Ran pressed, searching desperately for escape.
Lenard, exhausted by fruitless debate, pivoted toward Quentin. “Would you wed Elliana for the family’s advancement, Quentin?”
Ran tensed visibly, stealing a nce at his uncle. He anticipated simr resistance from Quentin—surely no man, especially one of Quentin’s caliber, would willingly bind himself to someone as unattractive as Elliana.
But Quentin shattered Ran’s assumptions, offering a serene smile. “Dad, your experience surpasses mine immeasurably. Since you perceive exceptional qualities in Elliana, I defer to your judgment. I would marry her without hesitation.”
Ran’s mouth fell open in naked astonishment.
Kristen, seething with indignation, emitted a bitterugh. “Quentin, your transparent desperation to usurp Ran’s position drives you to such obvious lies? No way you’re cool spending your nights with that ugly woman!”
Quentin’s smile remained undisturbed, his gaze profound and unwavering. “You possess no insight into my thoughts. Spection serves no purpose.”
“You!” Kristen felt like she’d swung and missed, her anger fizzling into frustration.
After a calcted pause, Kristen forced an artificial smile and addressed Ran, “Your grandfather has a point. The heir cannot prioritize personal desires. Since he recognizes value in Elliana, exceptional qualities must exist. Marry her.”
“Mom, you’re pushing me too?” Ran’s voice emerged as a pained groan. “Didn’t you consistently proim that only a ravishing, aplished socialite deserved my hand?”
Kristen, bereft of alternatives, drew Ran aside, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Don’t you understand what’s at stake? Refuse Elliana, and Quentin ims the heir position. Marry her now, and you can always ditch herter when the time’s right.” Kristen’s words hit home for Ran.
“Fine.” Ran conceded with a curt nod.
Ran pivoted to face Lenard. “Grandpa, I shall reim Elliana and make her my bride.”
“Good. I’ll be monitoring your approach closely,” Lenard dered, his tone brooking nopromise.
Meanwhile, Elliana, oblivious to the machinations unfolding within the Hudson dynasty, slumbered peacefully in her luxurious bedroom. As dawn broke, Elliana was violently thrust from her slumber by the heart-wrenching sound of uncontroble sobbing…
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