Chapter 550 Forced Marriage
The Blanchet family, in all their prominence, had lost their daughter. Making a scene in front of the media and implicating Lawrence was a drastic tactic.
Lawrence's reputation was at stake. He couldn't become the guy who was branded as an abuser, someone who pressured women into terminating pregnancies.
The shareholders of the Rodriguez Corporation and the different branches of the Rodriguez family were not to be trifled with.
Mars was sure to make a spectacle out of Eleanor's uproar, especially where Lawrence was concerned.
As for the Blanchet family, even though Carlos had fallen, Grandpa Blanchet and Madam Rodriguez had always doted on Ishara.
If the two grandparents joined Eleanor in a campaign against the Rodriguez family, things would turn ugly.
The Rodriguez clan, being the premier family in the nation, found their every deed under intense scrutiny.
Bob had led the family for years; his authority and reputation were unshakable.
He frowned, seeing no alternative. In his heart, he believed that honoring this relationship was the best solution, as he was quite satisfied with Ishara as a daughter-in-law.
Bob spoke up, "Lawrence, the child that Ishara is carrying, it's out of the question to consider terminating it. I won't allow it, and your Grandma, being a Christian, would never agree. A grandchild is a blessing for our family.
"If you're still in doubt, take Ishara for a paternity test when she is two months along. Before then, I'll announce your wedding set for later this year.
"With that, Ishara will be officially welcomed as my daughter-in-law.
"The Xie and Li families have always intended a union through marriage, and since you are already engaged, getting married is the next natural step.
"The two of you should give your child a home."
Eleanor breathed a sigh of relief. Ishara's plan had worked beautifully, and their goal was within reach.
Ishara's tense frame relaxed slightly, a glimmer of joy sparkling in her tender eyes. She coughed softly and said with warm consideration, "Bob, as long as Lawrence agrees, our child and I will be the most harmonious members of his household. Thank you for blessing our union."
"Hold on."
Lawrence stood up, and the entire living room seemed to constrict around his imposing figure.
Ishara was cut off abruptly, her breathing tightening. "Lawrence, your father has already agreed to our marriage."
Lawrence scoffed, his features cold and austere: "Father agrees, then let him marry you. I will never marry you over my dead body."
His resolute stance and defiant words inflamed Bob, who slammed his hand on the table and stood. "Nonsense. You're my son. Do I not have a say in your marriage?
"Lawrence, you're the one who got her pregnant. You brought this upon yourself today.
"You are the heir to the Rodriguez family empire, carrying a heavy burden and a long road ahead. Do I even need to remind you of that? Marry Ishara and put an end to this mess."
"Forgive me, Father, but I am destined to defy you."
Lawrence stood with an iron resolve, his thin lips uttering cold, almost laughable words, "I have never been one to be threatened.
"Not as Lawrence, I disdain threats.
“By becoming Lawrence., I will not be manipulated by a woman.
"Ishara's pregnancy was a setup. She likes to play games with me, and I will let her.
"The consequences are hers to bear. That morning, the mere ten million was paid for her so-called one night."
Such humiliation brought tears to Ishara's eyes. "Lawrence, I didn't manipulate you. I just loved you too much."
"You love me?"
Lawrence’s thin smile widened as he clarified the situation in front of everyone in the living room,
"Father, Grandma.
"There’s a truth you all need to understand.
"My relationship with Ishara started two months ago, and it has always been a transaction.
"My mother, Madam Rodriguez, is battling leukemia; Ishara's bone marrow typing was a match, and she demanded to be my girlfriend before she would agree to donate.
“I consented, saving my mother’s life in exchange.
"Today, with my mother's surgery successful, my dealings with Ishara are also concluded.
“Taking her to the North Hill estate, I had two private matters to settle with her.
"First, it was she who poisoned my mother's bone marrow, causing the leukemia.
“Second, my other son, Oscar, was taken by Ishara in Lymington, hidden away.
"These two acts are enough for me to deeply resent this woman.
"Marry her and become a laughingstock?
"I could never marry her."
"I didn't. Lawrence, why must you be swayed by Winnie's intrigues? As a sickly figure confined to the Blanchet family home for years, where would I get the ambition or cunning to harm your mother and your son," Ishara tearfully protested, bending over in a cough so violent it looked like she might hack up her very stomach.
Bob frowned at the sight of Ishara, who was on the brink of fainting.
After all, she was carrying a grandchild of the Rodriguez family.
On the way back, Ishara had already shared their misunderstandings with him.
Bob was distinctly not fond of Winnie.
Their brief acquaintance in Lymington was enough for him to conclude that Winnie, was a career assassin for Lawrence
Bob would never forget the crisis that befell Island Electronics, the company Lawrence had sabotaged.
He shook his head vehemently, his voice laden with outrage. "Lawrence, you should have ended things with that Winnie a long time ago. She's returned to the Blanchet family as Winnie Anderson and is anything but harmonious with her sister. Instead, she sets out to sow discord between you and Ishara. What's her motive? How could Ishara be blamed for your mother's leukemia? Have you ever looked into it? Is this something Winnie told you? I distrust that girl. Does she have any evidence?"
"I am the evidence, Father. I won't allow you to speak of her in that way!" Lawrence's voice rose in fury, his expression fierce before he regained composure, lifting his gaze to meet Bob's. "Since you've brought her up, let me make it clear. No one is to dictate my marriage. If there's to be a wife by my side for life, it will be her and no one else. Rather than marrying Ishara to quiet the rumors about me in the media, I have a better idea."
Bob's face was etched with silent, seething anger.
Ishara's delicate countenance slowly drained of joy, a profound unease enveloping her.
Lawrence's lips curled with a cruel sneer. "Three minutes ago, I publicized the marrow transaction I had with Ishara and canceled our engagement. Let the public rage. I've done nothing illegal. If everyone's so concerned about my marital affairs that they insist I marry someone, I will soon wed Winnie if she agrees. As for Ishara..."
He turned his steely gaze toward her, continuing, "If you want to save the child you're carrying, you best go to the media with your mother and clarify that I've done nothing to you. No mistreatment, no coercion for abortion. Otherwise, you'll face a real miscarriage."
"Lawrence, how can you be so reckless? Marriage is not a game. Your actions are jeopardizing your future and the fate of the Rodriguez family!" Bob's anger made his face flush crimson.
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