Chapter 296 Because I Love You
Magnus sat in the car, pondering for a moment, then furrowed his brow. "If I agree, can you guarantee I'll get the antidote?
"Mr. Blackwood, as a businessman, you know every deal has its risks. But high risks can bring high rewards. Isn't the life-saving antidote worth the risk?" Sophie chuckled.
Magnus knew the cost of doing business; nothing in this world came for free.
It might seem like there was no price to pay, but the cost was often hidden and extremely high.
Magnus asked bluntly, "What do you need me to do?"
"Since you're being straightforward, I won't beat around the bush. The Shadow Syndicate wants me to publicly announce the identity of the Abbotts' heir, become the actual controlling shareholder of the Windsor Group, and use the antidote to coerce you into marrying me, using SY as leverage to join the Shadow Syndicate."
Magnus sneered, "The Shadow Syndicate has quite the plan. What's your strategy?"
Sophie's voice deepened, "Pretend to compromise, then we can push back secretly. However, before we get the antidote, we must quickly announce our engagement and hold a wedding, making the Shadow Syndicate believe our plan is going smoothly and that we've done them a great service. After I earn their trust, I can come and go as I please from the Shadow Syndicate's secret base in Crestoria. Once I have the antidote in hand, I'll give it to you first, but you've got to work with me."
Teaming up meant putting their lives on the line, always at risk of being betrayed by the other.
Sophie's disclosure of so much information to him indicated that she wasn't lying.
But Magnus still had reservations. "I can't marry you. I can cooperate with you on everything else."
Sophie analyzed objectively, "Mr. Blackwood, if you don't announce our engagement and hold a wedding, we can't fool the Shadow Syndicate. Only when we're tied together will they believe you're genuinely willing to join them and be willing to give up the antidote."
She paused and added, "I know what you're concerned about, Mr. Blackwood. Announcing an engagement and holding a wedding doesn't mean we're truly married. In Crestoria, only registering the marriage makes it official. The Shadow Syndicate doesn't yet know Juniper's true identity. If they confirm Juniper is the Abbotts' daughter, they will kill her. Mr. Blackwood, you've only got three days to think it over."
Magnus was always decisive and quick in making decisions.
But this time, he hesitated.
Sophie made a valid point, but he had promised Juniper he wouldn't marry anyone else.
If risking everything could get the antidote and save Christopher's life, then when Juniper returns to her family, even if she lost him, she would gain a real family.
Then, standing behind her and supporting her, would be the entire Abbotts and Southern City.
She wouldn't be alone anymore, and she wouldn't face bullying either.
And Christopher would provide her with the fatherly love that Juniper had always yearned for.
He would then patiently instruct her on how to grow into a capable and confident leader.
Juniper would naturally become Jenny's protector.
At that point, Magnus wasn't important.
He also remembered that Juniper and Christopher had a great relationship, even without knowing he was her biological father.
Maybe it was like him and Jenny back then, feeling an inexplicable closeness despite not knowing their blood relation.
He lowered his gaze, looking at the plain silver ring on his ring finger, his eyes deep and tender.
He told Sophie, "I'll think about it."
"Alright."
In the middle of the night, Juniper couldn't sleep.
Probably because she slept too much during the day, so she couldn't sleep at night.
Ronald told her tonight that the visa to Solara had been approved. If she was in a hurry, she could fly directly to Solara tomorrow afternoon.
Juniper was somewhat reluctant but feared staying in Southern City was unsafe. If the Shadow Syndicate caused more trouble, it could threaten Jenny, so she agreed to leave tomorrow afternoon.
Juniper wanted to tell him but was afraid of bothering him.
After much hesitation, she decided to give it a shot.
To her surprise, the phone rang for a while and was actually picked up.
Juniper's eyes lit up with surprise.
Before Magnus could speak, she asked, "Are you still working? Why aren't you asleep yet?"
It was already 2 AM, he should have been asleep.
Magnus's voice was a bit hoarse like it had been affected by cigarette smoke, low and raspy, "I was just about to sleep. What about you? Why are you still up?"
"I couldn't sleep. Ronald said the visa is approved, and Jenny and I can go to Solara tomorrow afternoon. Will you... will you come to see us off?" she asked cautiously.
"Tomorrow afternoon, I'm afraid I can't," he replied.
Magnus had just returned to the Imperial Capital and, indeed, had a lot of work to handle.
Juniper knew he was busy. Although disappointed, she didn't make a fuss, "Alright then. Jenny and I will leave tomorrow afternoon. Do you have anything you want to say to me?"
There wasn't much to say.
Now, Juniper simply yearned to speak with him, finding solace in his voice.
Magnus understood what she wanted and said, "I'll miss you. Once I finish all my work, I'll come to Solara to see you and Jenny."
Magnus used to disdain lying, but now he had to tell lies to Juniper.
To make her leave willingly, he had to keep weaving a beautiful dream of the future for her.
It sounded ridiculous but he had no choice.
Juniper was naturally happy to hear this, "Then I forgive you for not coming to see us off."
She easily forgave him.
Magnus felt a bit choked up, "Juniper, do you really forgive me?"
A qualified boyfriend or future husband should at least be able to meet such small requests.
But now, he couldn't even do that for her.
Juniper's voice was cool, but her tone carried a hint of warmth, "If I don't, would you be able to come to see us off?"
Juniper sighed lightly, indulgent and affectionate, "Because I love you. If I can't tolerate such small things, wouldn't we argue about everything after getting married?"
"Juniper," he called out her name.
"Yes?"
Magnus's voice changed, "What did you just say?"
She said she loved him.
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