Chapter 1434 The Authority of the Ruler is Inviolable
Nolan looked up, his gaze first landing on Selena before shifting to Raymond. His pupils constricted sharply as he rose to his feet in disbelief.
The change in his expression was so dramatic that it seemed as if he'd seen a ghost.
Tatum also looked up at that moment, equally incredulous, but both of them—having been formidable figures in their youth—quickly masked their emotions.
Nolan was the first to speak, "So this is Selena?"
Since she hadn't been confronted harshly, Selena didn't display her sharp side. Instead, she approached them gently with her head slightly bowed. "Grandfather, Grandmother."
The Smith family was known for its strong traditions. Despite many people's displeasure with the shares she held, no one dared speak out before Nolan and Tatum expressed their views.
Even Otto, nearly bursting with anger, didn't dare act out of line.
Nolan and Tatum's commanding presence was overwhelming, leaving everyone feeling suffocated.
Nolan nodded and took a sip of tea from the cup on the table.
He looked remarkably young for his age, at least a decade younger than his peers.
He spoke up, "When I handed the Smith family business to Jason, I made it clear that the heir has the right to handle any matter, including who receives shares."
Otto finally couldn't contain himself. "What gives this woman the right?"
"Silence!" Tatum's voice rang out.
The command was stern and resolute.
Otto visibly trembled at the rebuke.
Selena suddenly understood why Richard had said the Smith family never engaged in internal power struggles.
The family discipline was too strict. In their eyes, Richard's approach must have seemed frivolous, while Lawrence was their ideal successor.
The authority of those in power was inviolable.
A momentary silence fell over the room. Otto clenched his fists in frustration but dared not speak further.
Nolan continued, "So, Selena, you are now the head of the Smith family. As such, there is one rule you cannot break—you must marry the person we designate."
Back then, Jason couldn't go against the order to marry Cora, so Octavia had to take Cora's place.
Now, who did Nolan and Tatum want her to marry?
Selena's back stiffened, her eyes widening in shock.
Richard quickly interjected, "Grandfather, I've never heard of this rule before."
Nolan lowered his eyelashes, his face impassive. "I will have the priest determine if you and the man before you are destined to be together. If not, you cannot marry."
Nolan and Tatum were devout believers, trusting in divine guidance for all matters. Whatever the outcome of their assessment, that would be final.
People tend to become more faithful as they age.
As Selena was about to protest, a warm hand grasped hers.
It was Raymond, silently urging her not to provoke conflict, especially when no one knew what the so-called "result" would be.
Besides, Nolan and Tatum's reaction upon seeing Raymond's face had been peculiar.
They had been living in seclusion—how could they possibly know Raymond?
It seemed impossible. Nolan and Tatum had likely been disconnected from world news for over twenty years.
If not for this major issue, they would never have left their vacation island.
Nolan and Tatum's authority was so absolute that no one dared contradict them.
Even when Richard tried to say more, Selena held him back.
It was clear that as long as Nolan and Tatum were present, they had the final say in family matters.
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