Chapter 146
"Two large coffees, please! I'm parched," Caroline asserted, accentuating her words as if making a point.
A hint of surprise flashed across Nathan's face, while Jack beside him looked utterly confused. Was this a genuine request or just a fit of anger?
Jack, being the quick-witted assistant, immediately handed a cup of coffee to Caroline. "Try this first."
Nathan cleared his throat lightly, breaking the subtle tension.
"Ms. Murphy, the reason we invited you today is to hear your suggestions for the wedding. As the head of the wedding planning committee, if you have any requests, please let me know directly."
Caroline almost spat out her coffee in shock and blurted out, "What wedding?"
Jack looked at Nathan, astonished. The person involved didn't even know about it? This situation was beyond bizarre!
"Of course, it's your wedding with Mr. Nick Kennedy," Jack explained.
"Who said I was going to marry him?" Caroline retorted.
Jack became increasingly flustered. This had nothing to do with him; it was all Nathan's idea!
"I decided," Nathan finally spoke, his words carrying an undeniable authority.
"You decided?" Caroline repeated, full of disbelief.
"That's right," Nathan confirmed again.
"My marriage is up to you?" Caroline questioned angrily.
"Yes," Nathan's response was cold and direct.
"What gives you the right to make decisions for me?"
"I'm the one in charge," Nathan replied firmly.
Caroline was furious. It was laughable—what right did Nathan have to dictate her marriage?
"I refuse!" she declared resolutely.
Nathan waved his hand slightly. "You mean no objections, so we'll proceed as planned. You may leave now."
"No, I mean, I don't accept this wedding!" Caroline almost shouted.
Nathan's voice was cold as he said, "If you don't agree, tomorrow I will involve a lawyer to fight for custody. The children will go to the Kennedy Family, not you. I never consented to Nick marrying you; it was solely for the children's benefit. This is your sole opportunity. You won't have the luxury of contemplation. If you decline, the instant you step out that door, you'll forfeit custody."The true Nathan was ruthless and tolerated no dissent.
Caroline almost wanted to kick him, but reason told her she couldn't afford the consequences of challenging Nathan. So, she could only glare at him in silent protest.
Nathan's eyes met hers, instantly shattering all her will to resist.
"I'll think about it," Caroline compromised.
"Mr. Nathan Kennedy said you don't have time to think," Jack tried to remind her.
"Shut up!" Caroline snapped.
"Yes," Jack immediately fell silent.
"You can decide right now. I'll wait for your answer," Nathan added, then lowered his head to deal with some documents, as if everything around him was irrelevant.
The office fell into a dead silence. Caroline was deep in thought. She knew Nathan's determination was not a bluff.
If she didn't agree, his team of lawyers would act swiftly. The economic disparity was vast; she didn't even have her own place. How could the court grant her custody? Even if her financial situation improved, she couldn't compete with the Kennedy Family. If Nathan really wanted to take custody, it would be a piece of cake.
She had no choice. The so-called consideration was just a formality.
Nathan knew this well, so he left no room for negotiation. He forced her to make a decision, domineering yet unavoidable.
Jack, hands behind his back, glanced between the two, suddenly struck by a strange thought. Perhaps Nathan and Caroline were a perfect match. When they clashed, there was a peculiar sense of understanding, as if they could precisely pinpoint each other's weaknesses.
"I agree," Caroline conceded.
Nathan didn't look up; this outcome was within his expectations.
"What specific requirements do you have for the wedding?" Jack asked obsequiously.
"I do have some," Caroline said.
Nathan's eyebrows furrowed slightly at Caroline's rapid turnaround. One moment she resisted, the next she was deep into wedding planning.
"Go ahead." Nathan replied.
Jack prepared his notebook, ready to take notes.
"First, I won't sign a prenuptial agreement."
Nathan's gaze sharpened, piercing through Caroline. She was so cunning; her initial refusal to sign a prenuptial agreement struck at the heart of the matter!
For a regular individual marrying into a wealthy family, agreeing to sign a prenuptial agreement was typically expected to safeguard the family's interests from any disruptions in shareholding. Yet, she openly defied this norm?
The intricate structure of a wealthy family's shares was delicate, with any alteration capable of unsettling the company's core, underscoring the importance of the prenuptial agreement. The substantial wealth amassed over generations was not something an outsider could easily divide.
Despite this, the majority of women were inclined to sign the agreement for a secure future. However, Caroline's initial refusal unveiled a startling ambition.
Nathan's expression said it all, but this was exactly the effect Caroline wanted.
Jack hadn't expected Caroline to throw such a curveball. This wasn't something he could decide, so he looked to Nathan for help.
As Nathan's top assistant, Jack was well aware of the unspoken rules in the wealthy circles. Caroline wanting to marry into the Kennedy Family without a prenuptial agreement was simply impossible.
Entering the Kennedy Family with a prenuptial agreement was a coveted aspiration for many. Yet, Caroline's attempts to avoid the agreement struck a nerve in elite circles, possibly endangering the engagement, Jack speculated.
"Anything else?" Nathan surprisingly didn't object but seemed rather interested.
He suddenly realized that Caroline's nearly impossible conditions were likely intentional.
He was curious to see what other tricks she had up her sleeve.
Nathan's lack of opposition also caught Caroline off guard. He actually wanted to hear more?
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