Chapter 196 Charity Gala
The Link family, despite its sprawling size, adhered to a strict set of rules. Without them, the family would have crumbled long ago.
For this family, free love was a foreign concept; marriages were strategic alliances, and the children had no say in the matter.
After exchanging pleasantries, the two men entered the restaurant, their laughter echoing through the opulent space.
"The elders of both our families have already agreed to this union," Nicholas stated frankly once they were seated. "Now, it's just a matter of us getting acquainted. This marriage will be mutually beneficial. Your Darkmoon family can expand its reach in Golden Valley, while our Link family can leverage your influence to tap into larger markets. It's a win-win."
"Indeed, which is why I have no objections," Kaelen replied smoothly. "If I'm not mistaken, my intended is Willow, correct?"
"You remember Willow?" Nicholas asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I met her briefly two years ago. A very beautiful girl," Kaelen remarked.
Nicholas chuckled. "Excellent memory. However," he added, his tone turning serious, "Willow has changed."
"People change," Kaelen said simply, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
"Willow's become… rebellious," Nicholas revealed, frowning.
"Rebellious?" Kaelen echoed, feigning curiosity. "Well, that's quite normal, right? We live in a modern society. Young people have their own minds; they're not as easily controlled as they once were." He projected an air of understanding, as if this was a minor inconvenience.
In truth, Willow's personality was of little consequence to Kaelen. The marriage was the priority. Of course, a beautiful and agreeable wife was preferable, but it wasn't a deal-breaker.
"Willow disregards the family's wishes entirely. She insists on running her own business," Nicholas explained, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "It's absurd."
Kaelen instantly grasped Willow's mindset. "Ah, the idealism of youth. I had similar notions a few years ago. Then reality, in the form of a few failed ventures, set in."
"The problem is, Willow hasn't reached that point yet," Nicholas lamented. "She doesn't listen to reason, ignores our advice…"
"Why not approach her employer directly? Apply some pressure, force them to let her go," Kaelen suggested. "Young people rarely learn from hardship; it's only when they're truly backed into a corner that they yield."
"We tried that," Nicholas said, frustration lacing his voice. "The boss refused to cooperate."
Kaelen's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Someone in Golden Valley dared to defy the Link family? Who has that kind of audacity?"
"Have you heard of the Twin Group?" Nicholas asked.
Kaelen's eyes widened. "Skyview?"
"You know of him?"
"By reputation, yes."
"Skyview shows no regard for the Link family name," Nicholas said, his tone laced with annoyance. "But we can't very well retaliate over something so trivial."
"And Willow is aware of our families' arrangement?" Kaelen inquired.
"She is."
"And my guess is, she's not thrilled about it."
"Not in the slightest," Nicholas confirmed.
Kaelen feigned remorse. "My apologies. It seems I've made a rather poor first impression."
"Don't worry yourself about it," Nicholas reassured him. "She simply needs time to come around."
"What Willow needs," Kaelen declared confidently, "is to spend time with me. Very few women can resist my charm." His words, though undeniably arrogant, didn't strike Nicholas as boastful. In fact, he found himself nodding in agreement.
Kaelen, after all, wasn't delusional. He was simply stating a fact. He was undeniably handsome, possessing a mature, refined attractiveness. He was intelligent, with a keen business acumen and a natural understanding of politics. He was well-read, with insightful opinions on a wide range of topics. And, of course, he was incredibly wealthy.
"You're an exceptional young man, Kaelen. Unfortunately, Willow hasn't realized that yet," Nicholas said. "But I'm confident that given the opportunity, she'll come to appreciate your qualities. I've convinced her to attend a charity event tonight. I'll make sure you two have a chance to talk."
"Consider it done," Kaelen replied, a confident smirk playing on his lips.
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