Chapter 717 Eavesdropped Conversation
Randall leaned back in his chair, looking at Molly, who was complaining about him. With a resigned tone, he said, "Honestly, I thought about it a lot the night before last. I think I'm better off following my family's plans. Who says dreams have to come true? Dreams are just unrealistic fantasies. If you can't achieve them, that's why they're called dreams. People have to face reality.
"Taking this job, first, I'm good at it. Second, it meets my family's high expectations. Third, everyone is happy. Plus, I've been doing this job for a while now, and I think I'm doing okay. Sure, it's boring and lacks passion, but life can't always be about doing whatever you want. After enjoying the Olteran family's wealth for over twenty years, I need to give something back."
Randall added, "This job is pretty good."
Molly glanced at Vera, who had a slight frown, just like Teddy did earlier.
"Isn't there another reason you haven't mentioned?" Vera asked.
Randall looked puzzled. "What?"
"Having a respectable job will make the Morales family accept you. You can be with Susan openly, and her parents won't object," Vera said slowly. "Patrick mentioned during Christmas that the Morales family had certain expectations. Is this why you haven't made your relationship with Susan official?"
Molly was confused. "Vera, what's up with the Morales family?"
Vera looked at her sisters and then explained, "The Morales family only has Susan as an heir. She's a gentle and naive girl, not fit to lead the Morales Group. So, her future partner has two options: either a capable person who marries into the family or an alliance with a family strong enough to protect the Morales Group. Randall's marrying into the family is out of the question; our dad would never allow it.
"But think about the Morales Group's status in the business world. To protect it, you'd need to be even stronger. Even if Randall started a business from scratch now, how many years would it take for him to become Ulysses' ideal candidate?
"Susan is the only daughter, and Ulysses would never let her spend her life with an unreliable man. If Susan insists on being with Randall, it would create a rift between her and her father, and Susan would be the one to suffer.
"So, the quickest way is for Randall to join the family business and gradually take over the Olteran Group.
"The Olteran Group has always been the main enterprise supporting the Morales family. As long as Randall joins the company and gains a certain status, with Patrick's personal guidance, his marriage to Susan would be a sure thing."
Molly suddenly understood. "No wonder. I thought Randall was clueless about relationships. Susan's feelings were so obvious, yet he kept hanging around her without making a move."
Vera said, "Randall hadn't made up his mind. Choosing Susan means giving up his dreams. Choosing his dreams means possibly not ending up with Susan."
"But isn't Patrick Ulysses' idol? He..."
"Molly, you wouldn't understand until you become a parent. Never underestimate a parent's love for their child," Vera, now a mother herself, said. "No matter how great Patrick is, Susan is Ulysses and Sadie's precious daughter. They would never compromise with Patrick."
Randall gave a bitter smile and asked, "Do I seem like the type to get all lovesick?"
Molly nodded seriously. "In the Olteran family, once we fall for someone, it's for life. Randall, be honest, have you liked Susan for a long time?"
Randall licked his lips, looked down, and stared at his palm.
Susan, who was eavesdropping from behind the wall, held her breath, waiting for Randall's answer.
After a few seconds of silence, Randall smiled nonchalantly. "Is it that hard to tell?"
Susan, behind the wall, felt her eyes well up with tears. She didn't know if she was crying out of joy or because she felt sorry for Randall.
Molly felt relieved. "Go on."
Randall said, "Vera already said everything. What else is there to say?"
Vera spoke up, "Then tell us why you suddenly accepted all this. I can't figure it out."
The three of them had been friends for many years. Whether Randall was happy or feeling bitter, they could all sense it.
Randall finally spoke the truth. "There's no point in dragging this out. If I don't give Susan a clear answer, she'll keep guessing whether I like her or not.
"Ulysses would also wonder if I'm stringing Susan along while dating other women. And because I've been so indecisive, Patrick can't face Ulysses either."
Randall looked at the green lawn in the distance, took a deep breath, and continued, "Susan has been living with us, and everyone knows it. If I don't take responsibility, Susan won't be able to get married in the future.
"Vera summed it up well: it's either Susan or my dreams. I just chose her."
Susan, silently crying behind the wall, wiped her tears with her sleeve.
She had always thought that her presence in Randall's life was to encourage and support him. She knew many of Randall's secrets and always supported and admired him, continuing to research what he was interested in. But she never expected that she would end up being a burden to Randall.
Without her, Randall wouldn't have so many concerns.
"Choosing Susan. I have a girlfriend, a career, and a clear future, Patrick is happy, my mom is pleased, my grandpa is satisfied, and my education is put to good use. The whole family is happy.
"I've come to terms with it. This is how it will be." Randall stood up, not wanting to continue the conversation.
Molly quickly called out, "Randall, will you regret it in the future?"
Randall paused, thought for a few seconds, and said, "Who knows what the future holds?"
With that, he walked past Vera and Molly and entered the living room.
He instinctively looked around but didn't see Susan. He approached a housekeeper and asked, "Where's Susan?"
"Ms. Morales went upstairs a moment ago."
Randall understood and went over to Shawn, taking Teddy from his arms. "Teddy, did you drool on Susan's face again? You're too messy, buddy."
Teddy, with his drool-covered little fist, wiped it on Randall's shirt.
Randall said, "Still holding a grudge, huh?"
Shawn scolded Randall for taking Teddy. "I just started holding him. I haven't had enough time yet!"
Randall hugged Teddy. "Then you can sleep with him tonight. Patrick would be thrilled."
Vincent was about to try to take Teddy from Randall again.
Soon, Tom came out and called everyone for dinner.
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