Chapter 199: Have Some Kids
"I..." Trinity's eyes filled with tears as she avoided Damian's gaze. Her fingers fidgeted, and she struggled to find the right words.
If she said what Damian wanted, she'd lose any chance with him. But if she stayed silent, how would Damian react?
After a moment, Trinity had an idea and spoke carefully, "I think Mr. Hearst is right. Marriage is a lifelong commitment. Once we become a family, we don't want to separate from each other. It's best to be mutually attracted and compatible, not just marry out of obligation."
She looked at Nicole with gentle admiration. "I'll always remember your kindness. Even if I can't marry Damian, you'll always be the best and kindest elder in my heart."
Nicole showed no obvious reaction. These young ladies were sharp; she needed to choose her words carefully.
Anthony, angered by his grandson, felt a bit relieved by Trinity's words. "Do you really think so?"
Anthony speaking to her personally was a sign of respect for the Bezos family.
Edward's mood, which had hit rock bottom, lifted slightly. He looked at Damian with more caution; Damian was indeed hard to handle.
Trinity smiled. "Yes, Anthony. A woman fears marrying the wrong man. I'm even more cautious than Mr. Hearst. I do like Mr. Hearst and have fantasized about marrying him, being a good wife, having children, and spending time with him. But marriage is not a game; it requires careful consideration. Mr. Hearst's reluctance to agree hastily shows he values it, and that makes me very happy."
Whether sincere or not, Trinity's words stabilized the situation.
Bryan praised Trinity inside. At least she knew how to maintain surface peace. Even if the Bezos family wasn't a match for the Hearst family, marrying a sensible daughter-in-law wasn't a loss.
Damian looked down at the wine swirling in his glass, his heart filled with endless mockery.
Trinity's quick thinking was not to be underestimated.
In contrast, Ashley's straightforwardness was less appealing, but the pretense was always unsettling. A straightforward personality was more refreshing and comforting.
Since Trinity was sensible, Damian kindly gave her an out. "Feelings can't be rushed or forced. Trinity is Edward's most cherished daughter; she must not marry the wrong person."
The meal started well but ended tastelessly. After everyone left, the atmosphere at home shifted again.
Anthony slapped the table, his voice stern. "Damian, come here."
Damian nodded, his attitude very respectful for the sake of his grandfather's health. "Anthony, what's wrong?"
Anthony questioned, "Are you dissatisfied with Trinity because you simply don't like her, or is there someone else on your mind?"
The "someone else" referred to Ashley.
Damian said, "Anthony, I've been through a marriage. Getting married is easy; staying together is hard. Last time, I sacrificed three years of happiness for business interests. I don't want to repeat that mistake."
Before Anthony got angry, Damian continued, "The project funded by the Bezos family has officially started. The first payment has been received, and the mid-term payment will be in the account in three months. Whether or not we get the final payment doesn't matter much. This deal with KM Group is a sure win. The money is about to be in our pockets; there's no need to complete this marriage contract."
Anthony sneered, "Do you think Edward is a fool? He invested in that project just for his daughter. If you don't want to marry his daughter but still want his investment, be careful he doesn't turn against you."
Damian said, "I'm more worried he won't turn against us. If he does, he won't see a dime from the project's profits."
Bryan chimed in, "You want to take it all?"
"KM Group has never shared profits with others! The project is under Emperial Avenue Group's name. Dad, are you okay with that? But Emperial Avenue Group provided most of the funding, so we should show some respect at first. When to kick them out depends on their behavior."
Nicole knew her son's methods. His principle was never to let outsiders touch the company's core interests. This time, he was willing to cooperate with Emperial Avenue Group, but it wasn't for a genuine alliance.
Nicole said, "You want to take Emperial Avenue Group's money? Damian, this plan is risky. Edward has connections in both legal and illegal circles. His older brother holds a key position. You need to consider that."
Damian replied, "The more influential they are, the less we need to fear. Any government official can't resist investigation."
Others were quite satisfied with Damian's approach.
Anthony responded sullenly, neither approving nor criticizing. "Just don't get yourself into trouble. KM Group doesn't lack that money."
Damian nodded. "KM Group doesn't lack money, but if someone offers it, there's no reason to refuse!"
Nicole was secretly pleased, increasingly satisfied with her son. Her son was so outstanding that Trinity indeed didn't deserve him. But besides Trinity, no one in Rochester City was qualified.
After calming the family, Damian found an excuse to leave early. Nicole wanted to call her son back, but he left so quickly, as if he would be caught if he slowed down.
Bryan said, "Let's put Damian and Trinity's marriage on hold. The Bezos family is still too small-minded to match the Hearst family. Just make sure he doesn't get involved with Ashley again."
Nicole stroked the ruby on her finger and sighed, "Fortunately, when he divorced, it was clean. He doesn't know about those things; otherwise, it would have been a mess."
Walking out of the courthouse, Ashley was exhausted, not wanting to say a word. Cheryl caught up and supported her arm. "Ashley, do you want to rest for a bit?"
Fred was taken away by the police in court. He was ordered to return all funds within three months and sentenced to two years and six months in prison, effective immediately. When the verdict was read, Cheryl saw Ashley clench her fists. How much anger, hatred, and helplessness Ashley must have felt!
Ashley upheld the law and the interests of the parties involved but couldn't protect her family. She shook her head. "No need, you guys go back to the hotel. I need some time alone."
Dante and Kevin's group came out afterward. "Ashley. That was a brilliant fight! Every word was textbook perfect! Especially the final three questions, which completely broke the opponent's psychological defense. No one could withstand that!"
In the final question, Ashley looked at Fred and slowly asked, "Defendant, did you consider today's outcome when you diverted KM Group's funds? Is it worth trading your reputation for a string of numbers in a bank account? The important thing in life is to move forward. You took a wrong step and destroyed your happy family. The law doesn't allow it, morality doesn't allow it, and reason doesn't allow it. How will you stand?"
With everything settled, Ashley's contract with KM Group was also coming to an end. She no longer wanted to maintain the facade of unity with her so-called team partners. She gave Dante a cold look. "A sharp sword doesn't just kill one person. Dante, take care of yourself."
