Chapter 503 Love What I Choose, Choose What I Love
Evelyn stared coldly at Gilbert, whose face concealed all the darkness beneath a gentle facade, and slowly clenched her fist with force.
"I know your intentions. You'll have plenty of opportunities to spend time with Evelyn in the future." Charlie's gaze was particularly kind, and his words were quite intriguing.
The flashbulbs captured the moment, and the onlookers gasped in astonishment!
It could be said that as a legendary figure and top business mogul, Charlie had rarely been so close to a younger person. This was entirely the attitude of treating a future son-in-law!
"Why do I feel like Mr. Taylor is trying to match Gilbert with Ms. Taylor?" someone whispered.
"I think so, too. He's cold to Mr. Wellington but treats Gilbert warmly, like family. Isn't that obvious?"
"And everyone in the business world knows that Elbert and Mr. Taylor are good friends, and their families have been close for generations! If Ms. Taylor weren't so independent and Mr. Taylor didn't spoil her, would he have allowed her to marry Mr. Wellington three years ago? She would have married the young master of the Alexander family long ago!"
"But I think Evelyn still has feelings for Edward. The two of them walking the red carpet together looked like they were reconciling."
"What good does that do? Which young master or lady of a noble family can decide their marriage? Mr. Taylor indulged her once; can he indulge her a second time?"
"If the Taylor family really marries into the Alexander family, that would be big news and could change the entire business landscape of Mugden!"
Evelyn couldn't listen any longer, her expression darkening as she quickly walked away.
"Evelyn!" Gilbert chased after her alone, full of concern. "What's wrong? Are you still angry about what Jessica did earlier?"
Evelyn said nothing and just kept walking.
"Evelyn, if you're still upset, I have many ways to make you happy. I'll do anything for you."
Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks. "Do you really have evidence? Evidence that Jessica slandered me."
"No, I was just bluffing. Because I know she's guilty and afraid of being exposed," Gilbert admitted with a light smile.
"From what I know of Jessica, her mental resilience is stronger than Debra's. As the eldest daughter of the Clark family, she's deeply loved by Maurice and Eric. Would she really be afraid of your few words of threat?"
Evelyn's clear eyes suddenly turned to him, her gaze growing suspicious. "Or, does Gilbert have some feelings for Jessica, and she confessed on purpose?"
These words were undoubtedly sarcastic.
He adjusted his glasses, the reflection hiding a hint of malice in his eyes. "Evelyn, I never have contact with any woman, except you."
"I have someone I love. No matter how much you care about me, I have no interest in you."
Her heartless words were like a sharp sword, cutting open Gilbert's chest, causing a rush of blood to fill his mouth, spreading under his tongue.
"Evelyn, I do like you."
"I don't want to deprive you, Gilbert, of the rights a normal man should have."
Evelyn sneered, exposing his schemes. "And stop wasting your time. No matter how hard you try to please Charlie, I will never give up Edward for you."
Meanwhile, Edward had been secretly coordinating the next steps with Bart.
When he learned that Evelyn had been set up by Jessica and almost had her reputation ruined, he rushed over as quickly as possible, but it was all over by the time he arrived.
The guests had dispersed, and the reporters had left. Only he and Bart stood there, dumbfounded.
"Mr. Wellington, I just saw the news. Jessica apologized to Evelyn, and not only that, but she was also boycotted and criticized by netizens. Everyone is supporting Evelyn. But..." Bart hesitated.
"What?" Edward's heart tightened, and he quickly asked.
"But the person who resolved the trouble for Mrs. Wellington was Gilbert."
As Bart mentioned this name, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Edward's eyes turned red at the corners, his face grim.
"Not only that, there are now photos circulating online of Evelyn and Gilbert interacting warmly, and there's even news that the Taylor family might marry into the Alexander family, and Evelyn might marry Gilbert!" Bart finished, feeling terrified.
Edward's heartbreak was imaginable.
Just as he was anxiously wanting to see Evelyn, he saw Gavin and Sawyer, the chairman and CEO of the Journey Group, approaching with a large entourage of staff and bodyguards.
"Mr. Wellington! It's Mr. Wilson!"
Bart's mouth dropped open in shock. "My God, why are they here? There was no prior notice. Did they change their plans suddenly?"
As they spoke, they had already reached Edward.
"Mr. Wellington, we had agreed to discuss cooperation last time, but you didn't show up. I thought you had resigned and we wouldn't have the chance to meet again," Chairman Gavin Wilson said with a half-smile.
"Dad, are you saying he's the CEO of the Wellington Group?"
His son Sawyer raised his chin slightly, a hint of arrogant disdain in his smile, making people uncomfortable. "Oh, I thought the CEO of the Wellington Group was Caleb, the eldest son of the Wellington family."
Edward's eyes were filled with cold indifference.
It seemed that by missing the last appointment, he had thoroughly offended them.
And the Journey Group had just reached a nearly billion-dollar project cooperation with the Wellington Group, meaning there would be many interactions in the future. Now it was clear they were siding with Caleb and held a grudge against Edward, not taking him seriously at all.
"It seems you will be disappointed."
Edward quickly adjusted his mindset, showing a confident smile, ignoring their mockery, and instead extending his right hand to Gavin. "The CEO of the Wellington Group is not Caleb, and I have not resigned from the group."
"Taking this opportunity, let's reintroduce ourselves. I hope we can mutually benefit and achieve success together, rather than being hindered by trivial matters that affect our cooperation and delay our profits. After all, in the business world, there are no permanent enemies, right?"
Gavin and Sawyer exchanged a glance.
Edward's attitude was neither humble nor arrogant; his demeanor was calm and appropriate, leaving them with no excuse to be angry.
Even if they had dealings with Caleb, the person in charge of the Wellington Group was still Edward.
And he was right; there were only interests in the business world, no friendships.
So Gavin and Sawyer shook hands with Edward, their attitudes somewhat softened. "Mr. Wellington, we hope for a pleasant cooperation in the future."
Edward's thin lips parted slightly, his magnetic voice resonating from his chest. "I hope so, too."
In the VIP section, the members of the four major families were all seated.
The Clark family members looked increasingly grim, except for Neil, who was enjoying the show.
"Neil, thank you for your help with Jessica today."
Maurice showed a grateful expression to Neil. "If it weren't for you, who knows how we would have resolved the trouble Jessica caused."
Jessica hung her head, fuming with anger but not daring to speak.
Debra, already aware of what had happened earlier, saw the usually arrogant Jessica looking so dejected and couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, feeling immensely pleased.
Neil laughed heartily. "Dad, you don't have to be so polite. Jessica is my niece. If I don't help her, who will? Help an outsider?"
Hearing Neil's words, Maurice immediately thought of Eric.
"Maurice, Mom, we're here."
A clear and joyful voice drew everyone's attention.
Eric and Molly walked over hand in hand, looking as intimate as a newlywed couple.
Eric looked at the shy girl beside him with eyes full of affection, the sweet atmosphere making others envious.
However, the atmosphere felt somewhat oppressive.
Especially Maurice and Sophia, whose attitudes towards Eric and Molly were noticeably cold and subtle.
"Wow, could it be that Eric and Molly are together?"
Helen, a guest unaware of the situation, was the first to speak. "They make such a perfect couple! Congratulations to both of you, and Sophia and Mr. Wellington, Mrs. Wellington as well."
Patrick and Tiffany remained as usual, but Sophia's smile was stiff.
Debra's envious gaze fixed on Molly, and when she saw Molly's outfit, her eyes widened in anger, almost tearing up with hatred!
Molly was wearing a bright yellow chiffon dress with a black bow, designed by the internationally renowned fashion designer Betty. It was so beautiful that it made Debra jealous!
Betty's haute couture wasn't something just anyone could buy. Debra had tried to make appointments numerous times without success.
But Molly, also a member of the Wellington family, had managed to wear a dress designed by Betty before her. If this got out, it would only make people think she was inferior to Molly!
It was obvious that the dress was a gift from Eric.
Thinking of this, Debra's hatred intensified, almost tearing her dress.
"If I remember correctly, Eric and Edward are good friends, right? Your friendship is no less than mine with Charlie. Now you and Molly are in love and well-matched. This is a good thing!"
Elbert smiled at Maurice. "Maurice, congratulations! When can I attend your wedding banquet?"
Maurice's lips curled coldly, but he didn't respond.
Such a cold and resistant attitude made it clear to everyone that the head of the Clark family was very dissatisfied with Molly. He wouldn't even acknowledge their relationship in front of Patrick.
The awkward scene was somewhat embarrassing.
Patrick's face turned grim, naturally feeling very uncomfortable.
Tiffany felt the same. Even though she was a selfish and ruthless mother, Molly was still her daughter. The Clark family's disdain for Molly was a disdain for herself, which she couldn't tolerate.
"Elbert, Molly and I are getting married soon. I'll personally deliver the invitation to you first. You must come." Eric held Molly's hand tightly, his eyes filled with a happy smile.
It was as if their wedding was tomorrow.
Molly shyly lowered her long lashes, leaning dependently against Eric's side. The strong affection between them was enough to withstand all harsh criticism.
"Eric, marriage is no small matter. It's a major life decision that requires careful consideration."
Sophia finally couldn't bear it anymore, but she couldn't outright oppose it like Neil, so she subtly objected. "How long have you known Molly? Do you know each other well enough? Isn't it too hasty to talk about marriage so soon?"
"Yes, Eric, everyone in Mugden knows your reputation. How many girlfriends did you have before Molly? Didn't you spoil and pamper each one?" Jessica also mocked, "I suggest you don't make a hasty decision to avoid future regret and wasting Molly's time. Molly was my middle school classmate, and I know her well. She's not like those loose girls you dated before."
Patrick's expression grew darker, and his enthusiasm for the marriage was almost extinguished.
"Maurice, Mom, Patrick, I know what you're worried about. I know I've been reckless in the past and seem untrustworthy."
Eric took a deep breath, his eyes filled with intense love as he looked at the girl beside him, deeply infatuated. His voice trembled with emotion. "But I truly love Molly. For her, I'm willing to do anything. I can give her everything I have."
Give everything to this woman? What a joke!
Maurice gritted his teeth, his cane striking the ground forcefully. But with the Wellington family and many outsiders present, it was not appropriate to lose his temper, so he had to endure it for now.
"In this life, I will marry no one but Molly."
Eric's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he looked seriously at Sophia. "Mom, you think I'm being hasty. On the contrary, this is a decision I've made after careful consideration."
"I just want to love the one I choose and choose the one I love. I hope you and Maurice can agree to us being together."
Everyone present was stunned.
Rumors said Eric was a rebellious person, but they thought it might be an exaggeration.
Now it seemed it wasn't exaggerated; it was understated.
In all of Mugden, how many people dared to confront their family head-on?
This scene was witnessed by Evelyn, who had just arrived. She was moved to tears.
She had been worried, but now she could be at ease.
'Edward, when we overcome all difficulties and walk into the hall of marriage hand in hand, we should receive everyone's blessings, right?'
'Forget it, why think so much?'
'Even if we don't get blessings, so what?'
'The only thing that can separate us is death.'
Dozens of fireworks were launched on time, and colorful confetti was flying everywhere.
Amidst the grand ceremony and the cheers of the crowd, the horse race officially began.
Gavin and Sawyer, along with Edward, arrived late amidst the commotion.
The Journey Group might be unfamiliar to ordinary people, but its status in Mythorica was no less than that of the Wellington Group in Mugden or the Taylor family in Hameen. Gavin was a tycoon who could speak directly with the Prime Minister, with power and influence beyond words.
If they could reach a cooperation with the Journey Group, it would lay a solid foundation for expanding their business in Atlantis, with countless benefits!
Patrick was very surprised to see Edward's relationship with Gavin and Sawyer easing.
Although his son often defied him and caused trouble, he couldn't deny Edward's outstanding work abilities and remarkable skills. Just when you thought he was at a disadvantage, he always managed to seize an opportunity.
After entering, Edward's eyes never left Evelyn.
When he saw that the person sitting next to Evelyn was Gilbert, his heart ached intensely.
He knew this wasn't Evelyn's choice; she would never want to be associated with Gilbert.
This must have been arranged by Charlie.
Thinking this, Edward tried to steady his breathing but still felt like he was being choked.
An inexplicable panic gnawed at his heart.