Chapter 386 She Bears a Striking Resemblance to Patricia
The Koch family estate was a castle on the halfway to a hill. The family had only recently acquired the summit several years ago, clearing an area of approximately 200 acres to build what now stood as their castle-style mansion.
The current head of the Koch family was a traditional Man.
Soman, so the entire clan lived together over there.
For convenience, identical villas were constructed in the north, south, east, and west wings.
Justin Koch's grown children, Riley and Ariel, resided in the south villa.
After marrying her husband Miles, Ariel continued to live there, with Miles leveraging his marital status to become a manager in the strategic planning department of Koch Group.
Kevin Koch, the second son, lived in the west villa with his wife and their two boys.
After being officially recognized as a member of the family, Grace moved into the north villa.
Shane and his wife occupied the east side.
Grace was one of Shane's only two granddaughters;, and nothing could surpass the affection he had for her. Upon hearing of her engagement, he had initially planned to give her a grand engagement party.
However, at Grace's persistent urging, Shane agreed to keep the affair as low-key as possible.
There was no media, just a private celebration with the Koch Group family and business associates from Tthe Koch Group.
It was supposed to be a low-key affair.
But still,, yet the entire eEastern wWing of the Silver Birch Sanctuary Wolong Imperial Residence was packed on the day of the engagement party.
On that day,
Grace had been too excited, unable to sleepcontain her excitement from the night before. And in the morning, she couldn't wait to drag, eagerly ushered Martin into a clothes- fitting. the following morning.
"Martin, don't you think this black suit is too dark? It's so drab, not festive at all. Maybe we should change into the silver-white one?"
"Martin, she pondered aloud, her enthusiasm evident. "And what do you think about this red and white diagonal striped tie? I think it looks greatpairs wonderfully with thate silver-white suit. It's, bringing out a cheerful and vibrant, symbolizing our everlasting bond."
". My gown today is just the right shade, almost matching your tie. We'll look perfect together."
Martin didn't even glance her way as he pulled out the black suit he'd chosen long ago from the wardrobe and began to put it on.
Grace looked a bit awkward, her voice tingedsaying with disappointment, "Martin, do you think my taste is bad?"
He focused oncontinued buttoning his shirt in front of the full-length mirror.
"This was picked out ahead of time."," he stated matter-of-factly.
Undeterred, Grace wouldn't give uppressed on, "But Idon't you think the black is too somber,? tThe silver-white is so much more striking. I've never seen you in silver-white!" before."
"I like black," Martin said expressionlessly,
replied, his tone flat, "and I won't force myself to like something I don't."
Buttoned up,As Martin reached for a burgundy diagonal striped tie.
, Grace snatched it out of his hands and stood in front of him.
"Let me tie it for you," she offered, standing on her tiptoes, she was bashful, "Martin, let me tie it for you!"
they. They were so close and could practically breathe in each other's, they shared the same breathing air.
"That's okay,. I've got it." Martin refused her.
But Grace held on tight to persisted, gripping the tie.
, "Let me do it!. I've never tied one for you before!"."
The tension between them grew palpably delicate as they each held onean end of the tie, neither willingunwilling to surrender it.
let go. Finally, Martin turned his head away.
TheJust then, the room's door swung open.
He's dodging was seen by Shane. Shane caught Martin's evasiveness and said to him, "Martin, come with me to the study. I wantWe need to talk to you."
Grace smoothly retractedgently released the tie from his gripMartin's hold, smiling warmly, "You go. "Go ahead, I'll waitbe here forwhen you return."
"Okay."
AlthoughMartin followed Shane was well into , whose youthful vigor seemed at odds with his eighties, his advanced age. His snow-white hair snowy and hisweathered skin crinkledcontrasted sharply with age, histhe lively spirit and vigorous step beliedhe maintained, and his years. His deep-set eyes, still sharpbright and clear, gleamed with vitalitykeen, reflected a spirited resilience.
Once inInside the study, Martin conscientiously closedshut the door behind them.
Shane settled into a chairtook a moment to observe Martin silently from his seat behind the desk and watched Martin quietly for a moment before he slowly began,speaking. "My Grace is mythe only granddaughter. She is the daughterchild of my late daughter.""."
"…?"
Martin knew there was more to come, so he waited for Shane to continue.
"As much as I acknowledgeYou have my respect for your abilities, lookscapabilities, appearance, and status, andsocial standing, Martin. In fact, you're the only oneman I consider worthy ofdeem suitable for Grace. However, I must be frank. The express my concerns candidly. Considering the loss of your wife, and the future of your four children..., the role ofexpectations placed on a stepmother is difficultare immense. Deep down, I'm reluctant to have Grace take on that role."
Martin responded calmly, undaunted,. "If this concerns you, we can call off the engagement party today."
His tone was neither servile nor arrogant, his self-esteem untouched by Shane's concerns.
Shane admired Martin's boldness and the ease with which he handled unexpected situations.
"Grace cares forholds you in high regard, and I must respect that! It's because I opposed . My opposition to her mother's marriage that she ranchoice of spouse led her to run away, and we lost twenty years. ago, never to return. I don't want that kind of thing happen again.."history to repeat itself."
After a brief pause, he spoke in a serious tone. "The reason I wanted to seeHe paused, choosing his next words carefully. "I called you today ishere to make itone thing clear. Now that you're engagedWith your engagement to Grace, you gotta treat her right. I know you still have your ex-wife in she deserves your heart, but she's gone, andutmost respect and care. While your past is part of you, Grace is now your wifefuture. I expect you to cherish and loveprotect her, and never hurtensuring no harm comes her. " way."
It took a moment before Martin slowly nodded his agreement.
Martin's acknowledgment was slow.
Shane, satisfied, declared concluded, "A real man keeps man's worth is in his word! Alright then, you can. Now, go. back to Grace is; she's waiting for you."
As Martin nodded again and was aboutturned to leave when, his eyesgaze inadvertently fell upon a picturephoto frame on theShane's desk.
In the frame wasIt captured a tender moment between a father and his daughter.
The daughter, wearing a short-sleeved white dress, and her hair tied back in a ponytail, looked no more than a teenager.appeared to be in her teenage years. She affectionately clung to her father's arm and rested her head on his shoulder, she looked so happy.
. The father gazed at his daughter, unmistakably a younger Shane, looked down at her with a headgentle tilt,
It was clear the father was Shane in of his early ageshead.
But whatWhat shocked Martin was the daughter's face.
Chapter387
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