Chapter 22
Calvert’s deep–set eyes flickered slightly, “I respect Actis wishes, let’s do as the wants?
He wanted to break off the engagement, but it would not be easy to explain to his grandmother. He believed that if Ash were as eager to call off the engagement as he was, there wouldn’t be a problem
Ash glanced at him. Playing for time? That works too. If he were to show too much eagerness in front of my parents about breaking up with me, it might affect my mom’s health
As thoughts swirled in her mind, Ash didn’t argue with Calvert.
Their exchange of looks, however, seemed like a secret romance to Brooke. This pattern of communication, where one led and the other followed, pleased her even more. It’s good that Ash is marrying into the Snider family!
“Then we’ll follow your wishes, Brooke said calmly. As long as they love each other, marriage is just a formality–a matter of
time
Having only recently found her beloved daughter, Brooke wished for Ash to spend more time with her.
Jade, who had just entered, overheard their conversation and her expression changed slightly
Seeing the happy family scene in the living room and the man who once belonged to her now sitting beside another woman with a gentle expression, Jade felt jealousy surging inside her but forced herself to suppress it. All this should have been
mine‘
She picked up the gift in her hand and handed it to Ash. “Ash, I saw this dress today that suits you perfectly
Ash pursed her lips, accepting the gift graciously, yet a sense of caution suddenly rose within her. Gifts without reason are often deceitful
She couldn’t believe that someone who had tried to kidnap her just days ago would suddenly change so completely. While breakfast this morning could be seen as an attempt to gain favor, the timing of this gift seemed deliberate.
Seeing this scene, the stone that had been weighing on Brooke’s heart finally fell.
When Ash went missing, she hadn’t slept for nights, struggling to rest, and even ended up in the emergency room due to excessive grief. Josh had adopted Jade from the orphanage to help alleviate her pain.
Over the years, sensible Jade had indeed eased some of her inner pain. Yet, she never stopped missing her biological daughter.
Brooke had always worried about how the two would get along, but to her surprise, they seemed harmonious.
With her ideal son–in–law by her side and both daughters being obedient and sensible, Brooke suddenly felt that life was quite perfect.
In front of their parents, Jade avoided greeting Calvert to avoid suspicion intentionally, but unexpectedly, Calvert did not initiate a conversation with her either.
Thinking of the unanswered messages she had sent, Jade felt a deep sadness well up inside her, unable to hide the sorrow in
her eyes.
Ash, turning to talk to her mother, happened to catch Jade forcing a smile and an ambiguous expression on her face.
Poe, 11 JEED
Chapter 22
11
Putting on a show right in front of me: Unfortunately for Jade, Ash didn’t care in the slightest, not even sparing her a glance,
Calvert was discussing business matters with Josh. The Turner and Snider families had always been closely linked, sharing many collaborative projects, which gave them plenty to talk about. Most of the time, it was Josh talking while Calvert occasionally added his own insights.
They made no effort to hide their conversation, and Ash listened clearly,
It was undeniable that Calvert was a business prodigy
Ash’s gaze lingered on Calvert for a moment before shifting to Jade, who couldn’t help but look at him. Feeling somewhat bored, she lowered her head. He likes the bitch type, I’m definitely not in that category
After sitting in the living room for a while, Jade quickly found an excuse to leave and return to her room.
Once the door was securely locked, she grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it angrily to the floor.
Picking up her phone, she stared at the unanswered messages she had sent to Calvert, tears unconsciously spilling over. She lay on the bed, her eyes filled with frustration.
‘Am I really supposed to watch the man I love marry someone else? Wait! Jade suddenly thought of something. ‘If just sharing a room forced the Snider family to discuss marriage, what if I took things further with Calvert?
With that thought, she stood up, wiped away her tears, picked up the pillow from the floor, and placed it back on the bed. A bold plan began to form in her mind.
In the Snider family, Dorothy sat upright in a mahogany chair. In a serious expression, she tapped the ground with her cane and an air of subtle authority about her. “Explain yourself, why are you postponing the wedding?”
Calvert was undaunted; he had anticipated Dorothy’s question.
Observing her relatively healthy complexion, he said calmly, “Ash and I aren’t compatible, Postponing the engagement is just a temporary measure. I intend to break off the engagement.”
This matter needed to be clarified sooner rather than later, or else Dorothy would mismatch him again, and if there were another incident like drugging, he wouldn’t be able to handle it.
“You insolent boy, you’ve defied me!” Dorothy’s face turned red with anger as she stood up, leaning on her cane. “Are you still hung up on Jade? Let me tell you, don’t even think about it. As long as I’m alive, she’ll never set foot in the Snider family’s door.”
With that, Dorothy started coughing, her chest heaving uncontrollably. Calvert quickly stepped forward to help her catch her breath.
Only after seeing Dorothy recover did Calvert continue, “Don’t upset yourself. I have my own plans regarding my marriage.” Dorothy stared at him for a long moment, observing the resolute expression on his face, and sighed deeply.
She knew Calvert well–he was always decisive in the company, and no one could change his mind.
After pondering for a while, Dorothy suddenly asked, “Is breaking off this engagement absolutely necessary?”
“Yes,” Calvert nodded but kept a close watch on Dorothy to prevent her from getting too agitated and starting to cough again.
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Chapter 22
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“Alright, stop staring at me.” Dorothy glanced at him. “Just marry Ash properly and make her your wife. That’s more effective than anything else.”
“Anything else, you name it.” Calvert’s voice was cold and firm.
“Fine, you don’t have to marry her.” Dorothy softened her tone and her eyes flickered. “I’ll give you a year. During this time, you must behave like an ordinary boyfriend and girlfriend, loyal to each other. If after a year, you still insist on this idea, then I won’t force you. Does that sound fair?”
Calvert fell into thought. Exchanging a year for a lifetime of freedom was indeed an attractive offer.
Ever since Ash returned to the Turner family, Dorothy had been pressuring him to get married. Now, all he had to do was pretend to get along well with Ash to stabilize Dorothy’s mood and avoid being forced into marriage, which seemed like a win–win situation.
“Deal.” Calvert nodded lightly, agreeing to the terms Dorothy had proposed.
Hearing his response, Dorothy nodded in satisfaction. “Trying to outsmart me? You’ve got a long way to go!”
AD
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