Chapter 4

Harlan pulled a document out of his briefcase and slid it across the table.

"This is the strategic partnership framework between the Lowes and Harrisons for the next three years," he said. "As long as Simon and Josie's marriage is settled, this agreement will be effective starting tomorrow."

He looked at me with absolute confidence, the kind only someone who had been admired all his life could possess, the certainty that he would always have the final say.

I didn't budge.

"Mr. Gardner."

Harlan's tone remained calm and measured. "You're still young. The Harrisons may be the wealthiest family in the country, but their assets have little to do with you. Only with our support can your position in the family truly be secure."

What he was telling me was simple.

In his eyes, I was nothing more than a man who had married into the Harrison family, a man with no background and no backing. Therefore, I needed the Lowe family's support to hold on to my position.

What he didn't know was that my wife, Bella, and I had married because we loved each other. I had never been some man clinging to her family for status.

And he certainly didn't know that I was the son he had never known existed.

40 years ago, Harlan drove Mom out of Crownyork. 40 years later, he sat before me, looking down from his position of power, as he asked me to give his grandson a chance to marry my daughter.

"Mr. Lowe Senior, my daughter's marriage is none of an outsider's concern."

His brows twitched slightly. "Outsider?"

His expression finally darkened. "Don't you think too highly of yourself, Mr. Gardner? I came here because I was showing you respect. In Crownyork, there are barely any people who can warrant a personal visit from me."

He looked at me, his gaze turning cold. "But since you refuse to appreciate my goodwill… Remember this—you were the one who rejected me today. Whatever happens in the future is yours to face. Don't say I didn't warn you."

After Harlan left, the elite circles in Crownyork buzzed with gossip about me, Edward Gardner.

"He actually refused to let his daughter marry the Lowe family's grandson? Who does he think he is? He's nothing more than a leech."

"Harlan Lowe personally went to his doorstep, and he still acted all high and mighty. How haughty!"

I sat at home, scrolling through the messages on my phone one by one.

Someone sent me an anonymous text. "Who do you think you are? Without the Harrisons, you are nothing."

Another left a comment under Harrison Group's social media page. "Ms. Harrison, please keep your husband in check. Don't let him ruin the partnership with the Lowes."

Hundreds of people echoed the same sentiment beneath every comment. I neither deleted nor responded to any of them.

A week later, Crownyork's largest charity auction gala was held. The Lowe family was one of the organizers.

Inside the grand hall, Simon stood beside Harlan, wearing a smug smile. When he saw Josie, his smile stiffened. He quickly walked over and grabbed her hand.

"Josie, why haven't you answered any of my calls or texts?"

Josie glanced at me before pulling her hand away. "Simon, until my dad agrees to our relationship, I think we should keep some distance."

Simon's face turned pale. He whipped his head at me, the hatred in his eyes almost tangible. "Are you satisfied now, Mr. Gardner?"

I ignored him.

The gala dinner began. Harlan stepped onto the stage to give his speech.

"Distinguished guests, thank you all for your support over the years. Today, besides the charity auction, I have another piece of great news to announce."

The hall fell silent.

"My grandson, Simon, and the daughter of the Harrison family, Josie, are deeply in love. Their wedding is just around the corner. The Lowe and Harrison families will soon become one through this wonderful union!"

Applause thundered through the hall. Harlan looked at me with a smug, victorious smile, as if the entire Harrison family had become his to utilize.

I stood up. "Mr. Lowe Senior."

The applause stopped. All eyes were on me.

I ascended the stage and stood before Harlan. "Who told you our families were becoming one through this union?"

His smile stiffened. "They're both in love. As their elders, we—"

I cut in, saying, "I do not condone this marriage!"

The hall erupted into an uproar.

Harlan's expression darkened. "Mr. Gardner, if you have something to say, we can discuss it privately. We're surrounded by prestigious guests today. Must you resort to such an embarrassing stunt?"

I turned around and faced the hundreds of eyes watching from below.

"Do you even know what you're doing, Harlan? Are you deliberately going against basic morality and letting the whole city make fun of us by arranging a marriage between your grandson and granddaughter?"