Chapter 0002

Was William blind?

Although William was old, his mind was still sharp.

He understood that the Woods didn't want their daughter to get married. However, the priest had already prophesied that she had to be the one to marry into the Kingsley family.

"The 15th of August seems like a good date. Let's set that as the date for the wedding."

It turned out that Valerie hadn't just failed to change the Kingsleys' minds today. She had also sealed her fate by finalizing a date for the wedding!

"I'll do it," Valerie said to her parents.

"Valerie …" Emma was still worried about her daughter being forced into marriage.

The meal had been arranged so the two families could get to know each other. However, only William Kingsley and his older son, Martin Kingsley, the mayor, had shown up. Not a single woman from the Kingsley family was there. Most importantly, the groom-to-be, Kieran, didn't even bother to call.

Anthony couldn't help but think that Valerie was getting the short end of the stick. He declared, "Let's not agree to the marriage. I'll reject the proposal once we get home."

After all, he only had one precious daughter that he doted on. Why did she have to marry Kieran, who was eight years older than her, when she was just in her prime?

Besides, it was clear that the Kingsleys didn't respect them at all.

So what if the Kingsleys were powerful? The worst-case scenario that could happen if they rejected the proposal was for the Kingsleys to take away Wood Corporation.

Yet, in Anthony's eyes, his company was nothing compared to his daughter's future and happiness.

Emma agreed with her husband. She said passionately, "He's right! We earn money because we want our children to lead comfortable lives. But right now, that money is what's standing between you and your future happiness. We won't have the money!"

Anthony and Emma steeled their resolve and drove back to Wood Estate.

Valerie was so touched by her parents' decision that she felt tears well in her eyes.

Still, how could she let her parents give up on Wood Corporation? Even if they said that they didn't need the money, what about her brother? She couldn't be so selfish.

Over at the president's office in Kingsley Corporation, Kieran was working at his desk.

One could sense his cold demeanor from afar. His eyes were sharp and captivating, and he had a full forehead and a tall nose bridge.

All in all, he was a breathtakingly handsome man, and it was clear that he was not someone to be messed with.

Just then, William entered Kieran's office. Kieran simply glanced at his father before turning back to his work.

William took a seat on the couch and informed Kieran, "Your wedding will be on the 15th of August."

Kieran had been signing some papers. His hands froze mid-air, and he raised his head to look at William.

William picked up a cup of tea on the coffee table in front of him. He blew on it lightly before sipping the tea.

"I know that you've been very insistent on not getting married for the past few years. But I'm sure that even your late mother wouldn't want to see you remain a bachelor forever."

William continued, "The date has already been set. The bride is from the Wood family. Her name is Valerie Wood, and she's 20-years-old. She's a very special girl. Also, she's still a student at college."

"Oh? 20 years old? Julian can have her instead." Kieran smiled as he replied without another thought.

"You rascal!" William scolded.

"Kieran! We are talking about your future wife! You can't just say that your nephew can have her!"

Every time William spoke to his second son, he felt as if his blood pressure would shoot through the roof.

Kieran was the complete opposite of him. The way he spoke and even the way he handled situations were completely at odds with William.

As such, William never went to Kieran unless he really needed to.

"How about the person who proposed the marriage in the first place marries her instead?" Kieran asked.

"Kieran Kingsley!" William roared again.

"You have no say in this matter. The wedding gifts have all been prepared. Get ready to go to Wood Estate and make a formal proposal. I'm warning you—not even death can get you out of this marriage," William continued.

Kieran's gaze was icy as he frostily replied, "Never!"

William swallowed angrily when he saw how reluctant Kieran was. Finally, he decided to play his trump card.

"Get married, and I'll tell you everything I know about her."

This time, it was Kieran's turn to be caught off guard.

He knew exactly who William meant by "her".

He narrowed his eyes at his father. "Have you been investigating it too?"

William set his teacup aside and stood up. "The wedding is on the 15th of August. Be prepared."

The days flew by. Before they knew it, it was the day of the wedding.