Chapter 4

Saul wiped the cold sweat off his forehead and flashed a placating smile while nodding vehemently.

Meanwhile, Celeste smiled and stepped in to smooth things over.

"You're right, Mr. Smith. She may be a little spoiled and willful, but fortunately, Mr. Conte is generous enough to give her another chance. I'll be sure to talk some sense into her. She can't keep acting spoiled."

Leo let out a cold snort and motioned for the female assistant beside him to step forward.

"This is Lisa Pratico. Mrs. Conte Senior instructed me to bring her here for Ms. Farro. Feel free to ask for her help regarding anything."

After Leo left, Celeste excitedly instructed the household staff to bring the gifts and Lisa to Nina.

Yet, Saul seemed hesitant.

"I couldn't help but think that the Conte family wasn't talking about Nina, but rather…"

He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The daughter he supposedly raised well, mentioned by Leo, didn't seem to be Nina, as she was adamant about calling off the marriage arrangement yesterday.

Celeste glared at him.

"Who else could it be for if not Nina? Your illegitimate daughter? Have you lost your mind? The Conte family is prominent. There's no way Tristan Conte would marry an illegitimate daughter and make her the future mistress of the Conte family."

After thinking it over, Saul thought she had a point. He nodded solemnly and said, "You're right. Nina is known in our circles for her accomplishments. There's no way Tristan would take an interest in Stella. Let's do as you say and send everything to Nina."

Two days later, the Conte family's men arrived again.

This time, Leo showed up with the marriage contract. Their intentions couldn't have been clearer.

It was also a reminder to the Farros that the Contes had given them another chance. If they tried to push their luck again, Teresa wouldn't be considerate anymore.

Probably because I had stuck my neck out without thinking last time, the Conte family didn't bother informing me this time.

This time, Nina didn't flee to the chapel and shut herself away. Instead, she stood beside Celeste, looking helpless.

Leo held the marriage contract up and was about to say something when Nina cut in, asking, "Mr. Smith, you're here today to finalize the engagement, right?"

Leo paused and glanced at her.

"That's right."

Nina let out a sigh.

"Since the Conte family insists, I won't refuse. But I did set three pre-wedding conditions to Tristan that day. I wonder if he agreed to them."

That question stumped Leo.

He recalled how Tristan had praised one Ms. Farro in front of Teresa, saying that she was the only clear-headed and intelligent person in the Farro family.

Yet, Tristan didn't bring up any of her conditions.

Seeing Leo lost in thought, Nina let out another sigh.

"It seems that Tristan still won't budge. Well, since you're here today with Mrs. Conte Senior's decision, it's not like I have much of a choice anyway. But please pass along a message for me—never mind the other conditions. If he can just abstain from alcohol and meat for ten days before the wedding, I'll willingly marry him and be his wife."

Her voice had barely faded when Tristan's voice sounded outside the door.

"Forget the messenger. I'm right here."

All eyes turned toward the door as Tristan strode in, a smile tugging at his lips.

Leo explained, "Mr. Conte, Ms. Farro said that she raised three conditions with you. Why didn't you bring them up that day in front of Mrs. Conte Senior?"

As Tristan walked in, a flicker of delight flashed across Nina's eyes, but she kept her expression calm.

"Tristan, forget about the three requests I mentioned that day. Abstaining from alcohol and meat for ten days before the wedding is enough. After all, I used to lead a disciplined spiritual life. I need to show God my sincerity."

She looked as though she had made a huge concession.

Even Saul and Celeste thought Tristan would agree.

After all, it was only ten days. Compared to the excessive conditions she had proposed before, this one was practically nothing.

But Tristan didn't even spare her a glance and merely gave a mocking grin.

"Mr. Smith, you're not going senile on me, are you? It seems that you can't even recognize my future wife."