Chapter 589
As the man approached, Atlas felt tense. His chest grew tight, and breathing itself seemed to be becoming a challenge.
“He’s Elis—what kind of decent person would he be! But it’s worth it if his cash can help the Bennett Group regain their standing: Caspian
sneered
To him, this was the family’s only chance. If the Bennett Group couldn’t recover now, it would never have another chance.
The Bennett Group’s situation was dire. Their connections and resources were gone, and no one in Crownridge would lend a hand. Even the previous attempt to ally with the Simpson family through marriage had backfired.
But the reality turned out quite differently. Caspian thought. ‘What a joke. After Henry married Edie, the Stewart family severed all ties with her and ceased further interaction, leaving us without benefit. After the wedding, even the Simpson family was nowhere to be seen.
The whole situation felt absurd. I couldn’t imagine our family’s survival would depend on a wornan. I’ve always believed rebuilding our legacy was a man’s responsibility–achieved through hard work and resilience. But the reality was harsh. Women have value, too, even if it grated against my pride.
“You’ve got a point. Just talk it over, and let’s head back, Atlas said, gripping his seatbelt tightly.
Atlas thought. What if he sets his sights on me!
“Step out Elias said from outside the car, gesturing with a crooked finger toward Caspian.
“Caspian felt his stomach twist. He hated anyone ordering him around like that, but he needed Elias’s help right now. He swallowed his pride and nodded, turning to Atlas. “Stay alert here. If something goes wrong, come help me out.
“At this, Atlas straightened up, determination flashing across his face.
“Caspian stepped out of the car, his expression quickly shifting into a polite smile. “Mr. Whitlock, she’s right here in the car,” he said, motioning toward the backseat. He walked around to open the rear door and gestured inside.
Elias’s eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp and assessing, sending a chill through Caspian’s fraying nerves. The stench of alcohol hung heavily around Elias, curling into Caspian’s nostrils and forcing a slight grimace.
“Her?” Elias said, leaning down to peer at Sophia, his tone skeptical
Elias reached out, tilung her chin as he studied her pale, flawless skin. Her dress’s low neckline accentuated her striking figure.
He swallowed hard, caught off guard by her beauty–so much so that he wondered, ‘If it was a waste to involve someone so stunning in a posthumous marriage. Still, he kept his thoughts to himself.
“Who’s the guy inside? Elias asked, gesturing toward Henry. He wasn’t familiar with the wealthy elite–he spent most of his time wining and dining, rarely bothering to keep up with the news.
But judging from the man’s appearance, Henry seemed to have a certain refinement.
“That’s my brother, Caspian replied hastily, hoping to smooth over unease.
Elias tossed his cigarette onto the ground, smirking Fine. We’ll take both. A two–for–one deal–can’t say that’s a loss, right?” Elias said, patting his stomach, clearly pleased with the night’s deliveries
Caspian froze, his mind scrambling to process the sudden turn. “Two–for–one? What are you talking about?”
He thought, “Wasn’t it supposed to be just one woman? Besides, they rush to do the posthumnous marriage tonight so his son can be buried tomorrow. They want to hold the marriage ceremony before the burial”
“One man and one woman, right? Fine, Flake the woman, and you can throw in the man as a bonus, Elias said.
Caspian’s expression darkened as the meaning sank in. He thought. I hadn’t anticipated Elias would take an interest in Henry.
i’s wrong?” Elias challenged. “You don’t want to deal anymore? If not, take them back and stop cluttering my drivewa
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10:25 AM
Chapter 589
He clenched his fists as though ready for a fight, making it clear that his patience was running out.
Caspian hesitated, the weight of his choice pressing down on him. He thought, In hindsight, it would’ve been better to let Windsor take Henry back. instead of ending up in this humiliating position. Now, refusing Elias wasn’t an option, but agreeing left a bitter taste in his mouth
“What’s going on? He wants my brother too!” Atlas shouted, leaping out of the car. He stood frozen for a moment, then Elias turned his gaze to him
with a sly grin
“What about you, then? Elias sneered. “Why don’t you stay, too?”
Atlas blanched, shaking his head quickly. “No thanks,” he stammered.
Atlas had not expected Elias to turn his attention to him.
“I don’t know anything about this. Talk to Caspian.” Atlas quickly moved to stand behind Caspian, using him as a shield.
Elias gave him a mocking smile, clearly amused by his fear.
“Buy one, get one free. It’s fine for me, Caspian said after a pause, trying to sound composed. “But you’ll have to pay extra.” In his mind, he reasoned that agreeing for now would make things simpler.
Whatever problems arise could be dealt with later. Sophia’s marriage didn’t concern Henry; besides, Henry was just a burden in his current state.
“Add 15 million dollars, 30 million dollars for the pair.” Elias waved a hand casually as though it were a generous deal.
Atlas’s eyes widened. The figure staggered him. In the past, 30 million dollars wasn’t significant for them, though it equaled two years of the Bennett Group’s earnings. But now, Sophia was somehow worth that entire sum.
His greed showed as he tugged at Caspian’s sleeve.
“Caspian, we should agree with this. We could live off that money for a long time,” he said, his eyes glinting with greed.
Atlas thought. If we had that much money, I’d never have to return to the Bennett Villa!
He pictured himself in a new place, far away from all the family drama–no more dealing with Oliver and Windsor and wondering what they might try to pull on him next.
He thought. After everything, just the idea of returning to the Bennett Villa makes my skin crawl.
Caspian considered the offer for a moment. “Fine.” He nodded, albeit reluctantly,
Elias chuckled, clearly satisfied with their response. The woman’s for the posthumous marriage with your son. What about the man? What are you planning to do with him? Besides, he’s not in his right mind, Caspian asked cautiously.
Elias gave him a sly, knowing look. “Not being normal makes it better,” he said, his tone leaving no room for questions. “Sometimes a man can be more fun than a woman.
He didn’t elaborate, but the implication was clear enough to make Caspian uncomfortable.
Then Elias waved his hand, and several men emerged from the villa–stocky guys in gaudy clothes, gold chains around their necks, toothpicks dangling from their mouths.
The sour scent of stale alcohol hung as they approached, exchanging glances and awaiting orders.
They shuffled forward unsteadily. “Mr. Whitlock, what do you need us to do?”
“Take both of them inside,” Elias commanded.
With
