“Trust me, Natalie,” Trent explained.
“I’ve known this guy since high school.
He neither has any medical skills nor any other talent.
His only gifts are lip service and grifting, to which my present fiance, Erica, fell victim.
I sent Tyler to prison and rescued her from his entrapment.”
The truth was—Trent had been pursuing Natalie romantically for years.
It was public opinion that she was one of the most beautiful women in Sapphire City, definitely better-looking than Erica.
Even Mark Cooper wanted Natalie to be his daughter-in-law so he could one day claim the Anderson conglomerate.
However, Natalie never showed interest in Trent and repeatedly turned him down.
“If Mr.
Grant has inadvertently offended you, I apologize on his behalf,” Silas told Mark.
“But he is under my protection.
You may not threaten his life while I am alive.”
Tyler sighed, dipping his hand in the finger bowl and wiping it on tissues.
He was finally done with his meal.
“Silas…” he said, turning to the billionaire.
“I never accepted your patronage or protection.
You need not intervene in my problems.
I’ll deal with them myself.”
However, Silas was stubborn.
“Mr.
Grant… I owe you my life and will protect you from danger regardless of whether you ask for it.”
He signaled his men, who immediately stationed themselves behind Tyler.
Mark and Trent exchanged comprehensive glances.
Apparently, the ex-convict had somehow saved Silas Anderson, perhaps through a grifting ruse.
Honorable as the old man was, he intended to return the favor.
That explained why a powerful man like Silas would favor a commoner like Tyler and treat him respectfully.
“Father, I want Tyler dead,” Trent whispered, out of earshot of others.
“He put my face in soup and threatened to kill me.”
“Idiot…” Mark replied under his breath.
“We don’t have to kill the wastrel right here right now.
Now, we must use this situation to our advantage.”
“What do you mean?”
Mark smirked slightly.
“Would you like to marry Natalie Anderson instead of Erica?”
Trent’s eyes widened, and he immediately understood his father’s plan.
Tyler could be easily murdered later, but the Coopers had leverage over the Andersons right now.
He nodded to his father, barely able to suppress his delight.
Was there really a chance he could marry and sleep with Natalie Anderson?
Mark took a step forward.
“Silas… Considering our valuable friendship, I am prepared to forgive the offense and let Tyler leave this place untouched.”
“That’s very considerate of you,” Silas replied in surprise.
How an egoistic man like Mark Cooper let go of his grudge was suspicious.
“As a token of apology, I’ll make the Marian Hotel wedding event completely free.”
“Ah, that’s kind of you.
But I have a condition…” Mark added.
“What is it?
I can compensate with ten million dollars.”
The Cooper patriarch shook his head and cleared his throat.
“The wedding shall continue.
With a minor change.
You must let your daughter Natalie marry my son Trent.”
Gasps echoed in the surrounding crowd.
Everyone knew Natalie was the most desired woman in Sapphire City, and Trent had been after her for years.
Moreover, Silas was selective about his groom since he’d also inherit part of his business empire.
Considering the present tense situation and the social status of both families, it made sense for them to settle their differences through matrimony.
However, Natalie responded to the proposal immediately.
“I am flattered that you’d consider me for your son’s bride, Mr.
Cooper,” she said boldly.
“But I have no interest in getting married right now.”
Both Mark and Trent ground their teeth with indignation.
Did Natalie have to reject the proposal so swiftly? This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
It was a huge embarrassment and affront to the Cooper family.
Even though the beauty had a low opinion of Trent, most city girls were dying to become his bride.
“That’s not for you to decide, child!” Mark fired back at her.
“Let the adults talk!”
Natalie recoiled and took a step back.
She tugged at her father’s sleeve in dread.
There was no way she’d want to marry a narcissistic creep like Trent.
He’d abuse her to death!
Erica couldn’t believe her future father-in-law’s words.
How could he make such a proposal when his son was already engaged?
She turned to Trent for help, but the heir merely shot her a deathly glare.
The Sinclairs were entirely under the thumb of the Coopers.
Protesting against their decisions would attract severe punishment.
Erica reasoned with herself quietly, considering the proposal a political move to embarrass the Anderson family.
Silas bit his lip with unease.
Mark had played a checkmate against him.
On one hand, he owed Tyler his life and swore not to abandon him.
On the other hand, the apple of his eye, his lovely daughter’s future, hung in the balance.
She was almost in tears, imagining a life with the psychotic Trent Cooper.
Silas decided he couldn’t possibly throw away Tyler’s life for his family’s honor.
He opened his mouth to speak.
“I-”
“I’m afraid I can’t let anybody else marry Natalie,” Tyler cut him short.
A heavy silence hung over the entire hall as he approached the beauty.
“What are you saying…” Natalie whispered, looking up at his dark, mysterious eyes.
Everyone else watched in shock as Tyler snaked his arm around Natalie and pulled her into his arms.
“I can’t let any other man near her because she is my girlfriend.”