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When she saw the grin on Desmond’s face, her lips curled into a smile as well. “Seems like we’re about to take our first steps into the international market under your command.”
Erin’s words, carefully chosen, were music to Desmond’s werewolf ears.
He had been enchanted by her from the start, captivated by her ability to flatter and charm others effortlessly. Every word that flowed from her mouth was like a sweet melody, stroking a man’s pride and inflating his ego.
Desmond boisterously laughed, his voice reverberating through the forest. “It’s premature to say we’re entering the international market, but with the support of Morris Corporation, we’ll certainly make a mark in the national market.”
Erin’s eyes gleamed with admiration as she responded, “We’ll work towards that goal in the coming years. I have faith that you’ll achieve it.”
Her words sent a thrill down Desmond’s spine, and he gazed at her with delight before nodding in agreement.
“You bring such good fortune with you. Once we’ve achieved our goals, anything you desire will be yours,” Desmond pledged.
A trace of joy flickered in Erin’s eyes, albeit concealed by her composed demeanor.
“Truly?” she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.
“Of course,” Desmond affirmed, his tone unwavering.
Erin’s mind started to wander, contemplating the possibilities that lay before her.
Suddenly, Jacques sneered, his voice filled with disdain. “I must warn you, don’t even think about joining the Lucas family. I won’t allow it!” With that, he awkwardly wheeled himself towards his den.
Erin’s smile froze on her face, a flicker of unease in her eyes.
Desmond watched his son’s departure with a frown, wanting to say something but ultimately remaining silent.
When he turned back to Erin, he struggled to find the right words. “He…”
Erin interrupted, her voice steady. “It’s alright. I need to be patient.”
“I’m glad you understand,” Desmond replied.
Erin’s smile remained soft and serene, though her heart burned with anger.
In that moment, Desmond’s gaze shifted to Alpha Zachary, a frown etching his face. “Why are you still lingering there? Come over.”
Erin turned to Zachary, beckoning him with a wave. “Your father wants you. Go to him.”
Zachary pondered for a moment before making his way over and taking a seat.
Before he could settle, Desmond spoke, his voice heavy with authority. “About your engagement with Winnifred Lenoir-”Content © NôvelDrama.Org.
“I won’t marry her!” Zachary’s voice rang out, cutting off his father’s words.
Desmond froze, anger blazing in his eyes. “What did you just say?”
Erin urgently tugged on Zachary’s shirt, whispering, “Zachary, don’t provoke your father.”
But Zachary seemed oblivious to her plea. He stared squarely at Desmond, his expression devoid of emotion. “I’ve made myself clear. I refuse to marry Winnifred. If Lucas Corporation partners with Morris Corporation, all the problems will be resolved. So, why force me into a marriage?”
“Sacrifice? What makes you think the Lenoir family isn’t suitable for you? Let me be clear, this engagement is coveted by many who could never attain it. If not for your elder brother’s current condition, do you honestly believe you would have been granted such a fortuitous alliance?” Desmond bellowed furiously.
And with those words, Zachary finally grasped his role in this game a mere pawn to be used at whim.
A bitter laugh threatened to escape his lips as a wave of sorrow washed over him.
A grin slowly curved on his lips. “Then let him marry her. I refuse to be part of this charade!”
Desmond erupted in rage, slamming his hand on the table. “Say that again, I dare you!”
Zachary had no desire to repeat himself; instead, he turned to leave.
“You ungrateful wretch!” Desmond leapt to his feet, shouting at his retreating son. “If you won’t marry Winnifred, forget about joining the Lucas family. Don’t you dare call me your father!”
Zachary halted in his tracks, a mixture of defiance and sadness in his eyes.
He glanced at Desmond, then back at the mansion.
“Once upon a time, I might have longed for a place in this family, but now… it means nothing to me. And as for you… Someone I never truly had. Why should I care about you?” With those words, he turned away, striding towards the exit.
“Zachary! Alpha Zachary Lucas!” Erin called out, her body trembling with anger. But even in her fury, she maintained her gentle facade.
Yet, no matter how loudly Erin cried out to him, Zachary never looked back.
In the past, he would have pondered the reasons behind Desmond’s actions, searching for a shred of understanding. But now, he realized he was nothing more than a disposable piece in their game. If not for Jacques’ accident or the company’s troubles, he never would have had the chance to be in Desmond’s presence.
In light of this revelation, he saw no need for further contemplation.
As Zachary left, Desmond angrily swept a cup off the table, sending it crashing to the floor.
“He’s just a rebellious boy!” Desmond seethed.
Erin jumped in surprise, but quickly composed herself as she looked at Desmond. Tears welled in her eyes as she said, “It’s all my fault. I failed to raise him properly. Desmond, I’m sorry. If you need someone to blame, blame me.”
Desmond studied her with a furrowed brow. “What’s the use of crying now? Focus on finding a solution.”
“Give me time. I will convince him,” Erin promised.
“You better. If this affects my plans…” Desmond’s sentence hung unfinished but a sense of danger lingered in the air.
Erin took a step closer, gently caressing his back. “It won’t. I won’t let him harm you. Trust me. He still cares deeply about your opinion, but it’s been too long since you’ve truly connected.”
As Desmond listened to her words and felt her touch, an inexplicable warmth blossomed in his heart, and he turned to look at her. Erin appeared so delicate and kind. Though she was in her fifties, she retained the beauty and grace of a woman in her forties.
Desmond sighed. “You must have endured hardships raising him alone all these years…”
Erin’s eyes reddened. “I’ve told you, I’ll do anything for you. I only ask that you don’t hold me responsible.”
“That’s all in the past now.”
“Desmond, do you… still want me?” Erin questioned.
Desmond pondered for a moment. “Give me a little more time. Once the marriage with the Lenoir family is confirmed, I’ll talk to Jacques. He will approve for the sake of the company.”
Upon hearing his response, Erin’s smile sparkled with hope. “Alright. I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as it takes, just to be with you.”
Desmond’s gaze lingered on her gentle face, his eyes revealing a hint of something beyond pride.
As he stared at her, an overwhelming emotion surged through his senses.