“I’m the one getting married, not you,” blurted Zachary.
He noticed Henry’s gloomy expression and immediately switched over to a wry grin instead. “That being said, we already have children. What else is there for you to disagree with?”
Zachary knew that Henry’s weakness was the children.
“Don’t you dare use the children as a shield! I’m not buying into that argument!” shouted Henry in anger.
Zachary curled his lip, unmoved. He busied himself with the freshly brewed tea and poured Charlotte a cup too.
Charlotte took it but did not dare drink it. She only used the teacup to warm her clammy hands.
“If I don’t consent to this union, you can forget about getting married,” said Henry in a warning tone. “Don’t think you can go around spreading your wings and behaving as if you can do as you please.”
“I still hold a majority of the Nacht Groups’ equity. If you disobey me, I’ll pull out of the group—unless you’re fine with doing things alone.”
“You did build the Divine Corporation, but it comprises only a small part of the Nacht Group’s assets.”
“Based on the assets of that company, the best you can do is to compete on equal standing with the Blackwoods. You’re nothing compared to your aunt, and the Lindbergs will be able to wipe you out in minutes.”
These remarks that seemed to be directed at Zachary were actually meant for Charlotte.
How could Zachary not realize something so obvious?
He was fearless—confident in his own capabilities. He refused to believe that his grandfather would just cut off ties with him over something like this.
Charlotte, on the other hand, did not want to risk it.
Zachary was not the type to share his burdens with her, but she was not completely unaware of his struggles.
He was orphaned at an early age and was thrust into a devilish training regime at the age of six. Zachary was denied a childhood and grew up devoid of any entertainment or happiness.
He was a genius, and a fountain of knowledge.
The only thing that he knew was the pursuit of knowledge. Even when he grew into his teens and a man, Henry had tight control over his friendships or pursuits of romance. He only lived for one thing—success.
Twenty-eight years of hard work had brought him to where he was. It should not be put on the line for Charlotte’s sake.
“Grandpa, don’t be angry…” came Charlotte’s hurried interjection. “If you don’t agree, we’ll just drop it.
“Quiet.” Zachary glared at her accusingly. How could she so willingly discard everything he was going to put on the line for her?
“A wise man submits to circumstances,” said Henry coldly. “You’re only interested in Zachary because he is the worldly, well-off man that he is today.” ”However, if he disobeys my will, he will lose everything. You will be left with nothing after that.”
“If you leave quietly, I’ll pay you handsomely for it. You’ll never need to worry about finances for the rest of your life. I think you know what’s best for you.”
“I think you’ve misunderstood, Grandpa.” Charlotte smiled bitterly at him. “When I was with Zachary four years ago, I had no idea who he was. Call it dumb luck or serendipity, if you will.”
“Ah, you mean to say that you’re not with him for his wealth?” sneered Henry mockingly. “Even if it was sheer dumb luck, it’s been four years since you’ve met again. You’re still insisting that you have no ulterior motives?”
“No,” said Charlotte matter-of-factly. “We met under a different identity, four years later. I didn’t know the man from four years back was Zachary as well. It might sound absurd, but it was not planned.”
“Isn’t that adorable.” Henry looked at her with scorn and disdain. “Anyway, I refuse to agree to this marriage. Even if you’ve sent out invitations, it’ll be pointless. I only need to make one phone call, and your wedding will be called off.”
“Grandpa, I—”
“If you still acknowledge me as your grandpa then do as I say.” The old man did not give Zachary a chance to refute. “I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. I refuse to accept this woman into our family!”
“And what about the children?” asked Zachary pointedly. “Don’t you think they should be recognized as members of the family? Shouldn’t they carry the Nacht surname?”
