Ace’s face grew pale. While he could tolerate Eugene’s remarks, Nathan’s words directed at him stirred an overwhelming urge to deliver a stinging slap to his son’s face. “Nathan, keep your mouth shut!” he reprimanded.
Nathan looked at him and countered, “What’s wrong? I’m also thinking of the best interests of the Baker Enterprise.”
“It’s not your place to meddle in my affairs,” Ace retorted. Wearing a cold smile, Nathan taunted, “Mr. Baker, you’re well acquainted with the golden
rule of treating others as you wish to be treated. Did you even bother to listen to a single word I said when you entrusted me with all the planning?”
Embarrassment filled Ace’s eyes as he glared at Nathan. Through clenched teeth, he spat out, “You ungrateful child!”
Lexie’s face flushed with anger and she couldn’t contain herself any longer. “Nathan, you’ve crossed the line!” she exclaimed.
Nathan cast a glance at Lexie and calmly remarked, “I simply made a modest suggestion. If you find it unsuitable, you’re welcome to explore other families willing to engage in a marriage alliance with you.”
Although his words were composed, they struck the core of her pride. It was as if she were an undesirable woman persistently seeking a marriage alliance with him.
Lexie, who had initially wanted to preserve a good image before Eugene, now burned with fury. “Who do you think you are, Nathan Baker? A marriage alliance with you is an act out of respect!”
Nathan, however, responded with indifference, “There’s no need for you to hold me in such high regard. I’m not a good person.”
Lexie felt as though she was hitting a wall. Her breath was stuck in her throat, and she was unable to speak her mind.
Lexie wasn’t the only one experiencing frustration. Finley, who held himself in high regard, shared a similar sentiment. He had underestimated Eugene, unaware that the true game had yet to unfold.
Right from the start, he was caught off guard. The signing of the contract had initially been treated as a secondary matter. It was merely an agreement between both parties. They believed that attaching names would transform the marriage into a mere business partnership. Thus, no specific names were mentioned.
Nonetheless, both families knew all too well that the marriage alliance referred to their respective children. While Finley felt a sense of righteousness, Ace could only manage a forced smile. However, Eugene exploited this loophole shamelessly and left him no means to retaliate.
Finley turned his gaze directly toward Ace and demanded, “Tell me, Ace-who exactly are we referring to in this marriage alliance?”
Ace glanced at Eugene and then turned his gaze toward Finley. After stammering for a moment, he mustered the courage to speak. “Finley, even if I were to admit it’s my son, the fact remains that it’s not explicitly stated in the contract. The law doesn’t recognize it either, so here’s the deal. If you wish to proceed with this collaboration, feel free to do so. However, if you don’t, let’s consider this contract null and void, and each party will assume their own responsibilities.”
Finley was on the verge of exploding. The failure to establish a marriage alliance with the Baker Family was not the issue, but rather the fact that, since the other party wasn’t technically in violation of the contract now, there was no way they could ask for compensation.
“Nonsense! Ace, is this how your Baker Family conducts business?” Finley exclaimed, seething with anger.
Uninterested in their argument, Eugene interjected, “And you mentioned that Nathan had insulted your daughter. Was it at the cafe?”
As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and presented it to everyone.
The footage appeared to be recorded by a customer and captured the conversation between Nathan and Lexie.
Lexie muttered, “You two aren’t engaged or married, so how did I ruin your relationship?”
“Haven’t your parents taught you any moral standards?” Nathan replied. “I’ve made it clear that I have a girlfriend whom I genuinely care for. Yet, you persistently pester me, and that’s a serious lack of morals. I initially tried to avoid any conflict due to our families’ relationship, but now I see it’s unnecessary. There’s a complete lack of shame in your actions.”
At that, Lexie stated, “Nathan, stop right there. What do you mean? Do you realize the implications of what you’ve just said to me?”
Nathan growled, “That’s the problem, Lexie. You don’t understand me at all. No one can force me to compromise on what I want. Even if you offered yourself to me, I wouldn’t even bother to give you a second look.”
“Are you out of your mind, Nathan?” Lexie shouted.
Then, the tension escalated, and the scene unfolded with her raising her hand to hit Nathan. However, Nathan promptly seized her wrist and warned her in a cold tone, “I don’t resort to violence against women, but I’ll have you know that I haven’t settled the score with you for last night. You better calm down! If you don’t, I’ll take legal action against you for intentional harm and malicious intent.”
