Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
“Landon is an impatient man. I wouldn’t be surprised if he registers his marriage with Lauren tomorrow. It might be too late if we wait for you to come back.”
Zoe scoffed. “Uncle Preston, you cannot oppose them. Not just that, you need to show that you are fully supportive of them at this time. It would be best if you are able to convince Grandpa to approve their marriage.”
“What did you say? But why?” Preston was perplexed.
“I have my own reasons for saying so.”
Zoe sounded cold. She even added some suspense by saying, “First, get this done properly. Wait for my return to Solana City for what comes after. I already have some plans in mind.”
The atmosphere in the dining room was tense. The air around the Harpers was frosty. Neither Cornelius nor Landon was willing to give in. The situation was not going to end well.
“Oh well, Dad, Landon, we don’t always get to gather for a meal as a family. Ease up!”
Preston laughed awkwardly. He walked toward Cornelius and helped him to take his seat. He then started to massage his shoulders.
“Dad, Landon has been helping you to manage the vast Harper Corporation. It hasn’t been easy on him ¡ªworking such long hours. He has been a big contributor to our family.”
Landon stared coldly at Preston. He thought that he looked untrustworthy. He figured that he wouldn’t have anything nice to say.
“Think about it. Has Landon ever requested anything from you all these years?”
Cornelius knitted his brows tightly. He gave it a good thought.
His eldest son, Bill, passed away at a young age. Landon was Bill’s only son. Landon started bearing the responsibility of caring for Penelope and Zoe from a very young age.
Moreover, he had been spending time away from home alone all these years. Projects that he invested in reaped a fair amount of earnings. His business expanded in Solana City, and he became more and more successful.
Indeed, he had never made any requests from Cornelius nor asked for any help.
Preston noticed from Cornelius’ expression that he had loosened up a little. So, he chuckled, “Now, Landon just wants to take Ms. Lauren as his wife. It’s rare for him to make any requests with you. You should just give him your blessing.”
Cornelius lifted his head and looked at Preston in shock. He pursed his lips.
Landon was taken aback too. Preston had just leaped at the opportunity to oppose him and trip him up a moment ago. He hadn’t expected Preston to speak on his behalf now.
Did he just go out to take a piss? Did he just have his years of ridiculousness excreted? Why was he being reasonable all of a sudden?
Preston then lowered his body. In a low voice, he uttered by Cornelius’ ear, “It’s true that Ms. Lauren is Sophia’s daughter. However, she is also Javier’s daughter at the same time. She is legitimately one of the Walsh’s.
“Plus, the Walsh Group is one of the leading conglomerates in Solana City. It’s more than beneficial to have a marriage alliance with them. With this, we can forge a better relationship between both families.
“We don’t really work together from the business side of things. Even so, we can still get a hold of them through the marriage alliance.
“In the future, the Walsh’s will also have to take us into consideration. As their in-laws, wouldn’t they have to help us out too?”
Preston even put his hand by his mouth and whispered, “As for that lady from the Walsh family… you don’t have to exasperate yourself over her. Don’t you already know what kind of person Landon is?
“He was just looking for someone refreshing. Plus, she is the sister of one of his best buddies. That makes it even more exciting.”
Cornelius clicked his tongue. He couldn’t stand Preston’s foul words.
“My point is, his decision to marry her doesn’t make a difference. I’ll give it two years. He’ll become bored of her and then cast her aside. The conclusion of their marriage may align with the point at which we’ve garnered significant profits from the Walsh Group.
“These things. Well, we’re on the groom’s side of the family. We won’t be the ones suffering a loss. I’m sure that you understand.”
Landon was some distance away. So, he couldn’t hear a word that Preston said to Cornelius.
He was only able to observe that Cornelius’ expression had become more relaxed.
“I see that you are being sincere, Landon. You said that she’s the one for you. Alright then, I shall give you my blessing.”
Cornelius finally had an out. Nonetheless, he maintained a reluctant expression on his face.
“That said, there is no way that I will go to the Walsh’s on your behalf to propose this marriage. She is the woman you want. So, you should fight for her on your own. I have nothing to say as long as the Walsh family is in agreement!”
Penelope and Sylvia were stunned. Penelope fixed her eyes on Cornelius. Sylvia, on the other hand, looked toward Preston.
Landon almost couldn’t believe his ears. His eyes lit up with joy. A broad smile spread across his face, unveiling his gleaming, white teeth. He was just like a youthful man.
“Thank you, Grandpa. Thank you for your blessing! I will bring Lauren to meet you as soon as possible!”
The family dinner ended. Landon bid Penelope goodbye. He couldn’t wait to get back home.
Penelope watched as Landon left. She was seething with resentment. She felt troubled. At the same time, she couldn’t bear to part with Landon.
Zoe wasn’t by her side. Penelope was no longer her only son’s priority. He was always caring for Lauren. It seemed to her as if he had already become a useless man.
She felt a sense of desolation at that thought. She clung to her lapel. “Why am I having such a tough life?”
“Why do you say that, Penny? You are about to welcome a daughter-in-law with a noble status. If I were you, I’d go to church to thank God for that.”
Sylvia walked to her side with a smile on her face. “Just wait until Zoe comes back to your side. Your family will liven up once again. You should look for an opportunity to have Zoe come back.”
“Exactly! Zoe! My Zoe should come back to my side!” Penelope was reminded of Zoe, who was living elsewhere on her own. She couldn’t help but tear up again.
Sylvia got into the car. The smile disappeared from her face instantly. She stared coldly at Preston, who was playing mobile games.
“What the hell are you doing? Weren’t you very against the marriage alliance between Landon and the Walsh family in the first place? Why did you change your mind?”
“You’re just an ignorant woman. What would you know?”
Preston lifted the corner of his lip into a sly smile. “In other words, this is known as sycophancy. My intention is to let Landon take pride in his success. I want him to have the perception that he has acquired his success. The more successful he becomes, the harder he will fall!”
It was already late into the night when Landon got back home.
Angelina happened to be coming out from the laundry room with a basket full of clothes. She put the basket down to welcome Landon the moment she spotted him.
“Where’s Lauren? Has she gone to bed?” Landon took off his suit jacket and handed it to her. He looked pumped up and ecstatic.
“She has.”
Landon sighed, “I rushed all the way back…”
He was a little disappointed. However, he continued smiling brightly right after. “I’ll just update her tomorrow morning, then.”
Angelina blinked. “You have good news, Mr. Landon?”
“Grandpa has agreed.”
Landon was bright-eyed. He was so excited that his voice was trembling. “Grandpa has agreed to me marrying Lauren!”
“Really?”
Angelina was overjoyed. Tears welled up, making her eyes glisten. “Congratulations! Your wish to marry Madam Lauren is finally coming true! There’s nothing more joyous than this!”
“Mom called me when I was on my way home. She said that she could agree to accept Lauren. But only on the condition that Zoe has to be allowed to return.”
Landon’s gaze turned cold. He scoffed, “How could that be? Mom was such a simple person. When did she learn to bargain with others? Does she think I will not marry Lauren so long as she disapproves?”
Angelina nodded in concurrence.
The impression she had of Penelope was that important matters often eluded her. Landon was always the one holding things together after Bill’s passing. If it hadn’t been for Landon, Preston would have taken over the company long ago.
Landon lowered his voice. “However, Grandpa only agreed because Prepillon put in a few good words on my behalf. He might be cooking something up. I need to keep a watch on him.”
“Preston is the type of person who only does things for his own benefit. You should still beware of him,” Angelina said seriously.
Landon took a quick shower before sliding under the covers. He lay next to Lauren, feeling satisfied.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he felt. He wasn’t able to fall asleep. Thus, he inched closer to Lauren quietly, closing the gap between them.
Despite that, he wasn’t satisfied. He placed his arms around her.
His body started burning up once he embraced her. He slipped his playful hand under her nightgown and started to fondle her.
Lauren stirred. She opened her bleary eyes. Naturally, she hugged him. “You’re back…”