Chapter 218
Chapter 218:
Seeing how frightened Zaylee looked, Sean continued, his tone gentler. “The girl is still young and naturally opposed to arranged marriages, just like my grandson would be. I will honor my word, but I won’t force anything. If there’s anything you need, you can tell me.”
Perla hesitated again. On the way here, her mother had urged her that the only way to free both herself and Zaylee from that vile man’s grasp and live a peaceful life was to come here and marry Sean’s grandson.
She only knew that the man her mother had saved, Sean, was wealthy, but she had no idea about his true identity.
“I just want the best for my child,” Perla said at last after wavering. “She should be able to attend school and marry only after she graduates.”
Zaylee clutched her mother’s sleeve and whispered, “Mom, no.”
Zaylee, though only eighteen, remembered her grandmother talking about the man her mother had once saved. She quickly guessed that the grandson of this elderly man had to be in his thirties. In her village, men in their thirties often had potbellies and scruffy beards, something she found unpleasant. The mere thought of marrying for money made her recoil.
Perla’s gaze hardened. “Have you forgotten how we lived at home?” Zaylee’s face fell, and she looked down without saying a word.
“Your daughter is clearly unwilling,” Sean remarked. “If we force her into this, she will never be happy with my grandson.”
Perla tried to reassure him. “They can learn to care for each other over time, as long as you keep your promise.”
Sean was about to respond when the parlor door opened.
A servant announced from the doorway, “Mr. Brad Morgan has returned.” The parlor door creaked wider, and a tall figure stepped inside. Perla and Zaylee both lifted their heads, momentarily taken aback.
The man standing in the doorway looked tall and commanding. His dark tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, outlining a flawless figure. His sharply defined face was framed by arched brows, like blades, and eyes that shone like frosted stars, carrying an unspoken authority that drew instant respect.
Zaylee’s cheeks flushed as her eyes widened in awe. She had never seen anyone so striking, far surpassing any actor she had admired on television. His long legs, sculpted hands, and stern expression fit every picture she had of the ideal man.
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Brad’s presence shattered her belief that men in their thirties were all unkempt and unattractive.
“Grandpa,” Brad said coolly, giving Perla and Zaylee a brief, indifferent glance.
Perla stood awkwardly, discreetly tugging at her daughter’s sleeve. Zaylee jolted back to reality, rushing to her feet and nearly stumbling over the chair in her nervousness.
“Careful,” Brad said as he instinctively reached out to steady her before pulling his hand back.
That small gesture sent Zaylee’s heart racing, and she stammered, blushing, “Th-thank you…”
Sean cleared his throat. “Brad, this is Mrs. Perla Cullen and her daughter, Zaylee. Perla’s mother once saved my life—”