Chapter 219
Chapter 219:
“I know,” Brad said, his tone level. “How do you want to handle this?”
Zaylee gathered her courage, meeting his deep gaze. Her heartbeat quickened as she introduced herself, “I-I’m Zaylee, 18 years old, a senior in high school…”
Brad gave a slight nod, his attention turning back to Sean. “So, what do they want? Money? A job?”
Perla’s face burned with embarrassment at his blunt tone, and she nervously gripped the hem of her clothes. Her voice came out soft. “We’re here to discuss the promise, not for financial help.”
Sean spoke plainly. “I made a promise to Perla’s mother that if we both had our grandchildren, our families would unite through marriage. That is why they are here. But Zaylee is still so young and might not be a suitable match for you. Perhaps Zaylee, who had hesitated before, suddenly cut in, saying firmly, ‘I have decided to agree to the marriage after all!’”
Brad’s face grew colder the moment Zaylee spoke. Summoning all the courage she had, she lifted her chin, forcing herself to meet his eyes without flinching. “I may be young, but I’m not a child anymore. If you’re willing to let my mom and me stay here, I’m ready to do whatever it takes to repay you.”
Her voice sounded steady, but inside, her heart trembled with reckless hope. Somewhere in her naive heart, she’d already begun weaving silly dreams around this man who seemed so distant.
“Zaylee, stop talking nonsense!” Perla yanked her back in panic, terrified that her daughter would say something she would regret forever.
Only then did Brad really look at Zaylee. Her delicate features still carried that trace of youth. His brow tightened, but his voice came out softer than before. “You’re still in high school?”
Zaylee nodded quickly, her cheeks tinged pink beneath the weight of his attention. “I’m ranked in the top ten at our school. My teachers say I’ve got a good shot at getting into a prestigious university.”
Sean jumped in right as things grew tense. “Brad, you know—”
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“Grandpa.” Brad cut him off, keeping his tone even. “I respect how much you appreciate their family, but marriage isn’t something to treat so casually.” He shifted his attention to Perla. “The Morgan family can cover Zaylee’s education, all the way through college. If housing is an issue, I can take care of that too.”
Before Perla had the chance to speak, Brad gave a firm instruction. “Brock, take care of this.”
Brock understood at once and politely motioned to Perla and Zaylee. “Please come with me. I’ll arrange a place for you to stay elsewhere.”
Zaylee’s heart sank. Walking out now probably meant she’d never cross paths with a man like Brad again.
She turned back and gave Sean a deep, desperate bow. “We can’t leave, Mr. Morgan. My father will find us. He’ll kill us both.”
Perla grabbed her by the arm in a panic. “Zaylee, stop!”
Sean’s brow creased. “Your father? What’s this about? Perla, tell me straight.” Zaylee gave her mother a nudge. “Mom, we came here for help. We owe it to them to tell the truth.”
Perla let out a slow breath as she pushed up her sleeves. Faded bruises and scars stood out against her skin. “My husband’s addicted to gambling — and when he’s angry, he gets violent. My mother always feared one day he’d go too far. That’s why she told me about the promise between you and her. She sent me and my daughter here to ask for help.”