Chapter 220
Chapter 220:
Sean’s tone grew heavy. “What a monster. Why didn’t you try going to the police?” She bit down on her lip and stared at the floor. “If we report him, we’ll be in even more danger. He used to work in military reconnaissance — he’s sharp, observant, and knows how to avoid being watched. We don’t have anywhere else to go. If we’re left outside, we’re terrified of what he might do to us.”
Sean paused, thinking it over, before turning to Brad. “The house has more than enough rooms. There’s no reason to send them away. Have the housekeeper prepare two rooms for now. Once that man is caught and punished, we can help them move out safely. What’s your take, Brad?”
Since his grandfather had already made his decision clear, Brad couldn’t push them out any further. “Let the housekeeper handle it, Grandpa. We’ll talk in the study.”
Sean could already tell Brad was about to voice his frustration. After Perla and Zaylee left, he followed Brad into the study.
“This is the fiancée you picked out for me? Seriously? What century do you think we’re living in? You’re really planning to settle an old debt with my marriage?”
Brad’s stare was cold as he faced his grandfather. In other matters, he could let Sean have his way — but not this. Every time Rylie’s face crossed his mind, the thought of an arranged marriage made his blood run cold.
Sean’s brows pulled together. “Brad! The Morgan family has always kept its promises. Just because times have changed, does that mean the vows I made back then no longer matter? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Grandpa.” Brad met Sean’s gaze without flinching. “Grandpa, you can decide everything else in my life, but my marriage isn’t up for discussion.”
Silence blanketed the room. Sean studied Brad’s firm expression, as if suddenly understanding something deeper. “Is she the reason — that girl from the Owen family?”
Brad’s jaw tensed. His words were calm but resolute. “This isn’t about anyone in particular. Have you thought about my age and my health? I won’t let some old promise dictate my future.”
“Think of that girl’s future too — she’s still young, with her whole life ahead of her. She deserves more than to waste her years beside someone like me.”
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬.𝐜𝐨𝐦
Sean’s gaze sharpened, his tone laced with certainty. “It’s her, isn’t it? If not, you wouldn’t be speaking this way.”
Brad had always been a man of restraint, never sparing much thought for personal matters. His life revolved around politics and maritime affairs, leaving little room for emotions or attachments. Usually, he wouldn’t have minded a marriage arranged without affection. Love had never been a factor for him. Yet his firm refusal now, his sudden reasoning and resistance, struck Sean as wholly out of character. Such defiance could only stem from one possibility — Brad had finally met someone who truly mattered.
Sean quickly realized there was only one woman who had ever lingered near Brad — Rylie, that sharp, remarkable young woman unlike anyone else. Brad’s gaze tightened, his fingers instinctively tracing the button on his military uniform. The old clock’s steady ticking seemed to slice through the stillness like a blade.
“Grandpa,” he finally said, his tone cool yet strained, “this has nothing to do with Rylie.”
“Alright then,” Sean released a weary sigh. “Very well. I won’t force you to marry anyone. That girl’s still young. But I won’t interfere if she chooses to stay close to you. A promise is a promise, especially to someone who once saved my life. If you truly won’t marry her, then you should face them yourself and put an end to their hopes.”