Chapter 1651: Chapter 1651

Chapter 1651

The four of them were born in the same year but in different months. The eldest among them had just turned twenty, having celebrated his birthday earlier in the year. Marcus, the youngest of the quartet, had his birthday coming in November, which meant he still had two months before he hit the big two-oh. They were all young men, full of vigor and an uncommon maturity for their age.

Marcus, the baby of the group, was ironically the most composed and restrained. Glancing at Zavier, he spoke up with a level tone, “Whatever the reason you got engaged to that girl, you’re betrothed now. You ought to treat her right.”

Zavier agreed, in principle, yet he harbored his own reservations. “I have no intention of marrying her. This engagement is bound to be broken off sooner or later. If I’m too good to her or give her false hope, it’s going to hurt her even more when we call it off.”

His words, seemingly considerate, rang hollow upon closer listening.

Steven chimed in with a mischievous grin, “Oh, Zavier, you could’ve asked anyone for advice, yet you ask Marc? The man’s a genius in business but a complete novice when it comes to love. You sure know how to pick ’em.”

He turned to Lucas. “For matters of the heart, you should be asking Lucas for guidance. Look at him, with his childhood sweetheart Rosie always singing his praises. Now that’s a solid relationship.”

Lucas shot Steven a warning look. “Don’t joke about Rosie.”e2

Steven knew Rosie was a sore spot for Lucas and quickly backpedaled. “I wasn’t mocking her, just saying you two are tight.”

Just the mention of Rosie made Lucas’ eyes soften. “How could we not be? I’ve looked out for her since we were kids.”

Zavier cut in, “Hey, I’m the man of the hour today. Let’s keep the focus here.”

Lucas retorted, “If you had no plans to marry the girl, you shouldn’t have gotten engaged.”

Zavier sighed, “What you don’t understand is that my grandpa arranged this marriage without me even being present.”

Steven scoffed, “Please, you’re not fooling anyone. You played a part in this, too.”

Zavier fell silent, and Lucas continued, “From what I’ve heard, the Blue family tree is a tangled mess. Your fiancée’s father, the eldest in the Blue family, has only daughters, no sons. And that’s not just from his wife but from all his mistresses, too.”

Steven spat, “What a scumbag! If my father Kenny ever pulled something like that, my mom would have his head.”

Realizing his words might have hit close to home for Marcus, given his family history, Steven quickly added, “Marc, no offense meant, buddy.”

Marcus just laughed it off. “If someone’s bold enough to do the deed, they’re fair game for criticism.”

Steven nodded. “That’s why the Hartley Group thrives under your leadership. You’ve got a broad perspective.”

Lucas interjected, “Steven, can you ever zip it?”

“Fine, I’ll be quiet,” Steven conceded.

Lucas went on, “The Blue family won’t pass the reins to a family branch with no male heir. So, your fiancée’s parents are desperate not to lose their standing and think a marriage alliance with a formidable family might secure their position. But you know as well as I do, Zavier, your fiancée is just a pawn in the Blue family’s game…”

He paused before adding, “If you end the engagement, that girl’s future might not be so bright.”

Zavier knew the logic all too well but was stubborn. “Am I not just a pawn for the Rivera family myself?”

ཆ ཎ ཥ ཆཅན ཟ

He wasn’t the only one; it was the same for his father and his brother. The more he thought about it, the more his mood soured. Wishing to change the subject, Zavier looked over at Marcus. “At least you’ve got it good, Marc. So young, yet you’ve already taken the reins of your family’s empire without anyone else pulling your strings.”

Marcus offered a sly smile and deftly switched topics. “I brought some excellent liquor. How about we have a few drinks?”