Chapter 1714: Chapter 1714

Chapter 1714

Matt nodded, “Yeah. If we can get Marcus on board, no one will stand a chance against my rise to the top.”

Just the mention of the name “Marcus” made Sierra’s skin crawl. “Marcus’ rep is terrifying. I’m worried it’s like making a deal with the devil. We might not just fail to benefit from it, and we could end up in over our heads. Maybe we should consider other options?”

Matt was resolute. “To win big, you’ve got to play bold moves. If Marcus agrees to back me, I’m willing to pay a steeper price than

anyone.”

“Marcus doesn’t care about family ties,” Sierra pointed out.

“He might not care for his old man, but he’s a businessman-he can’t ignore cold hard cash. We just have to make the offer juicy enough. He’ll bite,” Matt countered.

Sierra wanted to argue, but Matt waved her off, silencing any further protest. He gestured toward the wake.

Following his gaze, Sierra saw Skyler, now dressed in a mourning suit, obediently staying beside Zavier. Confused, she murmured, “That hot-headed kid is actually keeping his cool? That’s not like him at all.”e2

“With his brother and father gone, he’s cut off from any fallback. He’s not an idiot. If he doesn’t rein in his temper, who’s going to clean up his messes?” Matt explained.

“He’s more adaptable than I thought,” Sierra conceded.

On Skyler and Zavier’s side.

Skyler was next to Zavier, mirroring his actions in silence. Time seemed to stretch on until Zavier seemed to finally notice her presence. “Why did you get here?”

His voice was hoarse, as if scorched by grief.

“You need some water?” Skyler asked, concerned.

Zavier ignored her offer.

Skyler quietly grabbed a small bottle of water and handed it to him, whispering, “I am sorry for your loss.”

Zavier chuckled. “Everyone’s got to go sometime. Early or late, death comes for us all. What’s there to be sorry about?”

Skyler didn’t reply. Though Zavier spoke casually, his tone and demeanor said otherwise. His heart was far from indifferent.

“Do you know about one of our family traditions?” Zavier asked.

“What tradition?” Skyler was clueless.

Zavier, realizing that this little fool probably didn’t know, said, “You being with me today is more important for us, the Rivera family, than that marriage certificate.”

Skyler didn’t understand, “What do you mean?”

Zavier explained, “It is like announcing to everyone that you are mine, and you are the granddaughter-in-law recognized by the Rivera family. Whether we have that marriage certificate in the future or not, you are still mine.”

Skyler was taken aback, but it didn’t seem to bother her much. “Our fates have been forced together by them. Unless we both become strong enough to break free, what difference do these formalities make?”

“You see things pretty clearly,” Zavier remarked.

Skyler had always been perceptive, yet mahy things were beyond her power to change. She pushed the water bottle into his hand, murmuring, “What good is clarity if it changes nothing?”

Zavier unscrewed the cap and downed the water in one go. “Last year, this time, i had my brother’s affection and my father’s love. I could do whatever I wanted without a worry.”