That night, the Salvadors gathered for once and headed to Crescent
Bay to have their monthly dinner with Nigel.
They seemed like one big family. Even Bethany poured Carrie a drink. and urged her to eat for a
change. It was as if they were close sisters.
Carrie sat next to Justin, burying her head in her food without joining in the conversation.
Although Carrie was not social, she had her pride.
She did not accept the drink from Bethany or respond to her.
âDad, Shannon and I have been talking, and we have come to a decision, so we wanted to share with
you and get your take on the matter.â Gregory sat upright, displaying excellent table manners as
expected of a gentleman.
âIf you have already made up your mind, why bother telling me?
Nigel kept his attention on his food âCanât your wife sort it out? She has always been your advisor, and
thatâs how you have gotten by over the years.â
Shannon forced a smile as malice alighted in her eyes.
Every month, Shannon dreaded the day she was to have dinner with the old man, who was filled with
cynical comments. She would always lose sleep the night before.
She counted the days until the old man would meet his fate.
Gregory cleared his throat with a frown and clutched Shannonâs hand under the table. âBethany is at
the right age to marry. I think we should think about her marriage.â
Bethany pursed her lips, her cheeks rosy.
âMarriage?â
Nigel put down his cutlery and furrowed his brows. âBethany is only 25. Sheâs too young to consider
marriage. I want my granddaughters. to spend more time with me for another two years before they get
married. Whatâs the rush anyway?â
Gregory was speechless.
âBesides, our princesses arenât short of suitors. Iâm sure men will be all over them even when they are
still single at 52.â
Suddenly, Nigel looked at Gregory skeptically. âDonât tell me that the company is in financial trouble,
and you need to procure help for the business through a marriage alliance.â
âDonât get the wrong idea, Dad. The company is fine.â Shannon stood up for her husband with a fake
smile.
âLet me make this clear, Gregory. I forbid you from selling your daughter to satisfy your vanity. I donât
care if Salvador Corporation loses its funds tomorrow or is about to go bankrupt, but the girls canât
marry for business. Do you hear me?â
âOh, Grandpa. You have a wild imagination.â
Bethany held Nigelâs arm and swung it coyly. âMom and Dad have my best interests at heart. It has
nothing to do with business. I feel that Iâm ready for marriage.â
âAre you ready for marriage, Bethany?â Nigel was taken aback. Bethany nodded shyly.
The girls were growing up so fast.
âYou got the wrong idea, Dad. We didnât force Bethany. Bethany wants to settle down because she has
her eye on a man.â Shannon looked at her daughter gleefully.
Nigel replied, âOh? And who is the guy?â
âYou know who he is.â
Gregory added with a smile, âItâs Ryan, Dad.â
Justin chewed slowly. Except for a storm behind his eyes, he showed. no emotion.
âRyan? As in Ryan Hoffman?â With his eyes bulging, Nigel had to be sure.
Shannon responded, âThatâs right. Itâs Ryan Hoffman.â
Clang.
A noise caught everybodyâs attention.
Distracted, Carrie dropped her cutlery.
The behavior was seen as rude in such a privileged and etiquette- following family as the Salvadors.
âI-Iâm sorry.â
White in the face, Carrie tried to pick up the cutlery in a fluster, but Justin bent over and grabbed it for
her.
âDonât worry about it. Just get a new set.â Justin smiled tenderly at Carrie to ease her embarrassment.
âT-Thank you, Justin,â Carrie whispered, hanging her head low.
Bethany narrowed her eyes dangerously at Carrie with a smirk.