Chapter 300
Daron had already arranged a gift for Harris in Marina’s name.
He took Marina to pick up the gift and left the mall.
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Once they got in the car, Marina glanced at Daron and asked softly, “Are we heading to the Zamora family right now?”
Daron nodded. “Yeah, we’re going back now.”
Hearing his answer, Marina fell silent and just sat quietly by the window, not asking anything else.
Daron’s original plan was to head back to the Zamora family estate in the afternoon. They were supposed to spend the morning picking out gifts, have lunch at the mall, and then return at one o’clock.
Why the sudden change? What’s the reason behind this change?‘ she couldn’t help but think.
Marina felt a strange uneasiness rising in her chest.
Her hands clenched slightly on her lap. Not wanting Daron to notice her anxiety, she quickly looked out the window.
Daron gently placed his warm hand over Marina’s.
Marina paused for a moment, but didn’t pull away. Her gaze never left the scenery outside the window.
“What’s so interesting out there?” Daron asked in his low voice beside her.
Marina finally turned her gaze back and said quietly, “Nothing.”
Daron narrowed his eyes, studying her calm expression before speaking in a deep voice, “I didn’t expect Harris to invite some of the Zamora family elders to the family dinner today.”
“Just be ready for it when we get to the estate,” he reminded her.
Marina nodded gently, her eyes meeting Daron’s as she said softly, “I know what to do.”
Seeing how composed she looked, Daron squeezed her hand and said in a deep voice, “I’m just saying, don’t be scared. I’m right here with you.”
Marina met his earnest gaze and replied, “But there will always be times when you’re not right next to me.”
“Don’t worry, I can handle the pressure. I’m not scared of them trying to make things hard for me. From the day we tied the knot, I’ve been ready for whatever comes my way,” she added.
Marina had already guessed this family dinner was going to be an ambush. There was no way the Zamora family would accept her as one of their own so easily.
Who knew if her marriage to Daron would really last. Only time would tell.
Since she’d benefited from marrying Daron, Marina knew she had to step up as his wife and take on all the pressure that
came with it.
The car pulled up to the entrance of the Zamora family estate.
Marina glanced over at the parking lot and noticed quite a few cars already parked there. Clearly, tonight’s family dinner was a full–on gathering of all the Zamora immediate relatives.
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Chapter 300
Daron got out of the car and reached his hand out to her.
Marina took a deep breath to steady herself, managed a small smile, and slipped her hand into his.
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Daron wrapped her cold hand in his and said softly, “Don’t be nervous. With me here, they won’t give you too much trouble.”
Marina nodded gently. “Okay.”
Who wouldn’t be nervous?‘ Marina thought to herself.
She kept her emotions in check, put on her best composed smile, and walked side by side with Daron into the Zamora family estate.
When the butler caught sight of Marina, his eyes widened in surprise for a split second.
Daron had only told Harris and Hayley about his marriage to Marina, so nobody else in the Zamora family knew they’d already tied the knot.
The driver handed over the gifts Daron brought, and the butler accepted them without a word.
Just as Daron was about to lead Marina into the main hall, another longtime servant of the Zamora family stepped out.
Mr. Daron, Mr. Harris asked that you take Ms. Finley straight up to the second floor as soon as you arrive. He said not to greet the guests downstairs for now,” the servant informed them respectfully.
Daron nodded slightly, took Marina’s hand, and led her inside.
As soon as they walked in, everyone in the living room turned their attention to them.
All eyes went straight to Daron holding Marina’s hand. Everyone had their own thoughts, but kept their expressions neutral.
Zara was playing chess with one of the elders. When she saw Daron come in, she smiled brightly and was the first to greet
them.
‘Daron, Ms. Finley, you’re back,” Zara called out.
Marina nodded gently, her face calm and polite, looking approachable and unassuming.
Zara’s greeting broke the ice, and the mood instantly lightened up.
The elder sitting closest to Daron, with a warm, friendly look, chimed in.
‘Daron, you’re back, the elder smiled warmly.
“We all thought you wouldn’t show up until this afternoon,” someone teased.
Daron looked much more relaxed now, smiling back at them.
“Heard all the elders were here today. If I didn’t show up to hang out, wouldn’t that be bad manners? Daron said
At that moment, the servant made a polite gesture, signaling Daron and Marina to head upstairs.
Daron turned to everyone and said, “Harris wants to discuss something with me, so I’ll have to excuse myself for now. I’ll be back down later to play a few rounds with you all. Let’s see if my chess game’s gotten any better.”
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Chapter 300
The elders burst out laughing and nodded in agreement.
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Daron kept a firm grip on Marina’s hand and walked her straight up to the second floor without letting go for a second.
Downstairs, the others watched them go, their expressions somber.
Matthew across from Zara set down his chess piece and asked gravely, “Zara, do you know what’s going on between your brother and Ms. Marina from the Finley family?”
Zara didn’t look up from the chessboard as she replied calmly, “Matthew, I just got back to Vrufield, so I’m not really sure.”
Matthew’s expression grew serious. When Hayley returned after instructing a servant to bring in a fruit platter, he spoke up in a stern tone.
“Wasn’t Daron supposed to get engaged to Ms. Milner? So what does it mean that he’s brought Ms. Marina here now?” he asked.
Hayley remained unfazed by the question, her smile unwavering.
“Ms. Milner wasn’t a suitable match for Daron, so the engagement was never finalized,” she replied calmly.
Matthew’s face darkened. He set his chess piece aside and said coldly, “So if Ms. Milner isn’t good enough for Daron, you think Ms. Marina from the Finley family, a family that’s basically down and out, is somehow a better choice?
“And don’t forget, she was the one who insisted on breaking off the engagement with Daron in the first place. Now that her family’s in trouble, she wants to marry into ours? Does she really think joining the Zamora family is that easy?
“Hayley, you can’t be so clueless. Just because Daron isn’t your biological son doesn’t mean you can just turn a blind eye.”
His words were harsh, and one could hear the anger in his voice.
Hayley kept her smile and replied smoothly, “You’re right, Matthew. I’ll talk to Daron later. But maybe you haven’t been keeping up with what’s going on in Vrufield. Ms. Finley is no pushover. She’s managed to connect with a powerful family in Port City, cleared all their debts, and helped the Finley family reinvent themselves.”
“Who knows what the Finley family’s future holds? It’s always good to have more friends and options, no need to burn bridges. You all know how Daron is,” she added.
Hayley kept her cool, not showing the slightest hint of irritation despite the harsh words from Daron’s second granduncle.
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