Chapter 387
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Just from the way Daron spoke. Marina could tell exactly why he was here. He was here to back her up, and he sure how to keep things fair between them.
Marina didn’t turn him down and answered him calmly, “I saw you were busy, so I figured I wouldn’t bother you. Bu still came anyway, didn’t you?”
Everyone caught on right away. Clearly, Marina and Daron’s relationship was anything but ordinary now.
Either they were head over heels for each other, or they were still in that flirty, not–quite–official stage. With this, the of the Finley Group looked secure.
As soon as Chris picked up the shared utensils, everyone else followed suit. At the table, the Finley Group’s sharehold were all trying to get on Daron’s good side, whether they meant to or not.
Daron wasn’t his usual aloof self either; he was actually chatting and joking with them like one of the gang. Marina, or other hand, was much quieter.
At this point, Carter could tell, no doubt about it; Daron was here to back Marina
- up.
Carter’s eyes flashed with irritation. He’d figured dealing with Marina would be way easier than handling Elnora, but n Daron had just thrown a wrench in his plans.
With Daron in her corner, Marina obviously wasn’t scared of anything. His scheme to edge Marina out and reclaim the of the Finley Group was basically dead in the water now.
After the meal, the Finley Group’s shareholders weren’t in any hurry to leave.
Marina took a moment to slip away to the restroom. She was standing by the sink, washing her hands, when she glanced it the mirror and saw Carter walk in. Her gaze immediately went cold.
Carter walked over and sat down beside her, his voice calm. He said, “Marina, I’m really happy to see you and Daren bad ogether. But as your father, I can’t help but worry about you.”
Marina caught Carter’s phony act in the mirror and sneered. She said, “After all these years, I never expected you to suddenly act like a real father. So, what exactly are you worried about?”
Carter caught the cold smirk on Marina’s face, his brows drawing together as his expression turned serious. He said “Man whether you believe it or not, I’m always looking out for you.
‘Daron is already engaged to the Milner Family. If you get too close to him now, the Milners will just end up targeting you He continued, “The Finley Group has only just started to recover; it can’t afford to take a bit from the Milners. If you’TE looking for someone to lean on, you should find someone who’s actually reliable
Marina watched Carter put on his righteous act and replied nonchalantly, ‘Someone I can actually count on! So, do you
have someone in mind?
Carter lowered his voice as he answered ‘Of course
“Who?” Marina asked.
“Reynaldo, Carter said.
Marina’s stomach turned at the name She frowned, shooting Carter a look of pure disgust. So that’s his plan all along.
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Marina thought
Carter immediately spoke up when he saw the clear disgust in Marina’s eyes. He said, “Marina, you might not r but Reynaldo’s liked you for years. All this time, he’s never had any women around him; he’s only ever had eye
I watched him grow up. He might not be the most capable, but he’s a good guy at heart. If you married him, it of both worlds. We’d finally be a real family.”
Marina didn’t bother answering Carter. The mere thought of discussing something like this with Carter was eno
her want to gag
Right on cue, Daron’s voice came from the doorway, his tone low and icy. “What do you mean by ‘a real family? demanded.
Carter spotted Daron’s reflection in the mirror, then turned around. The moment their eyes met, Daron’s intense made Carter visibly uneasy, and he tried to play it cool with an awkward grin. “Daron, did you already grab a bite
Daron had already shown just how much pull he had in this scene; he managed to kick Leo right out of the CEO Zamora Group. Carter really didn’t want to piss Daron off, so he was praying Daron hadn’t caught any of that com After all, Daron and Marina were still in that ambiguous phase, and Carter figured Daron was totally into her right Daron’s face was cold, his gaze fixed on Carter. Those deep, dark eyes looked like they could see right through him. did you mean would make Marina part of a ‘real family‘?” Daron’s voice was icy as he spoke.
Carter felt a chill run down his spine under Daron’s stare, so he quickly shot Marina a look, hoping she’d bail him ou of course. Marina and I are a real family; in every sense of the word,” Carter said, trying to sound casual.
Isn’t that right, Marina?” he added, looking to her for backup.
Marina shook her head and replied coolly, “My mom and you are divorced, and didn’t you already marry Mary? So y Mary are family now. I’m not part of that.”
Carter’s face froze. He didn’t like Marina’s answer one bit, but since she hadn’t ratted him out to Daron about their ear conversation, he was secretly relieved.
But his relief didn’t last long. Marina spoke up, her tone calm and almost indifferent. She said, ‘Maybe because we’re in family, he really wants to change that; he actually suggested I should marry Reynaldo.”
As she spoke, Marina strolled over to Daron, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. “Daron, don’t you think he’s out of his mind?” she joked.
Carter never thought Marina would call him out like that, she just laid it all out for Daron, not holding back at all
Seeing the look in Daron’s eyes, so cold it could freeze someone solid, Carter was seriously spooked. “Daron, this is all a misunderstanding, 1-
But Daron didn’t give Carter a chance to explain His voice was icy as he’s ut him off “Looks like you’ve got way too much free time on your hands lately, so much that you’ve started playing matchmaker”
Carter’s face froze in embarrassment Just then, Chris walked over
With a few other Finley Group shareholders trailing behind him. Chris walked up when he saw Daron and Carter looking like they were arguing, and asked, “What’s going on? He looked straight at Carter as he spoke
Carter couldn’t even look Chris in the eye. feeling totally guilty But with Chris backed by a whole crowd of shareholders, if he chickened out now, he’d be a total joke in the Finley Group from now on
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He forced himself to get it together, squared his shoulders, and met Daron’s gaze head–on, speaking in a low, firm vo “Daron, I’m making arrangements for my daughter’s future, Carter said, trying to sound earnest.
“You’re already engaged to the Milner Family’s daughter, yet your relationship with Marina is still ambiguous. I’m on trying to safeguard Marina’s reputation and honor, which is why I want to introduce her to a more suitable match,” h added, his tone resolute.
Daron scoffed and retorted. “So in your eyes, you really think Reynaldo’s a better catch than me?”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
