Chapter 165
Marina nodded without a second thought. “I’m willing.”
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In the past ten years, Elnora had already gone through so much for Marina, it was just her marriage on the line. There was no reason for her to say no.
Elnora smiled calmly and said, “Honestly, I thought you’d say no
Marina bit her lip and said softly, “Elnora, I’m not the seventeen year–old Marina you remember. I’m twenty–seven now, and I’ve changed.”
“Thinking back, Grandpa was right. People born into families like ours grew up enjoying privileges and luxury most people could only dream of. So when the time comes to give back, we have to own up to our responsibilities,” Marina said.
Elnora hummed gently and shifted her gaze away from Marina.
Marina noticed Elnora had gone quiet, so she lowered her voice and asked, “Elnora, did you already find someone to set me up with?”
Elnora shook her head.
“Not yet. I just wanted to get your thoughts first.”
Marina said, “Just give me a heads–up when you find someone.”
Elnora glanced up at her, looked like she wanted to say something, but held back, then nodded. “Alright.”
Marina gave a small, bittersweet smile, one that barely hid a trace of bitterness.
‘Maybe this is for the best, Marina thought to herself.
Elnora would definitely pick someone decent for her.
Marina knew the Zamora family was out of the question for her now. Nowadays, the Zamora family and the Finleys are worlds apart.
Marina still remembered the phone call Daron took right before the banquet started yesterday.
She hadn’t heard the whole conversation, but she caught some key details from what Daron said.
Harris was probably busy these days trying to set Daron up on blind dates.
Daron was already thirty–two. People say your thirties are the prime time to get married and start a family.
Marina and Elnora exchanged a few words, and not wanting to get in the way of her sister’s work, Marina quietly excused herself from the study.
Gauri was busy in the kitchen.
To keep herself from getting lost in her own thoughts, Marina decided to help out in the kitchen. While she was at it, she asked Gauri to help make sure Elnora was taking care of herself and getting enough rest.
Gauri agreed without hesitation.
The next day.
Daron’s car was parked outside the Finley family’s house early that morning, and Elnora bumped into him just as she was
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Chapter 165
heading out for work.
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She pulled over and greeted him, but just as she was about to drive off, Daron called out to her in his usual calm tone.
“Heard you’re looking for a privileged representative,” Daron said
Elnora nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been really busy lately. I can’t be everywhere at once. So I’m hoping to find someone to help me manage things at the company.”
Daron’s eyes lingered on Elnora, like he could read her every move.
“You sure you want to go down this road? Sounds like you’re asking for trouble,” he said.
Elnora answered in her usual calm voice, “Life’s always been a bit of a gamble, isn’t it? Who can promise that picking another road would be any less risky?”
Daron frowned, his voice low and serious. “I can introduce you to a privileged representative.”
Elnora replied, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Daron fixed her with a cool, distant gaze. “Marina’s only got you to rely on. Don’t go doing anything reckless that’ll end up hurting her.”
Elnora gave him a sidelong look. “Mr. Zamora, instead of talking to me about this, maybe you should figure out how to clear all the roadblocks and actually become her family. Right now, you don’t have any official standing. Am I right?”
Daron’s expression suddenly turned cold.
Elnora gave Daron a wry, almost–smirk, then caught sight of Marina stepping out of the Finley family house in her rearview mirror. Without another word, she started the car and pulled away.
Marina watched Elnora’s car pull away, then strolled over to Daron, looking a little curious.
“What did you and Elnora talk about?” Marina asked.
Daron gave her a quick look, his voice calm.
“Nothing much. She’s looking for a privileged representative and just asked me to introduce someone for her,” he said.
Marina’s eyes lit up with surprise. “Really?”
“Then could you help the Finley Group find someone really capable, Mr. Zamora?” Marina asked.
Elnora had been totally worn out with juggling her health and all the company business lately. If she could get a privileged representative to help out, it would really take a load off her shoulders.
And if Elnora was willing to bring in outside help, that had to mean things were finally looking up for the Finley Group. Daron looked at her. “Am I supposed to jump in and help just because she asked me?”
Marina froze for a moment, and Elnora’s words from last night, just before bed, popped into her head.
“If you ever get stuck, just play the cute card with Daron. You’ve got your natural charm. Don’t be afraid to use it,” Elnora had
said.
Back then, Marina hadn’t really reacted to it. But now was the perfect time to take advantage of her charm.
“You’ll say yes, won’t you?” Marina said, her tone a little playful, trying to sound extra sweet.
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Chapter 165
She gave him those classic puppy eyes, practically begging him with all her hope shining through
Daron gave her a brief, indifferent look, said nothing, and just turned away to get into his car.
Marina hurried after him.
“Daron, you’ll help me out, right?” she said, her voice soft and a little playful.
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She even blinked twice, giving him her best puppy eyes. It had been so long since she’d tried to act cute like this that it was difficult for her to believe that she was actually doing this. It was honestly pretty embarrassing.
Her thoughts were at war inside her head.
She could clearly see the undisguised annoyance in Daron’s deep eyes.
Marina let out a heavy sigh, knowing she just wasn’t cut out for this kind of thing, and Daron wasn’t buying it for a second.
So Marina threw out a deal.
“If you help my sister find the right privileged representative, I’ll be your unpaid assistant for one more month,” she said.
Just one month, no more, Marina reminded herself.
Daron gave her a careless sideways glance.
“If I had to choose between a top–tier privileged representative and you, any smart person would know the answer. You really think I’m as naive as you?” he said.
Marina gave an awkward smile, her confidence not quite as strong as before.
“But no one else can make you feel as good as I do. I’m basically your utility player. Just tell me where to go, and I’ll be there,” she said, trying to play up her strengths.
Daron smirked. “Sorry, but I’ve already got more than enough capable people around me. I don’t really need another jack- of–all–trades.”
His words left Marina speechless for a second.
‘So, I’m not even an asset to him? she thought, a little deflated.
But thinking about all the heavy hitters Daron had around him, Marina had to admit he was right. She was no match for Daron’s team of high flyers.
Those folks were the kind who popped up on business news channels all the time.
She took a deep breath and gritted out, “So, maybe what you really need is some eye candy? Do I look like the kind of showpiece that could brighten up your office?”
Daron raised an eyebrow at her. “Where’s your dignity?”
Marina shot back, “You slapped it away ages ago.”
She had to admit, in front of him, she really had no dignity left.
He’d already left it battered and swollen long ago.
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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.
