Chapter 500

“Mabel is her family’s only daughter, and they cherish her so much. I’ve already hinted to Henrietta, and she made it clear they don’t want Mabel marrying into a complicated family p>

“If we can match her with Lance, Mabel’s family could help us financially down the line p>

“Next time we launch a project, we wouldn’t have to scratch around for funding like we did this time p>

Octavia’s relentless persuasion snapped Latham out of his train of thought.

“Mabel’s family p>

He remembered how they were currently Mabel’s family’s direct competitors for the latest deal.

“If we became in-laws with Mabel’s family, all this business rivalry could turn into true cooperation p>

“If Mabel’s family teamed up with us and the Byrons, we could basically control the Apex market p>

Still, Latham couldn’t help worrying.

With Mabel being the only child, plenty of people must have their sights set on her family’s assets.

Their own son was a catch, but other people had their strengths too.

Besides, they’d all been adversaries for years in the business world. Plenty of dirty tricks had been played in the past.

Would Mabel’s parents really want to join forces now, let alone arrange a marriage? Maybe, if they offered Mabel’s family a real stake in the West Side development. But if Latham did that, the Byron family would absolutely show up demanding answers. The Jameses could marry whoever they wanted, but giving away free shares to outsiders… the Byrons would never accept that.

“Latham, this is a golden opportunity. Mabel’s family is loaded. You wouldn’t need to go begging to the banks for massive loans p>

“The banks are never easy. You don’t pay them back, they’ll squeeze you for every penny p>

“It’s safer if we tie the knot with Mabel’s family p>

Latham fell silent, lost in thought.

“You’re not still hoping Claire will be your daughter-in-law, are you? Do you like her that much p>

“I do like Claire. We practically raised her p>

“But compared to the Mabels, Claire’s just not in the same league p>

“What do you say, Latham p>

He hesitated, thinking about Hearth & Kettle.

If the James family managed to get Hearth & Kettle, that would mean billions in profit.

Even so, marrying into Mabel’s family seemed like a far better option.

“I do like Claire a lot, but she’s still our adopted daughter p>

“You’re right. If our son ends up marrying his adopted sister, people will talk p>

“But convincing Mabel’s family to agree to the marriage won’t be easy either.” Latham’s head started to ache just thinking about his son.

Lance already liked Claire. Who knew when it began, but he’d done so much just to be with her.

To ask him to walk away now and marry someone else… would he really go through with it?

Mabel’s an only child and used to getting her way. If Lance didn’t truly want her, there’s no way she d agree to the marriage.

“As long as you agree, leave the rest to me. I’ll find more chances to connect with Henrietta, and then get Lange and Mabel together more often p>

Octavia met Mabel. She thought the girl was fine-not exactly

breathtaking, so Lance would el.ne?

all head over heels for her.

Unlike Claire… Claire was too beautiful, bright as the sun.

Cindy and Mabel could probably get along. With Claire, that was impossible. They were born to be rivals.

“Give it your best shot, then p>

Thinking about marrying into Mabel’s family and one day absorbing every ounce of

their wealth made Latham grin from ear to ear.

He pulled Octavia close. “Octavia, you really are my better half p>

Octavia looked at Latham’s face and felt nothing but disgust.