Chapter 576
Bryan stopped and turned to face Jacob, silent for a long moment.
What did Jacob mean by “the effect will be manageable”?
With his failing health, he couldn’t even embrace Eileen properly, much less offer Gabriela the warmth she deserved. He felt like he would only be a burden to them both.
He couldn’t accept that.
Then, a cry drifted from a slightly open window. Bryan looked up, his ears catching Eileen’s gentle voice soothing Gabriela.
The familiar sound of Gabriela’s voice stirred something deep within Bryan. He wanted to walk away quickly but found himself unable to move beyond a few steps…
Josue and Jacob watched Bryan’s state, their eyes filled with sympathy.
When evening came, the guests had left Zelda’s home, leaving the wedding decorations behind, but the atmosphere of the place was somber.
As Bryan entered, Zelda and her father, Felipe Dury, quickly stood up, their expressions uneasy.
“Mr. Dawson, are you truly intent on marrying Zelda?” Felipe asked, his tone somewhat disappointed. “Given your health, marrying my daughter seems unfair to her. Plus, you are married, and your relationship with your wife seems complicated. I’m concerned you might bring problems to Zelda.”
Before Bryan could respond, Zelda interjected, “Dad, I want to marry him. Regardless of what his wife might do, she can’t force him not to marry me.”
Despite Felipe’s subtle signals to stop, Zelda ignored them completely.
Felipe’s expression darkened. “Helping you wasn’t about expecting something in return. You needed a place, and your friends paid us, so I agreed. But now, despite your failing health, you still wish to marry my daughter. Are you trying to cause us problems?”
“Don’t forget our agreement to keep matters private,” Bryan said as he sat down on a bench.
He maintained his dignified demeanor. After spending too much time under the sun recently, he now had a rugged appeal.
v𝒆ls․comZelda’s gaze lingered on his striking profile, her eyes shining.
“If your daughter had followed the rules, we wouldn’t be facing these issues,” Bryan stated coldly, glancing at Felipe.
Knowing Felipe’s deep love for his daughter, Bryan added, “The wedding is fake. But as long as she consents, I will ensure she is financially secure for life.”
Felipe, concerned for Zelda’s future, glanced at her. Given Zelda’s disability and the potential damage to her reputation, he knew it would be challenging for her to find another man willing to marry her after this. He feared for his daughter’s well-being in his later years if things turned out this way.
Upon hearing Bryan’s proposal, Felipe turned his gaze to Zelda.
“I agree. But I’m not interested in your money,” Zelda quickly stated.
What else could she be interested in? The answer seemed obvious.
Bryan gave Zelda a cold glance, causing her to shiver.
She realized her mistake.
Seeing how casually Josue and his companions handled money, she had assumed Bryan was wealthy and thought that by issuing a missing person notice, she could gain more funds.