Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 99

Elena walked over when called. Evelyn stood up and gave her seat to Elena, then moved to sit beside Sophia.

Walter looked at Elena for a long moment before letting out a heavy sigh, his eyes turning moist. "If Malcolm were still here and saw you getting married, he'd be so happy. It's a shame. The good ones always leave too soon."

Elena felt her throat tighten.

If Malcolm and Vivian were still alive, seeing her marry a man like Alexander, they probably would have been proud, wouldn't they?

"Grandpa, today's a happy day. Don't cry, okay?" Sophia said gently, unusually well-behaved.

Walter wiped his eyes quickly. "I'm not crying. I'm happy. Your brother finally got married. Now I don't have to worry about him ending up alone."

Then he pointed at Alexander, who was sitting beside Evelyn. "This guy used to live at the office. Now that he's married, you need to keep an eye on him. Work matters, sure, but family matters too. And if you can, give me a great-grandkid sooner rather than later."

Elena's ears burned.

Why does every older relative immediately start talking about grandkids?

"If you want grandkids that badly, maybe talk to them," Alexander said calmly, lifting his chin toward Sophia and Adrian.

Sophia went silent.

Adrian gave an awkward laugh. "Hey, I'm still young. Very young."

Walter shot Alexander a look. "Don't try to change the subject. And you'd better not bully Elena. Otherwise, one day when I see Malcolm again, I won't be able to explain myself."

He stopped there, not wanting Elena to feel uncomfortable.

A staff member stepped forward quietly, handing Walter a small velvet folder he had prepared in advance.

Alexander and Elena stood side by side.

Walter looked at Elena for a long moment before speaking, his voice steady but emotional.

"I had something set aside for you," he said, opening the folder and handing it to her. "It's a property transfer and a trust in your name. I want you to have security here. I want you to feel like this is your home."

Elena blinked, genuinely caught off guard.

"Grandpa, this is... way too much."

The documents inside weren't symbolic. They were real assets. Prime property. A substantial trust.

"M-Mr... Alexander has already done more than enough for me. You didn't have to do this." She bit her tongue mid-sentence and corrected herself quickly.

Walter closed her fingers gently over the folder.

"What he gives you is from your husband. What I give you is from me. That's different. And I won't take it back."

Walter pushed it back into her hands. "What he gives you is from your husband. What I give you is from your grandfather. It's different. Take it. Otherwise I'll be upset."

"Take it," Alexander said quietly, helping her put it away.

Simon lifted his gaze and studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Elena had braced herself for something sharper, a subtle test or pointed remark.

Instead, he reached into his jacket and pulled out a sealed envelope.

"Congratulations," he said evenly. "Take care of each other."

He handed it to her without another word. His tone was surprisingly mild.

"Thank you."

Walter had three sons. Alexander's father was the eldest. Simon was the second, and Caleb Kingsley was the youngest.

Caleb looked a few years younger than Simon and carried himself more casually. When Elena approached, he was smiling warmly.

"I've known Alexander since he was a kid. He's a bit reserved, but he's solid. You two treat each other well. And if he ever gives you a hard time, go to Grandpa. Or come to me. I've got your back."

He sounded easygoing and sincere.

Irene, his wife, nodded. "Whatever happened before, leave it in the past. From now on, you're family. If anyone gives you trouble, the Kingsley family stands behind you."

Something about their tone reminded Elena of Malcolm.

When she used to get picked on growing up, he would speak up for her just like that.