She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 174

Lucian’s expression was cold. “Since when did I know about a distinguished guest? Which department are they from? Is this about the offshore oil fields again?”

“It’s your fiancée.” Zeke glanced at the modestly dressed mother and daughter standing nervously in the middle of the grand hall.

Lucian’s demeanor shifted. After a long pause, he said flatly, “I think retirement has made you go senile.”

“This isn’t something we can discuss over the phone. Get home as soon as you can,” Zeke said, his tone firm.

Lucian had always been obedient to his grandfather, but today, hearing Loyce’s parting words, he felt a knot of irritation tighten in his stomach. She must have heard the news before he did. The thought that she might have misunderstood him was deeply unsettling.

Robert glanced at Lucian’s dark expression in the rearview mirror and cautiously started the engine.

...

Back at the Shapiro family estate, the atmosphere was thick with tension.

Cyrilla clutched her mother’s hand, perched nervously on the edge of a plush armchair. A small table beside her held a cup of coffee, its rich aroma a testament to its quality.

“It must have been a long journey for you both,” Zeke said kindly. “Please, have some coffee and snacks. We can discuss the engagement at a leisurely pace.”

The mother and daughter, hailing from a small country town, had never seen such an opulent mansion. Every corner screamed of a different social class. Even the servants’ uniforms were made of fine silk, a world away from the cheap clothes they wore.

Seeing Cyrilla’s fearful expression, Zeke softened his tone. “The girl is still young. It’s natural for her to resist an arranged marriage. My grandson feels the same way. While I intend to honor my promise, I will not force anything. If there’s anything else you need my help with, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Saphira was torn. On their way here, her mother had been clear: the only way for them to escape the monster who controlled their lives and secure a happy future was for Cyrilla to marry the grandson of this powerful man. But all she knew was that her mother had saved a wealthy man. She had no idea of Zeke’s true status or identity.

“I want to give my child the best possible future,” Saphira said after a moment of deliberation. “She should be in school right now. After she graduates… then they can get married.”

Cyrilla tugged on her mother’s sleeve. “Mom, no,” she whispered.

Though she was only eighteen, Cyrilla had heard her grandmother’s stories about the man she had saved. By her calculations, this old man’s grandson had to be around thirty. In her town, men in their thirties had beer bellies and bushy beards. The image was repulsive. She had a hundred reasons to refuse, and chief among them was that she wasn't someone who would sell herself for money.