THE DIVORCE GAMBIT From Dumped Wife to CEO's Forever novel Chapter 1065

"He was the one who proposed joining our family; no one forced him," Stuart said to Carey. "If he can't even face the consequences of his own proposal, then what right does he have to ask for our daughter's hand?"

Carey nodded. "I suppose there's some truth in that. Let's hope Vest can pass this test."

Hannah was also growing anxious. "It's almost eight o'clock, and there's no word from Vest's family. You don't think Stuart's agreement actually scared him off, do you?"

Frederick squinted. "If he was scared off that easily, then he's a coward! Our Freya is an amazing woman; there's no shortage of men who would be honored to join our family. If he's gone, we'll just find someone better."

Almost as soon as the words left his mouth...

Pop-pop-pop—

The sound of firecrackers erupted outside.

Keira was the first to react, a smile spreading across her face. "That must be Vest!"

According to ancient tradition, on the day of the proposal, the groom's party would set off a string of firecrackers upon arrival at the bride's home, serving as a formal announcement.

It was a way of telling the world that this family's daughter was officially spoken for.

Hannah smiled. "Well, you all should go out and greet them."

Since they had decided to unite the two families, they couldn't just stand on ceremony, especially since Gordon's mother was with them.

A large group headed towards the entrance, leaving Keira, Hannah, and Fortune in the main hall.

As the highest-ranking elders present, it wouldn't be proper for them to go out and personally greet the guests.

Outside Gonzales Manor, Gordon, Beatrice, Alaina, and Justice and Skyler had all arrived.

It was the first time the parents were meeting.

Caitlin held Beatrice's arm, making the introductions with a smile. "Auntie, these are my parents, and these are my eight uncles and their wives."

Gordon, in turn, introduced his sister and her family.

After the initial introductions at the gate, they all moved into the main hall.

Caitlin continued, "Auntie, this is my grandmother, this is my maternal grandmother, and this is my grandfather."

Although Beatrice was a generation younger than Keira and Hannah, she had given birth to Gordon in her forties, so she was of a similar age to the Gonzales elders, with only Hannah being slightly older.

The four seniors hit it off immediately and were soon sitting together for a game of Mahjong.

Justice and Alaina stopped their conversation and looked over.

At that moment, Keira spoke up with a gentle smile. "Vest, Mrs. Sylvester, please don't worry."

She looked at Gordon. "The truth is, your uncle is very pleased with you. The agreement was just a test of your commitment. We never actually intended for you to marry into our family. You and Freya will have a traditional wedding. In the Gonzales family, we don't believe that a married daughter is lost to us. No matter how long she is married, she will always be our granddaughter, and her children will be the heirs of the Gonzales family."

"We have no other demands for you, only that you and Freya visit us twice a month after you're married. As for New Year's Eve dinner, if you don't mind, our families can celebrate together, and we can all raise the children together."

Beatrice quickly replied, "Not at all, not at all! The more, the merrier for New Year's!" Seizing the opportunity, she added, "Grandma Catie, we have no objection to any of that. Does this mean we can settle the children's engagement today?"

She couldn't wait to see the two of them get their marriage license, get married, and give her a chubby grandchild!

Stuart nodded. "We can."

The matchmaker the Sylvesters had brought stepped forward and presented a piece of red paper. "Mr. Gonzales, our matriarch had a specialist select three auspicious dates. Please take a look."

Beatrice quickly chimed in, her form of address changing, "My dear in-law, the dates I've chosen are just a suggestion. The final decision should be yours. We will abide by your choice."

In matters of marriage, the groom's family defers to the bride's.

"Very well." Stuart took the paper and consulted with the three elders and the eight Richards uncles. A few minutes later, he turned back to Beatrice. "My dear in-law, we've discussed it. We've decided on January sixth of next year for the wedding."