Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 461

She knew her father; this invitation meant he had finally given in.

The tension that had been etched into Jasper's face finally melted away, replaced by a radiant smile. Realizing Vivian was watching them with a kind, knowing look, Nicole blushed and scrambled down from his embrace.

"Mrs. Moore, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting out here," Nicole said.

"It's quite all right, dear," Vivian replied. "Let's head in. We shouldn't keep your father waiting any longer."

Jasper took Nicole's hand, their fingers interlacing as they walked into the house together.

Inside, the greeting was poised. "Vincent, it's been a long time," Vivian said. As old family friends, they were both well-versed in social graces; despite the recent friction, both parents maintained a mask of polite cordiality.

After several rounds of coffee, Jasper and Vincent retreated to the study.

"Mr. Shaw, I know what your concerns are," Jasper began. He had moved aggressively to deal with his detractors lately, earning him a reputation for ruthlessness in Azure Peak City. He knew people were calling him cold-blooded, but he didn't care.

He handed Vincent a stack of legal documents—a full inventory of every asset he owned.

Vincent scanned the papers, his eyes widening. "You... you're giving everything to Nicole?"

"I'm more than happy to work for her," Jasper said, his voice unwavering. "Nicole should be free to do whatever she desires, and I will be there to support her. My companies, my property—it all belongs to her now. Furthermore, I want our future children to take the Shaw name."

"What?" Vincent looked up, stunned.

In their social circles, such a move was unheard of; Jasper would be a laughingstock.

Jasper suddenly dropped to one knee. "Mr. Shaw, please give me your blessing to marry Nicole. I promise to love and cherish her for the rest of my life. I will never let her suffer. Our children will carry her name, and she will have sole custody. If I ever betray her, I will walk away with nothing—not even my children."

"Stand up," Vincent said quietly.

"Does that mean you agree?"

"If you ever mistreat her," Vincent warned, "the Shaw family will spend every last cent we have to see justice done."

"Thank you, Mr. Shaw," Jasper choked out, his eyes glistening. Finally, he had the blessing he needed to be with Nicole openly.

"Go on, get out of here," Vincent said, gesturing toward the door. "There's someone out there pacing circles around the hallway."

Jasper glanced toward the door, and a small smile tugged at his lips. He gave Vincent a respectful bow and turned to leave. His stride was steady, but noticeably faster than usual.

The moment Jasper stepped out, Nicole was on him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of trouble.

"Did he give you a hard time?" she asked.

"No," Jasper replied.

"Then what did you talk about all that time?"

Jasper gently stroked her hair. "Mr. Shaw gave us his blessing."

"Really? Does that mean we can actually go out on a date tonight?" It had been so long since they'd had any time to themselves.

Jasper's gaze drifted toward her stomach.

She caught the look and rubbed her belly. "What? Do you think I've put on weight lately, too?"

"Nicole—"

"It's just the heavy winter clothes," she insisted.

What if she really was pregnant? Her father would probably break her legs.

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