Chapter 17 Are You Certain about the Marriage?
Dragon Seal is not only a heirloom and a symbol of the head of the family, but it also serves additional purposes and must be reclaimed.
Liam said, "Joseph, I do not wish to force you. Hand it over yourself."
Joseph looked at him and replied, "Grandpa, it's not that I'm unwilling to return the ring, but it still has its uses for me."
This statement greatly irritated Thomas, whose voice grew several decibels louder.
"Are you just making excuses for not returning the ring?"
Joseph shook his head, "I am borrowing it temporarily, not refusing to return it. Those who wish to kill me aim for this ring, I intend to find out who they are."
He was well aware that the person wanting to kill him was Thomas.
Feigning this excuse was merely to buy time.
"They could be your business rivals as well!"
Liam nodded in agreement.
"Even if your speculation was true, we can't let the family ring remain with you."
"I only need a week. if I cannot lure them out by then, I will return it to you."
Liam's tone suddenly turned stern, "And what if I do not agree?"
"Grandpa, the project of horse racing track should be signed tomorrow."
His implication was that if Liam insisted on reclaiming the ring, the project might encounter unexpected setbacks.
Liam was in no way oblivious to Joseph's threat.
If any issues arise with the project, the Martinez Holdings would face losses amounting to billions.
Of course, this sum of money was negligible for the Martinez Holdings, but it would potentially tarnish the company's reputation and affect its stock price.
"I give you one week. if by then you still refuse to return the ring, do not bother returning to the Martinez Holdings."
"Thank you for your understanding, Grandpa."
Feeling slighted, Liam didn't wish to stay another second and turned to leave.
Thomas promptly followed him out.
Joseph, acting as if nothing was amiss, leisurely continued with his lunch.
He had finished for a while and was almost dozing off when Megan came to collect the meal box.
Megan, observing Joseph's sleepy visage, sat down beside his hospital bed.
"You should inform me about your family's circumstances, as well as the attitude I should adopt towards them."
Although she could investigate his family, the information she would find would surely not be as accurate as what Joseph knew.
Joseph expounded on the Martinez family's situation with considerable effort.
Naturally, he also withheld certain matters.
"Megan, you won't need to deal with my family much. Plus I will assist you, so there's no need to worry."
Megan smiled and said, "Joseph, your family is complex. I know being Mrs. Martinez invites trouble."
"Once we got married, I will explain to you."
"OK."
After Megan left the hospital, she called James but got no response.
It wasn't until after nine at night that she received a call back from James.
"Boss, I've been so busy today."
His voice was thick with exhaustion.
Megan teased, "The son of the Moore family must be busier than me. I understand."
"You knew it?"
"Such major news is hard to miss. You used to dislike the business world, so why suddenly take over the family business?"
Because I want to do everything in my power to protect you!
Of course, James would not voice this sentiment.
He feared that laying bare his intentions would end up losing her.
For now, it was good to stay by her side in the role of a confidant.
He lied, "I'm concerned that if Harry took over, it would negate the family's years of effort. I had no choice but to shoulder the responsibility."
Megan knew this reasoning was insufficient but tactfully left it unchallenged.
"Your parents only have you as their son. You should carry more on their behalf. So, about Dark Phoenix…"
James interrupted her urgently before she could finish, "No matter how busy I am, I won't drop out!"
He did not wish to sever the deepest tie that connected them.
"I meant don't overwork yourself. You must be swamped now. I'll forge Dragon Seal myself."
"Boss, you underestimate me. I can manage that. "
After hanging up, James left the company for his apartment to begin replicating Dragon Seal.
He currently couldn't compete with Joseph, all he could do was help Megan with the small things he was capable of managing.
Megan, just wait for me, I will grow strong enough to protect you soon!
***
Time whisked by, and five days had passed.
Joseph's recovery was more rapid than expected, and he was discharged a day early.
The chief physician cautioned, "The contusion on your head has not fully resolved, which might present a latent risk. If you feel any discomfort, come to the hospital for a checkup."
Though Joseph was still pale, his complexion had significantly improved.
He nodded at the chief physician.
"And your bone isn't fully healed. You need to be very careful. A secondary injury could mean no chance of recovery."
The plaster would have remained on Joseph's leg for a month had it not been for the hospital director's order to remove it.
The chief physician didn't know that it was Megan who had prompted the command.
Removing the plaster made it easier for her to treat his leg.
Joseph thanked the chief physician.
Oliver completed the discharge procedures and wheeled Joseph out of the hospital.
"Joseph, are you certain about your marriage with Megan?"
"Yes."
The moment he agreed to Megan, he had not considered reneging.
"Aren't you afraid that Megan might have ulterior motives in getting close to you?"
As soon as he finished asking, the elevator doors opened.
Megan stood just outside, having overheard his question.