Chapter 4

"May I see your documents, please?" the staff at the courthouse asked. Tristan placed Quinton's photo and relevant documents on the counter. Upon seeing Genevieve remain motionless, he said nonchalantly, "You don't have to marry. After all, the Gadot family has more than one daughter." Genevieve froze. Was he threatening her with her sister? Her hands twisted the hem of her shirt nervously until the fabric began to tear, but she ultimately had no choice but to hand over her documents obediently. The only solace she found in this situation was that Quinton was comatose, meaning she wouldn't have to engage in any sort of relationship with him. "Sir, I'll need to see your documents as well. Otherwise, we can't confirm your authority as a legal representative." Tristan didn't hesitate, pulling out his ID and handing it over. Moments later, the two of them walked out of the courthouse. Unlike other couples, who carried their marriage certificates with joy, the two of them left empty-handed. The staff explained that the printer was broken, so the certificates couldn't be issued. They asked for an address so they could be mailed later. Tristan instructed Ethan to leave an address, then grabbed Genevieve by the collar as they stepped outside, warning her fiercely, "From now on, dedicate yourself entirely to caring for my uncle. If you dare have any malicious intentions, I'll end you." Genevieve was still in a daze. She was married—she had walked into the courthouse with him only to marry someone else. Ethan hurried over. "Mr. Burtman, we've received word that the person you've been looking for has been found." Tristan's gaze darkened. He released her abruptly and strode toward the car. He couldn't say he liked the woman from last night, but her body… he couldn't seem to forget. The thought of her left him with a physical reaction every time. He decided that he would find her and marry her. "The team said all the surveillance footage from last night at the farmhouse was destroyed, but the timing of Ms. Taylor from the Taylor family's presence there matches perfectly." Tristan sneered. Lillian must have deliberately destroyed the footage to frame him, claiming he had slept with Marlee instead. "Mr. Burtman, Ms. Taylor has a clean background and a good reputation, though people say she's rather cold." "Cold?" Tristan fiddled with the pendant in his hand, lost in thought. … Genevieve had just picked herself up from the ground when her best friend, Heidi Dean, called. At a cafe, Heidi pounded the table angrily. "That scumbag Mr. Delgado dared to harass you? Next time I see him, I'll kick him where it hurts!" "Forget it. He's your dad's friend. There's no need to make things awkward because of me." "How dare my dad introduce someone that sleazy to you? It's a good thing nothing serious happened." Heidi sipped her coffee and studied Genevieve with curiosity. "By the way, Genny, what happened last night? How did you handle it?" Genevieve's cheeks flushed. "I… I just took a cold shower. It wasn't a big deal." Thinking about last night made her recall Tristan, and unease crept into her heart again. It was no wonder people in Jasfield feared him. His stoic, unsmiling face was like that of the Grim Reaper. "Oh, Genny, Alexander told me he's been studying construction because he heard you wanted to work on that project site. He's even started working there, though he has to start from the bottom. "He really likes you. He's an outstanding person yet willing to endure hardship for you. So, do you like him? If you do, you two should just get married already!" Genevieve stirred her coffee with her spoon and replied calmly, "I don't like him. Besides, I'm already married." "What?" Heidi's eyes widened. "When did you get married? Who's your husband? Is he handsome? Is he rich? Why didn't you tell me?" Genevieve gave her a small smile. "Nothing's set in stone yet. I'll tell you once everything's settled." Even though she had been to the courthouse, this marriage felt surreal, as if it didn't truly exist. Who knew what the Burtmans would demand of her next? Before Heidi could press further, Miriam called. "Genny, I accidentally broke my leg. Come to the Taylor residence as soon as you can."