Chapter 2

Peter had to be blind. Despite his age, Peter's mind was still sharp. He understood the Gulliver family's hesitation to marry off their daughter, but John Ravenwood's prophecy stated that Grace had to be the one in this destined marriage. "I think the 15th of August is a good date. Let's set the wedding date for that day." Not only had Grace failed to change the Jefferson family's mind today, but she had even sealed her fate, and the wedding date had also been set. Grace said to her parents, "I'll marry him." "Grace..." Jennifer was worried about this forced marriage. Today's meeting had been meant for both families to get to know each other. However, from the Jefferson family, only Peter and his eldest son, Jason Jefferson, had shown up. Not a single female relative of theirs had attended. Even the groom-to-be, Oliver, wasn't present, and he also hadn't bothered to call. Brad felt that his daughter was being treated unfairly. "We're not marrying her off. I'd like to reject the marriage proposal," he declared. He only had one precious daughter. Why should she marry Oliver, who was eight years older and didn't even show her the slightest respect? The Jefferson family's status meant nothing to Brad. He'd rather give up his business than see his daughter unhappy. After all, he only had one daughter, and her happiness was the most important thing. Jennifer also exclaimed, "That's right! We earn money to provide a good life for our children, but now that this money has become such a burden, we'll just give it up if we have to." With newfound determination, Brad and Jennifer made up their minds and drove back home. Grace's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude. But, how could she bear to let her parents give up their years of hard work? They could give up everything else, but what would it mean for her brother? She couldn't be that selfish. Over at the CEO's office in Jefferson Corporation, Oliver was working at his desk. His cold demeanor and aloofness hung heavy in the air, and it could be sensed even from a distance. He was a handsome man. His features were sharp and chiseled, with a broad forehead and a high nose. Just then, Peter entered the room, but Oliver barely spared him a glance before diving back into his work. Peter took a seat on the couch and announced, "Your wedding will be on the 15th of August." Oliver had been signing some papers. He paused in his actions and raised his head to look at his father. Peter picked up the cup of coffee on the table in front of him and brought it to his lips. He blew on it lightly before taking a sip. "I know you've been insistent on not getting married for years. Your mother wouldn't want to see you remain unmarried either." Peter continued, "The wedding date has already been set. Your bride is from the Gulliver family. Her name is Grace Gulliver, and she's a very special girl. She's 20 years old and still a college student." "What? 20 years old? Give her to James instead," Oliver said with a sneer as he replied without a thought. "You bastard!" Peter scolded. "Oliver! She's your future wife! You can't just give her to your nephew!" Peter became furious every time he spoke to his second son. Oliver was like a rebellious bone lodged in Peter's throat. His words and actions were a constant source of irritation to him. Peter generally avoided seeing Oliver unless it was absolutely necessary. Oliver suggested, "How about this? Whoever chose her has to marry her." "Oliver!" Peter was once again so angry with his son that he couldn't speak. "You can't escape this time, Oliver. The wedding plans have already been finalized. Prepare to approach the Gullivers with a proposal. Remember, even death won't excuse you from this marriage." Oliver's sharp eyes narrowed as he said coldly, "Never!" Peter swallowed angrily as he looked at Oliver. Faced with Oliver's resistance, he decided to play his trump card. "Get married, and I'll tell you everything I know about her," he declared. This time, it was Oliver's turn to be surprised. He knew who Peter was referring to. He narrowed his eyes and asked, "Are you investigating it too?" Peter put his cup down and stood up. "The wedding will be on the 15th of August. Be prepared." Time flew by, and the wedding day arrived as scheduled.