Chapter 8

Warren said, "I didn't expect you to finally settle down, Damien." After Zelda left, a casual voice came from behind Damian. Damian turned around and glanced at Warren. "Are you bored?" "Not exactly. Damian, you're not marrying this woman just to appease your grandmother, are you? Doesn't it seem a bit abrupt?" Warren stepped closer and asked. Warren had known Damian for over a decade. To Warren, Damian had always been steady and reserved. This sudden marriage, especially to someone he had just met, seemed out of character. "The deed is done, and there's no going back. Why not just accept it openly?" Damian said, his hands causally tucked into his pockets He wasn't sure why he had married Zelda. It was as if her clear eyes had somehow compelled him to agree. Observing his friend in front of him, Warren decided not to press further on that topic. Instead, he started discussing the matters related to Osbert and his associates. "Let me tell you about your wife's situation. Ms. Cantrell's father wants her to marry Osbert to revitalize Cantrell Group. "The company has been in ruin under Edric's management. Osbert agreed to invest in Cantrell Group if Zelda marries him." Damian was already aware, which was why he had asked Warren to meet with Osbert today. He said, "Help stall for a week. She has unresolved issues, and it'll take about a week to sort them out. We'll discuss it further once that's done." "Alright, I understand. I'll head back now," Warren agreed and left. He returned to the private room, where Zelda was being pressured by Edric to toast Osbert. "Mr. Ferguson, please excuse my daughter's behavior yesterday. She's young and naive. I've already reprimanded her, and she understands her mistake. She's here today to apologize. Zelda, offer Mr. Ferguson a drink." Edric spoke as he pushed Zelda toward Osbert with a stern look, full of warning. Zelda looked down at the drink in her hand. Whether it was intentional or not, the glass was filled with a large amount of whiskey. One sip of it would leave her completely inebriated. Warren arrived just in time and stepped in to stop it. Smiling, he said, "You guys really don't have any pity for a lady. That much liquor would knock her out cold. With all these men here, it's a shame to have a pretty woman like her get drunk. It would ruin the fun." Osbert was eager to flatter Warren, so he quickly agreed and said, "Yes, yes, Mr. Frazier makes a good point. Let's forget about it and not drink." Zelda breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced gratefully at Warren, who happened to catch her gaze. Their eyes met, and he gave her a friendly wink. Zelda quickly looked away, realizing that Warren's considerate behavior likely had to do with Damian. She vaguely recalled that Warren had been sitting next to Damian at the bar when she was drunk. His kindness to her probably had something to do with Damian. Throughout the meal, the conversation was filled with flattery and insincere compliments. Zelda remained silent, sitting quietly on the side. Thanks to Warren's intervention, Edric didn't press Zelda further. After the meal, Warren prepared to leave. He cast a meaningful glance at Zelda and said, "Ms. Cantrell, I enjoyed the meal with you. If fate allows, let's meet again next time." With that, he left. Once everyone had departed, Edric turned to Osbert with a flattering tone. "Mr. Ferguson, we came today to apologize for yesterday's incident. Zelda has realized her mistake, so perhaps you two could go upstairs and discuss things?" Edric's meaning was clear. He wanted Zelda to entertain Osbert. Osbert glanced at Zelda. The young woman was indeed attractive, with a pure and fresh beauty compared to other women. However, it seemed that Warren had taken an interest in her. The Frazier family had always been powerful, and with their close ties to the Munoz family, they were people Osbert needed to stay on good terms with. For now, he had to play it safe. He said, "I hear your apology. I'm a bit tired today, so let's call it even. Given your sincerity, I'll let bygones be bygones. I'm currently busy with matters related to Munoz Group. Let's put the wedding plans on hold until those matters are settled." Osbert waved his hand dismissively, his eyes calculating. If Warren was interested in Zelda, it could mean deeper cooperation with Munoz Group. Edric's face lit up with a satisfied smile. He quickly nodded and said, "Of course, Mr. Ferguson. We'll do as you say." Osbert was in a good mood today, so he didn't say much. He swaggered out of the room. After his departure, Edric sighed in relief and smiled. He turned to Zelda and said, "You did well today. Once Cantrell Group secures funding, I'll arrange the best ward for your grandfather." Zelda bit her lip and remained silent. In a good mood, Edric didn't press Zelda further. He took her back to the Cantrell residence. As soon as they entered, Faye bounced out of the living room and eagerly grabbed Edric's arm. "Dad, Virgil is here. He wants to discuss the wedding details with you." She then shot a provocative glance at Zelda. However, Zelda remained unfazed. The living room was filled with laughter, indicating that Belinda and Virgil were having a great time discussing things. Edric stepped into the living room and spotted Virgil sitting on the couch. A broad smile immediately appeared on his face. "Virgil, your parents have already discussed everything with us, and we have no objections." The Valdez family was one of the top three influential families in Phoypolis, but now, the company was under the control of the eldest son, Drake Valdez. Hence, Virgil only held a nominal position at the company and didn't have much authority. Virgil's face broke into a gentle smile. "The wedding is being arranged quite quickly, and I'm worried it might be a bit hasty for Faye. So, I'd like to add a gift worth an extra one million dollars as a gesture of goodwill. Just consider it a betrothal gift." He then placed a piece of high-end jewelry on the table. Belinda's eyes lit up at the gesture. "Virgil, you're really good to Faye. It's no wonder she has been so taken with you." "Mom…" Faye's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she tugged at Belinda's sleeve. Watching the family interact so warmly, Zelda felt like an outsider. She had no interest in observing their self-congratulatory display and began to head upstairs. Just as she took a step, Faye called out, "Wait a minute, Zelda." Faye trotted over to Zelda. She disregarded Zelda's reluctance and firmly pulled her in front of Virgil. "Zelda, our wedding is set for next week. You'll definitely come, won't you?" Faye feigned sisterly affection. Zelda didn't respond but looked coldly at Virgil. Virgil looked at Zelda with a hint of guilt in his eyes, knowing that he was the one who had ended their engagement. He said, "Zelda, even though we had our disagreements, Faye and I are truly in love. I hope you can give us your blessing." Seeing Virgil putting on an insincere act before her made Zelda feel nauseated. Faye chimed in with a smirk, "Zelda, didn't you marry a male escort? Why don't you bring your husband to our wedding next week so that everyone can meet him?"