Chapter 7 Is Canceling the Marriage Appropriate?

"Canceling the marriage right after he saved you, isn't that a bit inappropriate?" "I owed him eighteen years ago when his master saved me. Now, he’s saved me again. The debt is mine alone and has nothing to do with my beloved granddaughter." "Grandpa, are you playing at brinkmanship here?" "Do you really dislike him?" "Who would like him? He's dirty and smelly, carrying a plastic bag around, looking like a scrap collector!" "Then you should have canceled the marriage contract immediately when he came to you. Why bring him here and put me in his debt again? If it weren't for this debt, my life is gone, and the tab I have with his master would disappear as well." "I can’t let you be seen as ungrateful, Grandpa! I've already told him I would give him a year. If I don't fall in love with him within that time, I'll divorce him." "A year? Fine, but Jess, if you're going to attempt a marriage with Daniel, you should play your role sincerely. As a wife, while you can't initiate things, don't outright refuse him either." "Grandpa, if you keep spouting nonsense, I'll divorce him tomorrow and kick him out!" "Alright, alright! I'll say no more. Young people's affairs should be settled by the young. I’ll just focus on keeping myself alive and won’t meddle. As long as he’s here, I can’t lose my life. Remember, he's an even better doctor than Christopher!" "Hmph! I’m not talking to you anymore!" ... Having washed his hands, Daniel noticed Christopher stealthily pulling Andrew into a room. Curious, he stealthily hid in an adjacent empty room and eavesdropped with his ear against the wall. "Aren't you the top doctor in New York? How could you be outdone by that nobody? You've messed up my big plan!" "Who knew Joseph was cursed by the Tame Head! I’m a doctor, not an exorcist; how would I know how to remove a Tame Head curse? Joseph’s Tame Head curse means someone is targeting The Matthews. Jessica brought in an assistant skilled in Tame Head, probably to guard against this." "That nobody is just an ant and not worth mentioning. I’ll kill him sooner or later! I want Jessica, I want her to be my wife! If I get her, all of The Matthews' assets will be ours!" "Mr. Andrew, don't worry. I have a plan that can bankrupt TMO overnight! To save TMO, Jessica will have no choice but to marry you." "Speak!" "TMO is already in crisis and desperately seeking partners. It seems they're making one last stand to fight back. They’ve achieved a preliminary strategic partnership with Healthy Land, a pharmaceutical company, but nothing’s been signed yet. Healthy Land belongs to The Grants of Washington, one of the eight great families! Joshua Grant, the head of The Grants, is the president of the USA Medical Association and the nation's top doctor, also serving as the chief physician to the President. He's a top-tier power broker. My elder brother, Anthony Stephens, has been working at Healthy Land since he was eighteen, and after decades of hard work, he's now Joshua’s leading disciple, responsible for all Healthy Land's business in New York. My brother revealed that the Healthy Land deal is just the beginning. If The Matthews performs well, The Grants will invest more. The Grants’ wealth is immense! Their influence can turn the tides and shake the heavens! If The Matthews clings to The Grants, they'll soar! But then, your chances with Jessica will become slim to none. However, with one word from my brother, the collaboration between TMO and Healthy Land will fall through. Likewise, you could replace The Matthews as Healthy Land's partner and it'll be your time to rise!" ... Back in the hospital room, the revived Joseph, having chatted with his granddaughter for a while, drifted off to sleep. Not wanting to disturb his rest, Jessica stepped out of the room. Seeing Brittany standing guard she asked, "Hasn't Daniel come back yet?" "No." "As soon as the partnership is signed next week, we'll need to finalize the strategic cooperation with Healthy Land and prepare for two consecutive press releases and a celebration banquet. I need to head back to the office to prepare. When Daniel comes out, take him to buy some clothes. He looks like a ragpicker right now; I don't want him to embarrass me and damage the company's image at the press conference. Also, arrange a decent dormitory for him." "Ma'am Jessica, you'd take him to the press release?" "He's my new assistant. Why shouldn't I?" With that, Jessica walked away, her high heels echoing. Brittany clenched her fists, infuriated by Daniel. A mere new assistant, not even past probation, how could he attend such an important event? When Daniel returned, Brittany was the only one there. "Where's Jessica?" "She's gone back to the office and has left you in my care. From now on, you answer to me!" "Okay." "Let's go! Ma’am Jessica told me to take you to buy some clothes. The way you’re dressed is ruining the company's image!" "Okay." Daniel's apparent compliance and obedience were delightful to Brittany. Easy targets were the best to bully!