Chapter 18 To Our Cooperation

As Oliver gazed upon Megan's seemingly amused expression, he awkwardly touched his nose. He wished to offer some explanation, yet felt that any words he might utter would only serve to demean himself. "Megan, I apologize." Although Megan had little fondness for being the subject of gossip, she understood Oliver's concern as being within reason. "Rest assured, Oliver. I harbor no interest towards him, his family, or his company." Had it not been for the necessity to save her grandmother, she would never have become entangled with Joseph. Joseph observed Megan's earnest countenance and replied, "I trust you, Megan. May our collaboration be a pleasurable one." "Likewise." Oliver drove them to the court. Today was not auspicious. the line for marriage registration was deserted, while the line for divorce was bustling. Megan looked towards the crowded side with a hope for lining there soon. Catching her gaze, Joseph smiled, "We must first obtain a marriage license before qualifying for a divorce certificate." His remarks, strangely out of place, attracted the curious stares of many bystanders. As Megan was not a public figure, and Joseph shunned interviews, they went unrecognized, which rendered the surrounding gossip unrestrained and audacious. - "What's the point of marrying if they're already thinking of divorce?" "This miss is being a realist. It's a warning to all men: If you don't treat your wife right, wait for divorce!" "She appears quite young, and her man is disabled. Could she be forced into marriage?" ... In the midst of disarrayed discussion, Joseph and Megan found themselves the uncomfortable center of attention. A man in a rush to divorce, impatiently urged the distracted staff, "Stop looking around. Hurry up!" While making this demand, he glanced inadvertently at the pair now under scrutiny. Megan inadvertently blocked the view of Joseph, but the man caught sight of Oliver pushing the wheelchair. Surprise evident in his eyes, he muttered, "Oliver?" After receiving his divorce certificate, the man quickly followed them to uncover the truth. He was a step too late, as Joseph and Megan had already entered the courtroom. Although he hadn't seen Joseph, he spied Oliver at the doorway and muttered to himself, "Only Joseph has the authority to command Oliver's service." He immediately left the court and contacted the Martinez family's steward via phone. "Kevin, is Liam aware that Joseph is getting married?" He wanted to report it to substantial reward from Liam. If his information proved valuable, he was certain of a handsome payment. Kevin responded, "Fraser, what are you talking about?" "You know I took leave today to get a divorce, right? I just happened to see Joseph and a very pretty girl collecting a license." "Are you certain you're not mistaken?" Fraser was wary of speaking too definitively, lest a misunderstanding cost him his job as a driver. "I didn't see Joseph, but I did see Oliver pushing a wheelchair. " Convinced by the evidence of the wheelchair and Oliver's presence, Kevin wasted no time in contacting Liam. Liam was in a meeting at Martinez Holdings. Seeing the call, he announced, "We'll take a ten-minute recess." The steward wouldn't interrupt his work hours without reason. Liam retreated to his office to take the call, which was immediately flooded with Kevin's anxious voice. - "Joseph is currently at the court getting married." The revelation left Liam flustered. "What?" The steward repeated the information. "Although the driver didn't see Joseph, he did see Oliver." Without hesitation, Liam ended the call and contacted Joseph. The phone rang as Joseph was filling out the necessary forms, and he recognized the caller instantly. Though initially disregarding it, the insistent ringing prompted Megan to remark, "Take it, it's quite distracting." Joseph set aside his pen and answered the call. "Grandpa." Liam's voice was charged with anger, "Are you getting married right now?" "Yes." "With Megan?" "Yes." Two affirmative answers nearly incensed Liam to the point of apoplexy. "You must leave at once. The woman who marries you must be of suitable status for the sake of our family!" The quiet room allowed the words to reach not only Joseph but also Megan and the staff. The staff cast a surreptitious glance towards Megan, who seemed unfazed. It was a temperament she knew she couldn't emulate if demeaned so. Her gaze then shifted to Joseph in anticipation of his choice. Joseph replied calmly, "As I've said before, I shall decide whom to marry." Liam's temper flared, "You were born into this family and have no autonomy over your marriage!" "What if I am resolved to marry Megan?" "Then you will resign as CEO and leave Martinez Holdings!" Megan watched Joseph for his reaction to this momentous decision. With an unfazed countenance, he gave no indication of distress. As silence lingered on the call, Liam thought Joseph was deliberating and softened his tone. "Joseph, marriage demands equality in social status. You and Megan will find no happiness together. It's not worth losing the position of CEO over her." A trace of an emotionless smile curled on Joseph's lips. "Grandpa, I understand your concern for me, but to me, marriage is not a transaction. It is about creating a home for the one you love." The old man's fury resurged, "So, you'd rather leave the company for a woman of no worth?" "Yes." The call ended abruptly. Turning off the phone, Joseph completed his form. "Do you want to take a photo here to memorize this moment?" The staff asked. "No, thanks." Megan refused. She glanced at Joseph, "Have you truly decided?" Resigning as CEO was huge. "Megan, I stand by my decisions, unaffected by any unforeseen circumstances." The staff sensed Joseph's strong affection for Megan. Yet, their interactions were somehow as if they were strangers. Ignoring the staff's bemused expression, Megan said, "Please process our marriage license." Soon after, a marriage certificate adorned with the official seal was prepared. Only one thought occupied Megan's mind as she regarded it — she was one step closer to the antidote. As for Joseph, the marriage was purely transactional. Nonetheless, they played their roles, extending hands to each other with a faint smile. "To our cooperation."