The instant Lenard dropped that bombshell, Raylan’s expression darkened to match a gathering tempest. Abandoning Paige, painful as it might be, was one thing—but pursuing Elliana, that “ugly nobody”?

The very thought twisted his stomach into knots.

“Grandpa, why are you so dead-set on me marrying Elliana?” Raylan challenged, his voice laced with unmistakable contempt. “She didn’t even finish primary school! What qualifications does she possess to become the Hudson matriarch? If this stems from your ancient promise to her mother, remember she’s already bound to the Evans family. That deal’s off, so why this insistence?” Frustration saturated every syllable as Raylan spoke.

Lenard released a derisive snort. “I assumed Elliana’s revelation as the mastermind behind Rosa’s fashion empire would have illuminated your perception. Yet, here you stand, utterly oblivious! A woman capable of orchestrating a global brand hardly qualifies as insignificant!”

Raylan faltered, momentarily stunned by Lenard’s cutting retort. “Perhaps she’s not entirely inconsequential. But must the Hudson heir settle for someone so—so aesthetically challenged? You’re condemning me to wake beside her every morning. Have you considered my feelings in this arrangement?”

Witnessing Raylan’s anguish, Kristen intervened swiftly. “Raylan’s a catch. Forcing him to bind with Elliana borders on cruelty. If you value her so highly, we could show care without forcing matrimony. Why insist she become his wife?” Perceiving Lenard’s unwavering resolve, she pressed further. “Besides, Elliana now answers to ‘Mrs. Evans.’ Wouldn’t Raylan’s pursuit antagonize Cole unnecessarily?”

“I’ve deliberated on that complication,” Lenard replied with glacial composure. “Cole harbors no affection for Elliana. Word is, he’s evaded their marital obligations by abandoning their home. He’d likely remain indifferent to Raylan’s advances and might even welcome such intervention.”

Lenard lifted his gaze meaningfully toward Raylan. “I comprehend your position, Raylan. I too experienced youth’s folly, chasing pretty faces. But as the heir, the Hudson family’s interest must supersede desire. Sometimes duty eclipses personal preference. Understood? If family obligation proves too burdensome to you, relinquish the inheritance. Pursue your carefree existence and wed some vapid beauty devoid of intellect as you wish. I won’t impede you.”

Raylan lapsed into contemplative silence, absorbing Lenard’s weighted words. Though the logic proved irrefutable, the implementation remained daunting. His visceral aversion to Elliana’s appearance created an almost insurmountable barrier.

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“Grandpa, even acknowledging Elliana’s business acumen, her fashion and jewelry expertise offer minimal benefit to our interests. Why mandate this particular union?” Raylan pressed, searching desperately for escape.

Lenard, exhausted by fruitless debate, pivoted toward Quentin. “Would you wed Elliana for the family’s advancement, Quentin?”

Raylan tensed visibly, stealing a glance at his uncle. He anticipated similar resistance from Quentin—surely no man, especially one of Quentin’s caliber, would willingly bind himself to someone as unattractive as Elliana.

But Quentin shattered Raylan’s assumptions, offering a serene smile. “Dad, your experience surpasses mine immeasurably. Since you perceive exceptional qualities in Elliana, I defer to your judgment. I would marry her without hesitation.”

Raylan’s mouth fell open in naked astonishment.

Kristen, seething with indignation, emitted a bitter laugh. “Quentin, your transparent desperation to usurp Raylan’s position drives you to such obvious lies? No way you’re cool spending your nights with that ugly woman!”

Quentin’s smile remained undisturbed, his gaze profound and unwavering. “You possess no insight into my thoughts. Speculation serves no purpose.”

“You!” Kristen felt like she’d swung and missed, her anger fizzling into frustration.

After a calculated pause, Kristen forced an artificial smile and addressed Raylan, “Your grandfather has a point. The heir cannot prioritize personal desires. Since he recognizes value in Elliana, exceptional qualities must exist. Marry her.”

“Mom, you’re pushing me too?” Raylan’s voice emerged as a pained groan. “Didn’t you consistently proclaim that only a ravishing, accomplished socialite deserved my hand?”

Kristen, bereft of alternatives, drew Raylan aside, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Don’t you understand what’s at stake? Refuse Elliana, and Quentin claims the heir position. Marry her now, and you can always ditch her later when the time’s right.” Kristen’s words hit home for Raylan.

“Fine.” Raylan conceded with a curt nod.

Raylan pivoted to face Lenard. “Grandpa, I shall reclaim Elliana and make her my bride.”

“Good. I’ll be monitoring your approach closely,” Lenard declared, his tone brooking no compromise.

Meanwhile, Elliana, oblivious to the machinations unfolding within the Hudson dynasty, slumbered peacefully in her luxurious bedroom. As dawn broke, Elliana was violently thrust from her slumber by the heart-wrenching sound of uncontrollable sobbing…

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