Chapter 17
Leo sneered coldly upon hearing this. In terms of being cunning, even a single finger of his couldn’t compare to old Samuel, whose calculations were practically hitting him in the face.
However, Parker spoke bluntly, “You greedy old man! You’ve got quite the nerve. Do you even understand the status of the Browning Group compared to your Smith Group? Agreeing to marry Janet is already a great favor to you and now you want 5% of my shares?”
Parker chuckled scornfully, “I think this marriage isn’t even worth it. But you better think it through. Janet is an unmarried,
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pregnant disgrace. Do you really think anyone else would want her besides me?”
The Smith couple faces instantly turned grim, as if they had a mouthful of blood stuck in their throats that they couldn’t spit out, feeling unbearably stifled.
Hearing her beloved humiliate her so publicly, Janet’s eyes brimmed with tears, “Parker, how could you say that about me?” Parker raised an eyebrow with a sneer, “If you’re bold enough to do it, don’t shy away from being called out. Now, let me ask you one thing. Are you going to marry me or not?”
His chilling and indifferent tone deeply wounded Janet’s heart. She truly believed he wouldn’t marry her. This man was an expert at manipulating others.
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The Smith couple tried to speak further, but Janet gritted her teeth and interrupted, “I’ll marry you! But I have one condition!”
Parker impatiently asked, “What is it?”
“We must register our marriage before holding the wedding and having the baby!” Janet’s fingers dug deep into her palms, the sticky blood mixing with her sweat, causing unbearable pain.
She knew that only by registering their marriage could her child be born legitimately. Otherwise, everything could change.
Parker hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded, “Fine.” Marriage could always end in divorce later. Once the child was born, it
could still disappear. A trace of ruthlessness flashed in Parker’s eyes.
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But Janet noticed nothing. She was instantly overjoyed, a blush of shyness appearing on her face as she assumed Parker still had feelings for her.
She believed that as long as she nurtured their relationship in the future, Parker would eventually mend his ways.
Thus, the Browning and Smith families finalized their marriage arrangement and publicly announced that Parker and Janet would hold their wedding in three months.
Janet, pleased with her success, moved into the Browning residence. Yet little did she know that this would mark the beginning of her misfortune.
The news of Parker and Janet’s marriage spread far and wide, flooding the internet.
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Even the busy Michelle heard about it from her colleagues.
To be precise, she was now called Michelle Diesel. Shortly after returning to the Diesel Family, Anya had changed her surname and added her name to the family card registry.
Michelle had merely glanced at it but noticed not only her name but also Kenneth’s name listed there. Her heart trembled and her
eyes
betrayed a trace of surprise. But deep down, she only felt more bitter.
Kenneth had been adopted by Anya and despite keeping his original surname all these years, he was still recognized as part of the Diesel Family. Meanwhile, she, another adopted child, had been relegated to being Janet’s stand–in and had to struggle for even a
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modicum of affection from her adoptive parents back then. Truly, comparing oneself to others was a recipe for despair.
Lost in thought, Michelle was startled when Kenneth tapped on her desk, looking concerned, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just thought of something sad,” Michelle said, snapping out of her thoughts and instinctively gathering her belongings to join Kenneth for dinner.
But suddenly, Kenneth asked her, “Is it because of the news about Parker and Janet’s wedding?”
Michelle was caught off guard, confused as she asked, “What?”
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