Chapter 179: Not every marriage is built on love.

Words : 1043 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 179: Not every marriage is built on love. Gabriel refused to accept his mistakes, clinging tightly to his pride. "Why wouldn’t we believe her?" he shot back. "She was always around Denis, showing up at the office like she belonged there. And he spent millions on her. What were we supposed to think? That they didn’t care for each other? Anyone would’ve assumed the same." He jabbed a finger toward the corridor where Augustine had just vanished. "And look at that Augustine. He managed to uncover everything. Her history, her relationship overseas, even her medical reports. If he could find it, so could Denis. But he was too blind, too stupid, to see the truth right in front of him. And that’s why we are humiliated now." The air grew thick with tension. Neither was willing to yield, accusations flying on both sides. "Don’t dare blame my son," Jeanne burst out, trembling from the fury she struggled to contain. "If you are looking for someone to blame, then blame Augustine and Anne. They knew Tania was manipulating Denis and feeding us lies. But they kept it to themselves. They stayed silent deliberately. And they have exposed everything tonight, in front of everyone. This was calculated. They planned this, step by step, just to disgrace us." Gabriel exhaled slowly, a shadow of cold determination crossing his face. "I’ll handle them later," he grunted. "Right now, we need to focus on how to get my father’s shares. If Augustine and Anne end up having a child, the old man won’t hesitate to hand everything over to them. I cannot let that happen." Jeanne stared at him, aghast. "You are still thinking about those damn shares?" she hissed. "After everything that just happened—after what Denis has gone through, you are still obsessed with inheritance?" Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. "I am the rightful heir. I won’t let anyone take what belongs to me," he snapped. "Now, enough of this. Go and talk some sense into Denis. He needs to move on and find a proper partner. Tania is gone. No need to dwell on what she did. It’s time we reach out to the Granets. I’ll speak to Oliver about arranging a marriage between Denis and Megan." Jeanne recoiled, stunned by his heartless pragmatism. "Are you even listening to yourself? Denis is heartbroken. You think you can just shove him into another relationship like nothing happened? He is in pain, Gabriel. He needs time. He needs us. For once in your life, stop pushing your agenda and be a father." Jeanne’s heart was heavy, eyes burning with the awful realization that her husband cared more for power than for the son. But Gabriel had already turned away, unmoved and calculating. "I don’t have time for this sentimental nonsense," Gabriel snapped dismissively. "He is my son, and he shouldn’t be wallowing in heartbreak over a woman. He needs to think with his head, not his emotions. Not every marriage is built on love. Plenty are based on strategy, for the benefit of the family, for the business. Once they start living together, affection will follow. And even if it doesn’t, they’ll still have stability. That’s more important." His expression was unwavering as he spoke with certainty like an unchallengeable truth. "Love is a luxury. Power and wealth are what truly matter. He can live without love, but take away his status, his comfort, and he’ll crumble. As long as he is rich and influential, women will line up for him." Then he jabbed a finger toward her, eyes hard. "Take a look at yourself. Our marriage wasn’t some love story. It was a transaction. Your family was drowning in debt, desperately needing money. I needed a wife. We both got what we wanted. You’ve lived in comfort ever since, haven’t you? I’ve given you everything, fulfilled all your desires. So tell me—are you really suffering?" Jeanne froze, his words hitting her like cold water. Her lips parted, but no sound came out. Yes, he had given her all the material comforts she could ever ask for. But there were nights she sat alone, craving the warmth of a loving embrace, longing for a gentle word, a tender glance. She wanted more than possessions—she wanted to feel cherished. But Gabriel never saw that. All he offered was power and protection, never affection. A hollow ache settled in her chest as she stared at him. He truly believed money could fill every void. And at that moment, she realized he would never understand the kind of love she wanted, the kind of love Denis craved, because he had never experienced it himself. "Jeanne," Gabriel’s voice softened as he stepped closer and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Right now, I need you more than ever. If we are going to win this battle, Denis must marry into power. Megan is the ideal match—she has the status, the wealth, and the family name we need. I’ve already made my intentions clear to you before, but I held back when you told me about Tania’s pregnancy." He lowered his head with reluctant regret. "I admit, I should’ve looked deeper into Tania’s claims. That was my oversight. But now is not the time for guilt or regret. We can’t change what has been done—we can only move forward. And for that, I need your support." Jeanne let out a long, weary sigh. There was no use fighting him. She knew her husband too well. Once his mind was set, nothing could derail his course. His ambition always came first. Still, the heaviness in her chest wouldn’t lift. "I’ll talk to Denis," she said quietly, resignation in her tone. "But I won’t push him. He is already in pain. I won’t be the one to force him into something he is not ready for." But Gabriel’s expression didn’t flinch. His resolve was as rigid as stone. "He doesn’t have a choice," he said with cold finality. "He will marry Megan whether he likes it or not. It’s the only way forward." Jeanne stood still, a sinking feeling pooling in her stomach. She had agreed to speak with her son, but deep down, she feared this would only drive him further away from them.

Chapter 179: Not every marriage is built on love.

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