Chapter 244: A date?

Words : 1108 Updated : Oct 1st, 2025

Chapter 244: A date? Denis froze. Megan’s presence reminded him of the explosive argument with his father earlier that evening. Gabriel had invited him to dinner, but Denis had no idea it was a setup to shove him into another arranged relationship. Flashback... "A date? Are you serious?" Denis snapped, rage flaring in his chest. He slammed his napkin on the table. "I just got out of a disastrous relationship with Tania. I’m still trying to breathe again, and now you are trying to throw me into another relationship. I’m not ready." Gabriel’s expression darkened. "Why do you always fight me?" he barked. Jeanne’s concern deepened as the tension in the room thickened, sensing the argument could escalate further. She reached out and placed a hand on Gabriel’s arm gently in an attempt to soothe him, but he brusquely pushed her hand aside. The sheer anger in his eyes left her speechless. "I gave you more than enough time to heal," he thundered. "It’s time to move on. Forget about what Tania did. Focus on yourself and your future. Megan is the right choice for you." He straightened, pride stiffening his spine. "I’ve already spoken to Oliver. He is excited. This union will finally strengthen the alliance between the Granets and the Beaumonts. I’ve waited for this moment, and it’s finally falling into place. You will marry her." Denis wasn’t budging. "I told you before, and I’ll say it again—I’m not marrying someone I don’t know or love. If you try to force this, I swear I’ll walk away, and you’ll never hear from me again." Gabriel’s face twisted with fury. "You ungrateful brat..." he roared, grabbing the nearest thing within reach and hurling it with reckless force. Denis ducked just in time. The crystal bowl smashed against the marble floor, shattering into sharp fragments. He turned slowly, staring at the broken pieces with disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest. Jeanne sat frozen in her place, horrified, her hands flying to her mouth, eyes wide with shock as the situation spiraled out of control. Gabriel jabbed a trembling finger at Denis, his face red with fury. "You...Everything I’ve done, every move I’ve made, has been for you, to secure your future, to ensure you inherit everything. But you are too blind to see it." His chest rose and fell heavily, caught between rage and desperation. "By tying us to the Granets, I’m building a wall around your legacy. And what are you doing? Wasting time. You are still unmarried, while Augustine is already settled. That old man is waiting for a child. If Anne gives birth to a baby, he’ll hand over his shares. If that happens, Augustine could walk in, claim a position in the company, and even demand a share in the property. And that old man will give it away to him without a second thought." What they didn’t know was that Anne was pregnant already The urgency in his tone was sharp as ever. "You need to act fast. You need a wife and a child. You don’t have a choice." Gabriel’s words cut deep. As much as Denis despised the idea of marrying someone he barely knew, the mention of Augustine potentially taking control stirred something darker in him. The idea of Augustine stepping in to claim his share of the business and family wealth was unbearable to him. He couldn’t allow that to happen. And if marrying Megan was the price he had to pay to prevent it, then so be it. "Fine," Denis muttered through clenched teeth. "I’ll meet her." End of flashback... Denis glanced down at Megan’s outstretched hand. He had agreed to this date, thinking it was a strategic move, a step closer to securing his place in the family’s empire. But the moment he saw Anne, everything he had built his resolve around came crashing down. His chest tightened with a familiar ache. He realized he would never forget Anne, no matter who he was with. He hadn’t moved on from her. Seeing her again ignited something raw and restless inside him. In that instant, he forgot about the fortune, the inheritance, the pressure from Gabriel, and even his rivalry with Augustine. All he could think about was her. No amount of wealth or power would ever fill the void she left. Without Anne, it all felt hollow, pointless. Denis turned away without taking her hand. "Let’s go inside," he said coldly, walking back into the private booth. Megan’s smile wavered as she slowly lowered her hand, fingers curling into a fist. She felt offended. The sting of being brushed off burned in her chest, but she masked her reaction and followed him in. Denis sank into the sofa, one leg casually crossed over the other, his sharp eyes locked onto Megan. "Have a seat," he said, motioning to the spot beside him. As she settled next to him, he let his gaze roam over her, scanning and studying her. It would have been a lie to say her appearance didn’t affect him. Megan was undeniably gorgeous, with sharp, symmetrical features, a body that demanded attention, and a confidence that made her beauty even more striking. The dress she wore hugged every curve, deliberately chosen to entice. She knew how to use her looks, how to make men stare, and Denis wasn’t immune. But what he felt wasn’t love. It was purely physical, a reaction to her allure. Megan leaned in, her body angled toward him, her leg brushing against his. Every move she made was deliberate. She wanted him to know she was available and interested. "Our families are already discussing our marriage," she said in a sultry tone. "What’s your take on that?" Denis didn’t respond immediately. His eyes drifted downward, catching the way her dress had ridden up slightly, revealing smooth, pale thighs. The way she sat, angled just so, invited attention. It reminded him too much of Tania, a seductress, who would hide her real intentions behind a pretty face. Women like Megan used what they had to get what they wanted, and right now, she wanted him. Or rather, the status that came with being with him. Denis leaned forward and poured a drink. He handed her a glass. "Thanks," Megan said with a soft smile, taking a slow sip. He poured a second for himself and leaned back, eyes fixed on the swirl of amber liquid. "My family wants me to settle down," he said flatly with no emotion. "And maybe they are right. I’ll be thirty next year. It’s time I got married and started thinking about children."

Chapter 244: A date?

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