CHAPTER 3A
"How are you, Thomas?" William inquired, his voice filled with a hint of formality.
Thomas settled himself in a chair, his gaze narrowed and fixed upon William.
"I know this visit isn't about my well-being. So, after all these years, why have you suddenly shown up? The last time we met was at my brother's funeral. So, tell me, what is it that you want?" Thomas asked, his eyes never wavering from William's face.
"I want to ask for Aurora's hand in marriage for my son Xavier" William said getting straight to the point.
Thomas's mouth fell open in a mixture of surprise and disdain. "Aurora? You want Aurora to marry Xavier?" he asked, his expression filled with contempt.
"Yes, Thomas," William replied firmly.
"But, William," Thomas questioned, his disbelief evident in his eyes.
"Are you seriously suggesting that you want Aurora to marry your son, Xavier?"
William met Thomas's gaze, unwavering in his resolve. He wasted no time in coming straight to the point.
"Yes, Thomas, that is precisely what I am proposing. I believe that a union between Aurora and Xavier holds immense potential and benefits for both our families."
Thomas's eyebrows furrowed, his skepticism evident. He couldn't fathom why William would consider such a match.
"But, William, have you considered the stark differences between Aurora and Xavier? He is a brilliant, strong-willed businessman, opinionated, and known for his charisma with women. On the other hand, Aurora is rather introverted, lacks a sense of fashion, and often struggles to express herself confidently."
William acknowledged Thomas's concerns with a nod but remained steadfast in his conviction. "Yes, they may possess different qualities, but it is precisely those differences that make them complementary. Xavier's free-spirited nature and magnetism can be tempered by Aurora's grounded presence and gentle spirit. She has a way of bringing out the best in people, and I believe she can do the same for Xavier."
"Well, if you're seeking my opinion," Thomas sneered,
"then my own daughter Sandra would be the perfect match for Xavier. She possesses elegance, social prominence, and a sharp intellect. If we're considering a marriage alliance, who better than my own flesh and blood?" Thomas made it clear that he had no intention of letting Aurora seize this opportunity.
William was well aware of Sandra Johnson's reputation.
She was a wolf in sheep's clothing, a snobbish and self-centered individual who showed little regard for others. The thought of an alliance with her was out of the question. He remained resolute in his desire for Aurora to be the one to marry Xavier. However, he knew he had to navigate the situation with caution, ensuring not to offend Thomas in the process.
"Indeed, Sandra is undoubtedly a remarkable young woman," William acknowledged, careful with his words.
"However, Aurora holds a special place in my heart. She is the daughter of my dear friend, Marco, whom I considered a brother. His last words to me were a plea to take care of her. In the midst of building my business empire, I regretfully overlooked that promise. Now, I believe it is time to fulfill it, and what better way to care for her than to make her my daughter-in-law?"
Thomas grumbled, clearly defensive.
"Are you implying that I have not been taking care of my own niece?"
William quickly clarified,
"Not at all, Thomas. You have undoubtedly provided for Aurora in your own way. But after meeting her, I have seen something special in her. I believe she is the one who can bring out the best in my son, Xavier. If anyone can tame his wild spirit, it is Aurora."
Thomas remained visibly unimpressed, his mind preoccupied with his own agenda. He knew that his future plans hinged on having control over Aurora's inheritance, which had been entrusted to him as her guardian until she reached the age of 21. If Aurora were to become a part of the Knight family, his influence and control over her would diminish significantly, jeopardizing his carefully laid plans since the untimely demise of her parents.
William noticed the change in Thomas's demeanor and asked with concern, "What's wrong?"
Thomas stubbornly reiterated his stance, refusing to budge. "I maintain my belief that an alliance should be forged between Xavier and Sandra," he asserted firmly, determined to keep Aurora out of the equation.
Thomas's dismissive response didn't deter William. He understood that to sway Thomas's opinion, he needed to appeal to his greedy nature. Money had always been a powerful motivator for him, so William decided to make an offer that would be hard for Thomas to refuse.
"Thomas, I understand your perspective, but let's consider the financial benefits of this alliance," William began, a glint of cunning in his eyes. "If Aurora becomes part of our family, she will bring with her a substantial inheritance. As her guardian, you will still have a significant role in managing her assets. However, by joining forces, our families can unlock even greater wealth and influence."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in.
"Think about it, Thomas. Together, we can create a powerful network of resources and opportunities that will benefit both our families for generations to come. The potential for financial prosperity is immense."
William leaned in closer, his tone filled with conviction.
"By aligning our interests and joining our family fortunes, we can build a legacy that will surpass anything we could achieve separately. It's an opportunity for us to secure a prosperous future for our children and solidify our positions in society."
He knew that hitting Thomas's weak spot with the promise of wealth and influence would be difficult to resist. William waited, hoping that his proposition had struck a chord with Thomas's inner greed.
Thomas's eyebrows raised in intrigue, his greed momentarily piqued. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, a smug smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Oh? And what exactly does this enticing deal entail?"
William leaned forward, his voice low yet persuasive.
"If you agree to this alliance between Xavier and Aurora, I will not only ensure your neices's well-being and social standing but also provide you with the necessary resources and connections to further your business aspirations. Our families will enter into a partnership that benefits us both, not only financially but also in terms of social influence and growth."
Thomas had little concern for Aurora's well-being, but the potential benefits that could come from the arrangement were undeniably appealing to his greedy nature.
Thomas's eyes narrowed as he considered William's proposition. He knew that aligning their families could open doors to new opportunities and elevate their status in society. It was an offer that appealed to his ambitious nature, and yet, a flicker of doubt crept into his mind.
"What guarantees can you provide, William?" Thomas questioned, his tone laced with skepticism. "How can I trust that you will follow through on your promises?"
William's gaze remained steady, his voice filled with conviction. "Thomas, I give you my word that I will honor our agreement and ensure your neices's happiness and success. Moreover, I will provide you with written assurances and legal protections to safeguard your interests. This alliance is not just a fleeting arrangement; it is a partnership built on trust and mutual benefit."
Thomas pondered the offer, his mind wrestling with the potential gains and the risks involved. His greed warred with his instinct to protect his family's reputation and future.
The allure of the deal proved irresistible, as Thomas couldn't ignore the potential wealth and influence that connections with the Knights would bring. Moreover, he knew there were alternative methods to secure Aurora's inheritance, with her residing in the Knight household providing the perfect cover for his sinister intentions. A wicked smile materialized on his face as he meticulously weighed the advantages and disadvantages of his sinister plan.
"Very well, William. I agree to your proposal for the marriage between Aurora and Xavier," Thomas declared, his voice tinged with a hint of greed. "However, to ensure complete clarity and security, I would feel more at ease if we could formalize everything in writing. You understand, it's always wise to be cautious."
Suppressing a hint of amusement, William maintained a composed demeanor, recognizing that Thomas had fallen right into his trap.
"Indeed, Thomas, every prudent agreement deserves a well-crafted contract," William replied smoothly. "I anticipated your desire for assurance, which is why I have already prepared the necessary documents outlining the terms of our alliance. We can review and finalize them together to ensure that our interests are protected."
In the kitchen, Aurora poured steaming tea into the delicate cups, her hands trembling with nervousness.
She knew better than to upset her uncle, especially when he was in the presence of an important guest like uncle William. Carefully balancing the tray of tea cups, she made her way back to the living room.
With Thomas engrossed in his scrutiny of the paperwork, Aurora entered the room, her demeanor timid as she carefully held the tray in her hands. But, in a moment of unfortunate clumsiness, her foot caught on the edge of the rug, causing her to stumble. The contents of the tray, including the hot tea, splashed onto the table, leaving a small spatter on the paperwork.
Thomas's face twisted in anger as he stood up abruptly.
"Look at what you've done, you clumsy girl!" he bellowed, his eyes blazing with fury.
Aurora flinched at his outburst, her hands shaking as she tried to clean up the mess. William was appalled by Thomas's behavior and the way he spoke to his own niece.
"Thomas, calm down. It's just a small spill," William said firmly, trying to diffuse the situation.
"How can I remain calm?" he seethed, his voice filled with frustration. "She just ruined the paperwork!"
"Take a deep breath," William said, rising from his seat. "I understand your frustration, but there's no need to panic. We can have a new contract drawn up to replace the damaged one." He spoke in a soothing tone, hoping to alleviate the tension in the room.
But Thomas was not easily placated.
"I can't believe this! This girl is so clumsy! I don't know how she will ever manage to keep her husband's house in order," he sneered.
Aurora's head bowed in shame as she silently continued to clean the mess, her heart heavy with humiliation. William felt a surge of anger and pity for the young girl. He could not stand to see her being treated like this.
As Thomas continued to berate Aurora, William's mind raced with plans to get her out of this situation. He knew he had to protect her and give her a better life, away from this cruel man.
But for now, he had to focus on calming Thomas down.
"It's not her fault, Thomas. Accidents happen. Let's move on from this," William said, his tone firm.
Thomas grudgingly sat back down, but William could see the greed in his eyes. He knew that Thomas was only interested in the marriage for the financial gain it would bring him. William made a mental note to keep a close eye on the wedding arrangements and ensure that Aurora was not taken advantage of.
As Aurora quietly left the room, William's heart went out to her. He knew that she deserved so much better than this life of servitude and abuse. He vowed to do everything in his power to help her.
Tomorrow morning would be the crucial moment when he needed to convince Xavier.