Chapter 43 I'll Get Engaged to You at the End of the Month

Henry's eyes were blazing. "You think getting engaged is some kind of joke?"

"No way, I'm dead serious this time." Oliver raised his right hand. "If I tell Grandpa and Grandma, they'll totally be on board."

Henry's voice was flat but icy. "You and her? Not a chance."

Oliver shrugged. "Yeah, I know she's from the sticks and doesn't have the best manners. But with a little etiquette training, Alice will be just fine for me."

Henry's tone didn't change. "You're the one who's not good enough for her. Stay away."

Oliver felt a bit stuck. He'd had the best education, looked great, and had top-notch qualifications. He couldn't believe Henry thought he wasn't good enough for Alice, a girl from the countryside.

Then it hit him—Henry had risked his life for Alice more than once. "Uncle Henry, do you have feelings for Alice?"

Henry's cold eyes locked onto Oliver, making him shut up and mime zipping his lips.

Oliver grinned, stood up, and backed toward the cabin door. "Uncle Henry, I'll handle Alice from now on. You don't need to worry. If people start talking, it could hurt the Howard Group."

Henry's stare was ice-cold. "Get out."

Oliver wasn't wrong. Dash and Paloma did like Alice, especially since she was already engaged to Oliver.

Sure, there had been some bumps, but it didn't change the engagement.

Of course, if Alice didn't want it, the marriage wouldn't happen.

So why hadn't Alice called off the engagement if she wasn't into it?

Henry suddenly smiled, getting it now.

With the engagement, she had a link to the Howard Family and to him.

Alice, that clever girl, had set this up from the start!

With the misunderstanding cleared up, Henry felt a lot better.

Meanwhile, Alice came out of the cabin, drying her hair with a towel, and Oliver walked up to her.

Alice's face went cold, and she tried to dodge him.

But he blocked her anyway.

Alice got fed up. "What do you want?"

"Alice, I've broken off my engagement with Clara. When we get back, I'll explain everything to your dad."

Alice sneered, "Whether you're engaged or not is none of my business. You don't need to tell me."

"It does matter because I'm going to get engaged to you next month, no, by the end of this month!"

Alice looked at his smile and said, "Oliver, what's wrong with you? Stay with Clara and stop bothering me."

The lust in his eyes was obvious. "Alice, when I saw you without makeup in the hospital, I couldn't help myself. I even felt happy thinking about the kick you gave me."

Alice chuckled, "You're happy? Well, I'm disgusted! Stay away from me, or I'll beat you up!"

Oliver ignored her disgust and kept going. "Today, that arrow you shot felt like it hit my heart. Alice, you're making me see you differently."

Alice didn't waste any more words and turned back into the cabin.

"Alice, you can't escape. I'll get you!" Oliver called after her with a smile.

Rupert walked over, sounding annoyed. "Oliver, go back to your own yacht."

Oliver chuckled, "No need to get all worked up and jealous. It's pointless. Alice will be engaged to me by the end of the month."

"Do you even realize what a scumbag you are? Alice doesn't like you."

"We're not so different. You've had your share of women too!" Oliver clicked his tongue. "Alice and I have an engagement."

Rupert stepped forward and grabbed Oliver's collar. "As long as Alice says no, the engagement's off!"

Oliver pulled his hand away, raising his chin. "Alice will definitely agree!"

With that, he shot Rupert a glare and walked off.

Three yachts were cruising towards the same island, Azure Isle, keeping a moderate distance from each other.

Azure Isle was a developed spot in the Cabal Sea, but aside from a castle-like hotel, the natural beauty was mostly untouched.

The sea breeze gently rustled the lush coconut groves, making them sway gracefully. The shallow waters rippled with gentle waves, giving the island a laid-back charm.

The yachts docked at Azure Isle's pier, and the hotel staff were already there, waiting.

The group disembarked, with the staff helping to carry their luggage.

Rupert and the others walked ahead, while Alice and Esme trailed behind, leaving footprints in the white sand.

"How'd it go?" Esme raised an eyebrow, curious.

"All sorted."

Esme grinned. "Then make sure to settle things with him tonight."

Alice glanced at Henry, unable to hide her smile.

Esme added, "By the way, I have a feeling Oliver's gonna stir up trouble. Be careful."

Thinking about Oliver's determined look, Alice narrowed her eyes.

Inside the hotel, Charles handed out the room keys.

Esme took a key card from Charles, handed it to Alice, and winked. "I've set it up for you. The rest is on you."

Charles raised an eyebrow and chuckled, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses.

In her room, after a hot bath, Alice dried her hair and changed into a simple white cotton dress, ready to find Henry.

As she opened the door, she saw Rupert standing there.

"Everyone's downstairs. We're planning a beach barbecue."

Alice nodded and followed Rupert to the elevator.

"Alice," Rupert said.

Alice looked at him, noticing his hesitation. "What's up?"

"If Oliver uses the engagement to pressure you and the Savoy Family doesn't agree to cancel it, what will you do?"

"I don't agree. Are they gonna kidnap me to get engaged?" Alice laughed.

Rupert chuckled. "That's good. Stick to your guns and don't let them push you around. Oliver's a scumbag and doesn't deserve you."

Alice nodded.

Rupert seemed to relax, glancing at Alice with a smile.

As the sun set, the sky turned a beautiful orange-red, and the white sandy beach was bathed in warm colors.

There were no bright neon lights or city noise, just the sound of waves and people laughing.

Alice looked at Henry, who was standing by the grill in the distance. Sensing her gaze, Henry turned and looked at her.

Their eyes met, and it felt like an unspoken emotion was brewing between them.

Alice took off her shoes and walked barefoot on the soft sand. She stood beside Henry. "Uncle Henry, the fish you're grilling smells amazing."

Henry smiled lightly. "Do you like it spicy or sweet and sour?"

Alice leaned in and smiled. "There's an old saying: when a woman is pregnant, if she likes her food sour, she will have a son; if spicy, she will have a daughter. Uncle Henry, which flavor do you prefer?"