"Darrick, I spent three hundred million to bail out the Calderon Family. Now you want to leave? Are you trying to insult me in front of everyone?"
I smiled faintly and turned to sit down. "You can leave if you wish, but consider the consequences."
"How the Calderon Family will conduct its business going forward... It's truly a headache to contemplate."
I pretended to be troubled, rubbing my temples, though my words carried no hint of difficulty.
The guests present felt even more sympathy for me upon hearing this.
"Miss Graham hasn't made any unreasonable demands. The wedding won't take much longer. Mr. Calderon, please don't rush off."
"Exactly! I'd kill for a chance to work with the Graham Family.”
“Taking their money and then turning your back? That's like freeloading! Who'd dare partner with the Calderon Family after this?"
"I'm putting it out there, anyone who crosses Miss Graham crosses me. I won't take any more contracts from the Calderon Family!"
With that, he began contacting his assistant to cancel the partnership, making the Calderon Family elders instantly grow frantic.
"Stop everyone, don't act impulsively! Darrick meant well. After all, we can't just ignore human life, can we?"
Darrick’s father stepped forward and slapped Darrick across the face. "You ungrateful son! If you dare leave today, don't ever think you'll set foot in the Calderon Family anymore."
Darrick’s mother’s eyes reddened with disappointment as she said, "What good is Myra? If not for her, would our Calderon Family have ended up like this?”
“Last month, you begged everyone for partnerships—did anyone pay you any attention? It was Miss Graham who saved us!"
"How could I have given birth to a son who can't tell right from wrong? This must be because I don’t teach you right!"
The pain etched on their faces pierced Darrick's heart.
His back straightened, his voice growing resolute. "Did I ever say I wouldn't marry her? What difference does it make if it's sooner or later?"
"I'm your son, but you sided with Marylin to against me just because she gave you three hundred million. Now you're all Graham Family lackeys!"
Darrick was panting, his eyes fixed on me as he added, "Marylin, I'm grateful you saved the Calderon Family with your money, but don't expect me to obey you for the rest of my life just because I married you.”
“I won't be anyone's dog—I am Darrick Calderon and that's all!"
"What’s more, Myra and I are completely innocent. If you keep slandering her, don't blame me for turning against you!"
I slammed my hand on the table, stood up and challenged him furiously, "Do you think I paid to buy your obedience?"
He sneered coldly, "Wasn't it?"
"You handed me a three hundred million check along with a room key. What was your goal? Anyone could see it clearly!"
"That night you deliberately got me drunk, preventing me from taking any precautions. After you got pregnant, you naturally forced me into marriage. Every step went exactly as you planned.”
“Now I'm merely asking to postpone the wedding to see Myra—can't you even grant this small request?
"The Graham Family's granddaughter is afraid that an ordinary woman might steal your husband? That's laughable to anyone who hears it!”
Seeing his earnest expression, I burst out laughing in anger. "Fine! Since Mr. Calderon desires me so much, it would be utterly shameless of me to stand in your way any longer."
"Go ahead. You don't need to concern yourself with the wedding arrangements either."
Upon hearing the answer he wanted, Darrick suddenly grew cold and wary. "What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. I'm letting you go. Why aren't you leaving?"
I raised my hand, watching the hands of my wristwatch tick slowly and added, "I wonder if you can still see Miss Shields one last time if you go now?"
"Shall I send a driver to escort you? Have the motorcade clear the way for you?"
As I spoke, another voice message popped up on Darrick's phone.
It was Myra's final message.
