CHAPTER 70: GREGORY’S CONDITIONS

Silence, a deep, strangled silence followed.

Gregory’s brows lifted as he stared at Evelyn and Melissa gasped softly, covering her mouth.

Evelyn wasn’t looking at either of them. Her eyes were fixed on the floor, her chest was heaving and her fingers were trembling.

Gregory exhaled slowly and then stepped outside the study where Mr. Albright was still standing.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Albright," Gregory shook his hand. "But it seems the matter is settled and my daughter has finally made a choice."

Mr. Albright, though not happy, quietly left along with his son without saying anything.

Gregory then looked at Evelyn and said with an unreadable expression, "We will talk tomorrow."

Then he left the room, leaving Evelyn standing in the center of the room shaken, angry and in absolute disbelief at the words she had just spoken.

.....

[Pauline’s House]

Margaret was seated on the velvet chair with her reading glasses perched low on her nose, when the helper entered.

"Madam, Mr. Gregory Carter is here to see you."

Margaret didn’t flinch. It was a visit she was expecting would happen soon.

She removed her glasses with unhurried grace and murmured, "Send him in."

The door opened and Gregory stepped inside. He looked composed, dignified but Margaret could see the worry in his eyes.

She offered a single raised brow. "Gregory, what a surprise."

Gregory’s lips tightened. He knew she knew this wasn’t a surprise at all.

"I won’t take much of your time," he began, clearing his throat. "I came because we need to discuss something important."

Margaret leaned back, folding her hands neatly. "Well then, sit. Important things should be discussed comfortably."

He sat opposite to her with his posture stiff and formal. He looked very awkward and uncomfortable.

Noticing his extreme discomfort, Margaret said, "Will you relax, Gregory? You look as if I am holding you against your will here."

"It’s nothing like that," Gregory answered. Then without wasting any time, he jumped straight to the point. "Evelyn has agreed—"

Margaret didn’t react or not even a blink but her eyes sharpened with satisfaction.

"To marry Alexander," Gregory finished.

Now Margaret allowed a small smile. "I see, congratulations are in order."

"Not yet." Gregory’s voice hardened slightly. "I came because this comes with conditions."

Margaret’s smile didn’t fade. "Of course it does. You wouldn’t be Gregory Carter or a businessman without them."

He inhaled slowly and then spoke very clearly.

"First, I want the company shares, those reserved for Reid daughters-in-law, to be transferred to Evelyn’s name before the marriage, not after."

Margaret didn’t look offended or surprised. In fact, she looked impressed.

"You bargain well," she murmured.

Gregory continued, keeping his voice steady. "Second, Evelyn will not live under the same roof as Benjamin, not for festivals, not for dinners or not for mandatory family gatherings.

She will go only when she wants to and if she feels comfortable."

Margaret took a sip of the tea the helper had just bought and nodded her head.

"Oh honey, even I don’t go to the main mansion for anything," she chuckled. "What makes you think we will send Evelyn there?"

She then looked around and continued, "We celebrate all important festivals here, Pauline cooks for everyone and we have a lovely time."

"And when it comes to staying under the same roof—" she added. "Alexander owns his own place. They can stay in his current apartment for now and then later move to a bigger place."

Her answer made Gregory relax a little but his guard was still up.

He cleared his throat and continued, "And I want your assurance madam Reid, personal assurance that neither Benjamin nor Olivia will interfere in Evelyn’s life or marriage."

At that, Margaret finally leaned forward, planting her cane beside her like a scepter.

"You want to keep your daughter safe," Margaret said.

Gregory’s voice lowered. "I am the one who has to give her away, Mrs. Reid and I will only do it if I know she will be protected even when I am not there."

A flicker of respect crossed Margaret’s eyes.

"And Alexander?" she asked.

"Alexander is not the problem. If it was just him, I wouldn’t worry. He is a good man, too good, in fact." He exhaled. "My fear lies elsewhere."

Gregory paused and looked at her before saying, "Your son."

Silence stretched between them. It was thick, tense but not hostile.

"What about Jack? Aren’t you worried about him?" she asked, curious.

"I am not concerned about Jack," Gregory answered. "He is young and can be corrected easily."

Margaret nodded in agreement. "Yes, he will learn. I will make sure he does."

Then she tapped her cane once, decisively. "You will have everything you asked for."

"Shares will be transferred under Evelyn Charlotte Carter immediately," Margaret said. "As per Arthur’s rule any woman who joins this family becomes a rightful shareholder and Evelyn will be no exception."

She then paused.

"And as for Benjamin and Olivia, I will handle them."

Gregory didn’t know what "handle" meant in Margaret’s world, but he had a feeling it involved metaphorical or perhaps literal bloodshed.

Margaret leaned back and her smile returned. "But let me add something Gregory, Alexander will cherish your daughter and I have no doubt about that."

"I hope so too."

"Your conditions are accepted but I have one of my own," Margaret continued.

He frowned. "What is it?"

She lifted her chin and said, "Promise me your daughter enters this marriage because she wants to not because you forced her."

The question cut deep.

Gregory held her gaze and for once his voice cracked with truth. "She chose him."

Margaret’s lips curved. "Good, that’s all I needed."

The tension in the room loosened.

Gregory stood, ready to leave.

Margaret rose too.

"When the announcement is made," she said softly, "the world will know this is a union of equals and not convenience or power. It will be two families with strong children joining hands."

Gregory nodded slowly and Margaret added, "And if Benjamin dares meddle again, I will make sure he loses everything that is important to him."

Gregory’s eyes flickered in surprise but he said nothing. He simply shook her hand and left.

Margaret stood by the window long after he was gone. Everything was falling into place exactly as she intended.

.....