Chapter 75 Beating Around the Bush

Luke's frown was imperceptible. "And your point is?" Nora feigned difficulty in her words. "It's just that my daughter has been pining for you for years without any fruition. Surely your family owes us some form of recompense." Bill, hearing her bluntness, struggled to maintain his composure. "What nonsense are you spouting? Hold your tongue this instant!" Although he shared her sentiment, Bill did not want Luke to see him as a man driven solely by self-interest. Having lived for over forty years, Bill understood the difference between a meal that delights the taste buds and one that just satisfies hunger. He offered a polite smile. "My wife can be a bit thoughtless; please don't take it to heart. Now that you are engaged, when do you plan to have the wedding?" Luke, observing his demeanor, was unsure of his intentions. He retorted with a slight frown, "Why do you ask?" Bill offered what he thought was a reasonable explanation. "As Charlotte's family, we think it necessary to attend your wedding." Charlotte spoke up firmly, saying, "That won't be necessary." She did not want her stepmother and stepsister, who brought her unhappiness, at her wedding. She was well aware of Nora's opportunistic nature. Charlotte knew Nora's visit today was merely a scheme to publicize her past, hoping to coerce her into leaving Luke under social pressure, thereby paving the way for Floriana to marry Luke. Nora's calculations were too transparent to Charlotte. Despite their repeated attempts, she couldn't fathom why they refused to give up. Bill said, "How can you say it's unnecessary? I am your father, after all. Since when does a daughter marry without her parents present?" Nora added, "Yes, it's only proper that we attend your wedding." Charlotte didn't want to discuss these matters at such a time; she knew they must have seized this opportunity to approach her, knowing she was usually unreachable. Nora was upset by her inability to marry her daughter to Luke. Although she was aware of Bill's intentions, she couldn't help feeling sorrow for her daughter. Charlotte's response was firm and final. "I said it's not necessary. Please refrain from bothering me again." Bill, as if he hadn't heard her, turned to Luke. "What do you think?" "Let's go with what Charlotte says." Bill's eyes widened as he noticed how strongly Charlotte influenced Luke. He felt reassured, thinking that Luke would definitely treat them well in the future. With this thought in mind, Bill felt more at ease. He reasoned that Charlotte wouldn't truly cut ties with him. He understood his daughter well; a heartfelt apology later would likely mend things. Floriana felt aggrieved seeing her father not advocating for her, cautious of revealing her true self in Luke's presence. Nora, still unwilling to give up, thought that even if Floriana couldn't marry Luke, attending the wedding would provide an opportunity to mingle with the elite. She was determined not to miss this chance. So she persisted, saying, "Don't make such a hasty decision. Think it over. Without us there, you'll surely be the subject of ridicule later." Luke was growing impatient. His impression of Nora and her family had severely deteriorated to an irreparable state, especially after the incident where Nora leaked information about their visit to the County Clerk's office. Luke's tone was casual, almost conversational, and not at all interrogatory as he said, "You were behind the leak last time, weren't you?" Nora was caught off guard by his question, puzzled about his implication. "What are you talking about?" "I know what you did, and I've already investigated it all; slander is a crime that can lead to imprisonment. My lawyers are prepared, and I was planning to see you in court tomorrow, but since we've met today, I might as well inform you now." Charlotte looked at Luke in surprise. She never imagined that the news headlines that day were the work of her stepmother. Had Luke not revealed it, she would have believed it was just the journalists seeking sensationalism. Charlotte was infuriated. "Why would you do such a thing?" Nora feigned ignorance, unwilling to admit to her actions. "What are you talking about? I don't understand any of this." But she was visibly nervous, frequently glancing back at Bill, hoping he would intercede. However, Bill seemed oblivious to her pleading looks, completely ignoring her. Luke pressed on, "I've thoroughly investigated the incidents at the County Clerk's office and the gym the next day. Are you still refusing to admit your involvement?" Bill looked at Nora in astonishment, thinking, 'Nora is such a fool! Didn't she consider the consequences this would have on the company?' Bill had already planned how to placate Charlotte, but he didn't expect to hear such revelations from Luke so soon. He knew Charlotte's temperament well – she was impervious to both coaxing and force, trusting only those who showed her genuine kindness. Nora's actions had surely made it difficult for Charlotte to forgive him. Bill exclaimed loudly, "How could you do this, Nora? Charlotte is my daughter; did you even consider how I would feel?" Nora had thought Bill would be on her side, as not long ago, they had discussed ways to separate Charlotte and Luke. She couldn't believe how quickly Bill's attitude had changed. She knew that without stirring up public opinion against Charlotte, Luke and Charlotte wouldn't part, leaving no chance for Floriana. "Why are you speaking like this too?" she retorted. Floriana remembered her disheartened appearance at the County Clerk's office. She had thought the situation embarrassing enough, only to learn now that her mother was the instigator. "Mom, did you really do this?" As Nora began to defend herself, Luke interjected, "Your excuses are futile. I have all the evidence." Hearing this, Floriana panicked. Without her mother, she often felt helpless in times of trouble. Although her father was affectionate, it had always been her mother who resolved her problems; her father had never really intervened.