“Certainly.” Cordell comprehended immediately and guided Megan toward the exit.
Once they left, Ferris redirected his attention to Eric.
“Don’t be so cruel to Megan. She harbors genuine affection for you.”
“Genuine affection?” Eric shot a withering glance at Ferris, his striking features completely indifferent and brutally unguarded.
“She’s a liar!”
“You…” Ferris found himself momentarily at a loss for words, steadying his breathing before continuing, “I was the one who asked Megan to participate in this charade! She merely agreed to help. Are you going to fixate on such insignificant details? Listen. Megan genuinely cares for you and doesn’t to your divorced status or the fact that you have a daughter. Her brother wields considerable political influence. Given her prestigious background, she would prove invaluable to your future endeavors! She represents the perfect strategic match for you!”
“No matter how eloquently you argue, it will never work!” Eric had reached his breaking point, his brow furrowing with intense frustration.
“I have no feelings for her whatsoever!”
That was the unvarnished truth.
Even when he believed she was his girlfriend, he had felt absolutely nothing for her—much less now that he knew the deception.
“Feelings?” Ferris appeared genuinely stunned for a moment before erupting into harsh laughter.
“Ha, ha… exactly how old are you? Why are you behaving like such a naive child?”
He leaned forward with earnest conviction.
“Marrying Megan represents forming a strategic alliance. Do you truly not comprehend what such an alliance entails?”
A union between equals, a formidable partnership built on mutual advantage—that was the essence of a true alliance through marriage.
Ferris shook his head with obvious disappointment.
“Do you honestly believe such an alliance exists for the sake of romantic feelings?”
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His weathered eyes sparked with calculating intensity.
“Once you marry her, the entire Aston family will throw their considerable weight behind you. I guarantee that you’ll develop genuine fondness for her in time! The more advantages you witness, the deeper your appreciation will grow! Eric, you must grasp this fundamental truth—for any man of ambition, wealth and power represent the only eternal pursuit worth having. You are my sole successful heir! I’m growing old and won’t remain in this world much longer! The entire Scott family empire will eventually fall into your capable hands! I would never do anything that could harm your prospects!”
“Ugh.” Eric’s frown deepened with every word of Ferris’s long-winded speech. Inside his pockets, his fingers curled into tight fists.
All of a sudden, he raised a hand and scratched his ear.
“You’re talking my ear off.”
“What?” Ferris blinked, caught off guard.
“I’m discussing serious matters with you. Show some respect!”
“Serious matters?” Eric let out a dry laugh, the kind that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Alright then. Let’s talk seriously. You’re talking about the marriage alliance, aren’t you?”
Ferris’s face lit up with hope.
“You’re finally agreeing?”
.
.
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