“Listen to me first,” Eric asserted, his tone flat and cold.

“If this marriage is really happening, you’d better make it clear to the Aston family. If she marries into the Scott family, she should be ready to live without a husband.” His lips curled into a mocking smile.

“Yes, you heard me.”

Ferris froze, his face as white as a ghost.

“You—”

“I’m not done.” Eric’s tone sharpened, and his next words cut deeper.

“While you’re at it, prepare the Aston family for one more thing. I might… no, actually, I will definitely have women outside this marriage.”

He spread his hands in mock frustration, brows raised as if pleading innocence.

“I mean, I have needs and I’ve got to take care of them. Don’t I?”

Ferris was so furious he couldn’t speak.

Eric let out an exaggerated sigh and played the part of an insufferable rich kid to perfection.

“If the Aston family can accept all that, then maybe, just maybe, this marriage alliance might scrape by.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked upstairs.

“You brat!” Ferris snapped back to his senses, eyes fixed on his son’s retreating figure.

“You little devil! You’re doing this on purpose! You’re killing me!” How did he end up with such a troublesome son?

Early the next morning, Eric stepped into the dining room. Breakfast was already set out. It was an assortment of dishes, not overwhelming, but enough to cover half the table.

“Enjoy your meal, Mr. Scott,” said the servant politely.

Eric nodded, pulled out a chair, and sat down. He took a slow sip of coffee, then asked, “Has Xander arrived?”

“Yes,” the servant replied, a flicker of surprise in his expression.

gα?ησν?s?com takes you on a journey

Apart from the Scott family’s bodyguards, Eric was usually accompanied by three men. Phillips was one. The other two were brothers: Xander and Theodore. These three had been with Eric since he was with the Flynn family. Over the years, they had become more than just subordinates. In the guest quarters, rooms were always kept ready for them. Whether they spent the night or not, they made it a point to arrive before Eric woke up.

“They’re waiting in the reception room. Breakfast has already been brought to them,” the servant informed him. Still, there was something odd about it. Why had Eric asked only about Xander and not Phillips or Theodore?

Eric nodded in acknowledgement.

“Go call Xander and Phillips for me.”

“Alright, Mr. Scott.” The servant bowed slightly and left to carry out the request.

Not long after, Xander and Phillips stepped into the dining room.

“Mr. Scott.”

“Mr. Scott.”

“You…” Eric glanced up, a piece of pancake on his fork. He pointed it at Xander.

“You. Starting today, you’ll be taking over Phillips’s job. Coordinate with him for the handover.”

“What?” Xander froze, his eyes darting to Phillips in disbelief.

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