Chapter 179: Not every marriage is built on love.
Gabriel refused to accept his mistakes, clinging tightly to his pride. "Why wouldn’t we believe her?" he shot back. "She was always around Denis, showing up at the office like she belonged there. And he spent millions on her. What were we supposed to think? That they didn’t care for each other? Anyone would’ve assumed the same."
He jabbed a finger toward the corridor where Augustine had just vanished. "And look at that Augustine. He managed to uncover everything. Her history, her relationship overseas, even her medical reports. If he could find it, so could Denis. But he was too blind, too stupid, to see the truth right in front of him. And that’s why we are humiliated now."
The air grew thick with tension. Neither was willing to yield, accusations flying on both sides.
"Don’t dare blame my son," Jeanne burst out, trembling from the fury she struggled to contain. "If you are looking for someone to blame, then blame Augustine and Anne. They knew Tania was manipulating Denis and feeding us lies. But they kept it to themselves. They stayed silent deliberately. And they have exposed everything tonight, in front of everyone. This was calculated. They planned this, step by step, just to disgrace us."
Gabriel exhaled slowly, a shadow of cold determination crossing his face. "I’ll handle them later," he grunted. "Right now, we need to focus on how to get my father’s shares. If Augustine and Anne end up having a child, the old man won’t hesitate to hand everything over to them. I cannot let that happen."
Jeanne stared at him, aghast. "You are still thinking about those damn shares?" she hissed. "After everything that just happened—after what Denis has gone through, you are still obsessed with inheritance?"
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. "I am the rightful heir. I won’t let anyone take what belongs to me," he snapped. "Now, enough of this. Go and talk some sense into Denis. He needs to move on and find a proper partner. Tania is gone. No need to dwell on what she did. It’s time we reach out to the Granets. I’ll speak to Oliver about arranging a marriage between Denis and Megan."
Jeanne recoiled, stunned by his heartless pragmatism. "Are you even listening to yourself? Denis is heartbroken. You think you can just shove him into another relationship like nothing happened? He is in pain, Gabriel. He needs time. He needs us. For once in your life, stop pushing your agenda and be a father."
Jeanne’s heart was heavy, eyes burning with the awful realization that her husband cared more for power than for the son.
But Gabriel had already turned away, unmoved and calculating.
"I don’t have time for this sentimental nonsense," Gabriel snapped dismissively. "He is my son, and he shouldn’t be wallowing in heartbreak over a woman. He needs to think with his head, not his emotions. Not every marriage is built on love. Plenty are based on strategy, for the benefit of the family, for the business. Once they start living together, affection will follow. And even if it doesn’t, they’ll still have stability. That’s more important."