Chapter 120

"Please come forward, Mr. Devon," Margot called to the right side of the living room.

A young man, smiling, approached. He possessed an air of nobility and was impeccably dressed in designer clothing, though his looks were only average.

"This is Devon Aquila, the second son of Somerton's Aquila family," Margot announced, introducing him to Simone and her family.

"I'm Devon Aquila. Hello, Simone, Mr. David, and Ms. Monique," Devon greeted them politely, his demeanor formal and appropriate. He glanced at Simone, his eyes gleaming.

While Simone wasn't of high social standing, she possessed an ethereal grace and beauty that surpassed most wealthy heiresses. She was strikingly pretty, captivating many, though not drop-dead gorgeous. Devon rarely encountered such beauty. Her attractive demeanor and appearance were perfectly blended, sparking a strong desire within him. 'I have to have her!' he thought, his mind made up from the moment he saw her.

Simone and her family were shocked. The Aquila family of Somerton was one of the region's most powerful, surpassing even the Excelsior Group. Their influence extended throughout Honora and Somerton, making them a formidable force.

"Mr. Devon, if you don't mind my asking aren't you already married?" David asked, frowning.

"Yes. So? Mr. Devon's first wife died last year in an accident. Can't he take another wife?" Derek interjected sharply. "Mr. Devon is perfectly worthy of Simone, considering his family background and status. Don't make a mistake, David. Your daughter will be marrying someone of a higher social standing. It doesn't matter that Mr. Devon was previously married!"

David was furious. The Langley family was expected to marry Simone to a previously married man—a man, moreover, whose wife's death was shrouded in suspicion, with Devon himself a suspect. While social standing was secondary, their primary concern was Simone's happiness and well-being.

"I don't agree to this!" David exclaimed.

"Grandma, I don't want to marry him, regardless of his social standing. Please don't force me," Simone pleaded.

Margot slammed her cane on the floor, the sound echoing through the room. "You dare defy me?!" she shouted.

Chapter 120 +25 BONUS

"I didn't call you here to negotiate! I'm not asking; I'm telling you! As long as you're part of the Langley family, you will obey me!" she declared.

"Everyone, please! Let's not do this," Devon intervened, stepping forward. "Mr. David, I promise to treat Simone well and support your family. To be honest, the Excelsior Group's willingness to work with you was due to my—"

"What? That was you?" David froze, hesitant. He valued repaying kindness but couldn't sacrifice his daughter's happiness to do so.

Simone doubted Devon's claim. Did he really request the Excelsior Group's cooperation? She saw Dustin's mocking smirk.

"David, do you want to be known as an ingrate?!" Margot snapped.

David looked troubled.

"Does anyone object to Simone marrying Devon? Does anyone dare defy me?" Margot stood, glaring at everyone.