The living room fell silent. Skadi's eyes widened, her jaw dropping. Was Hera being reckless, attempting to steal her cousin's intended husband? If this became public, how could she continue her work?

"Nonsense!" Harrison paled, stepping forward to restrain Hera. The Lewises' marriage contract clearly specified Helena. He wanted Helena to marry Nash; her union with the wealthy Watson heir would secure a 1.5 billion investment for his eldest brother's company, allowing it to go public immediately. This would also transfer all Lewis resources to his brother, leaving his own family with no recourse.

"I'm not being reckless," Hera retorted, shrugging off her father's hand. "Helena said we should marry whomever we want! The Lewises have a contract to fulfill. We can't break our promises, can we?"

Harrison raised his hand, wishing to slap some sense into his daughter. He was fighting for the family's fortune for her sake—how could she not understand?

"Harri, calm down," Hubert interjected. Having considered his daughter's escape, he seized this opportunity. A smile spread across his face. "Hera's also considering Dad's reputation. The contract was his. If my daughter marries into the Watson family, the Lewises benefit greatly. And if your daughter marries Nash, Dad maintains his honor. Win-win, wouldn't you say?"

"Berty's idea is excellent!"

"Yes, I support Berty!"

"We're all family. Let's live in peace!"

Their relatives echoed in agreement. After all, Helena's marriage to the Watsons and the resulting investment would change their lives.

Harrison's face darkened. Helena's name was on the contract; why should his daughter marry Nash?

Seeing her father's reluctance, Hera pleaded, "Dad, believe me, just this once. If I marry Nash, Grandpa will definitely support our company!" She believed Grandpa favored her cousin because of Nash. Marrying Nash would secure their family's future.

Harrison looked at his daughter's earnest gaze. "Rara, this isn't child's play. It's a lifelong decision affecting your happiness!"

A woman in a long gown, elegant and noble, intervened. Grabbing Hera's hand, she said, "I support your decision. Your judgment is better than mine!" She glared at Harrison. Once a prized member of a Jonford family, she'd been abandoned after choosing him. She saw something exceptional in Nash—even Herman acknowledged it—and fully supported her daughter.

Harrison, sensing his wife's mockery, flushed crimson, speechless.

"My mom's the best!" Hera hugged her mother.

Herman regained his composure. Looking at Hubert and his daughter, he said resentfully, "I gave you a chance, and you threw it away. You'll regret this!"

Hubert secretly sneered. His only regret would be marrying his daughter to a "mountain peasant." He declared authoritatively, "We're considering family interests. Since my niece agrees to marry Nash, let's consider it settled!"

Herman, lacking the strength to argue, looked at Nash with guilt. "Nashy… this…"

All eyes turned to Nash, especially Hubert's. "Hera manages a pharmaceutical company. Though poorly managed and loss-making, she still earns over 15,000 a month. You won't want for food and clothing." The implication was clear.

Nash was frustrated. He was to marry the eldest Miss Lewis, not his sister-in-law.

Herman, sensing Nash's hesitation, said, "Nashy, don't feel pressured. Choose. No matter who, I'll ensure you marry!"

Nash saw the disgust in Helena's eyes, a stark contrast to Hera's hopeful gaze. Hera's natural beauty, unadorned, shone through. But it was their character that differed vastly. Hera's determined gaze, even a clenched fist, seemed to threaten him.

Nash smiled, addressing Herman. "It's hard to disobey my master's command. Without this contract, I wouldn't have bothered the Lewises. My master instructed me to treat you as an elder, Mr. Lewis, so I'll choose as you wish!"

He deferred the decision to Herman. The contract was his and his master's creation; any change required his approval.

Herman observed Nash's lingering gaze on Hera, sensing a connection. Forcing Helena's marriage was unlikely. Nash's deference preserved Herman's dignity. This young man was socially astute.

After a silence, Herman said to Hera, "Hera, you and Nash should get your marriage certificate!"

Hubert's family was relieved. The weight of the engagement had been stifling; they hadn't dared publicize their daughter's connection to the Watson heir.

Hera felt stunned, a mix of emotions swirling within. She'd worried Nash would choose her cousin; now Grandpa was pairing them. She'd never been in a relationship. Was this solely for her benefit?

"Furthermore… I bought a sea-view villa in Royal Bay. This will be Hera and Nash's new home!" Herman turned to their lawyer. "Mr. Zoel, change the deed."

Mr. Zoel, half-smiling, glanced at Hubert and Helena. "Certainly, Mr. Lewis!"

"Royal Bay?"

"The old man bought a house in Royal Bay?"

"Hubert's lost big!"

Whispers rippled through the relatives. Royal Bay was a Royal Group development, prices starting at 50,000 per square meter, among the nation's most expensive. Did he use his savings for Helena?

"Dad… when… when did you buy a house in Royal Bay?" Harrison's face turned green. Royal Bay villas were coveted by the elite; even a modest one cost tens of millions. With the company's struggles, Herman's savings barely exceeded 70 million. He’d used it all!

Helena's face darkened. "Grandpa, the deed is mine, right? Mr. Zoel, no need to change it. Hand it to me!"