"So what if the future owner of Green Group is him? A brutal person can easily subject me to domestic violence. I thought he just had a bad temper; I never imagined this. I won't marry him, don't even think about it. I want to be in control of my own life." Stellan Quinn made up his mind, "Do you only see power and money? If you force me again, I'll prove it by dying right in front of you!"
Autumn Fletcher glanced at her husband as Benjamin Quinn spoke, "It's not like your mom and I are unfamiliar with Jacob Green's character. I believe there must be more to him beating up Grace like that, not just because she took you to the hotel. Haven't you told us something?"
"Even before he became your son-in-law, you blindly justify him. If he becomes your son-in-law and beats me to death, would you also blame it on me?" Stellan Quinn said irritably, "He's just that kind of petty and bad-tempered person."
"Alright, let your mom communicate with him a bit more first." Benjamin Quinn could not easily let go of the chance for a marriage alliance with Jacob Green; it holds great benefits for the Quinn Family.
Autumn Fletcher then called Jacob Green, putting the phone on speaker. She laughed and asked, "I heard from Stellan that you two have had some issues recently. As an aunt, I asked her the reason but she didn't want to tell me. Could you tell me what exactly happened?"
Jacob Green took a deep breath and replied, "Grace Hughes sent me messages using her number, lured me to the hotel, and even drugged me. Luckily, she didn't have a room card to get in; otherwise, Auntie, you know what could have happened, right? She had the cheek to plot against me, so punishing her—is it really wrong? But Stellan claims I resorted to criminal coercion. Honestly, is it even reasonable for her to think I would criminally coerce her friend for no reason?"
Autumn Fletcher heard this and quickly said, "You know Stellan has been spoiled by me and your uncle since young. She's very innocent, so don't mind her too much. Her previous refusal was just out of anger, don't take it to heart. How about we have a meal together tomorrow? I have some things I want to say to you in person; can we set a time?"
"Let's meet tomorrow afternoon then."
"Sure, I'll book the restaurant and message you."
After hanging up, Autumn Fletcher took a deep breath, "Stellan, you heard it. Jacob Green indeed had other reasons like your dad said. You know this too, don't you? Why didn't you tell me and your dad?"
"Do you believe that too? It's just an excuse for him to legitimately beat Grace."
"My silly daughter." Benjamin Quinn didn't know what to say, "Do you really think no other woman besides you doesn't want to be with Jacob Green? Are you not aware of Grace's intentions towards him?"
"Dad, let me tell you, among everyone in the world who wants Jacob Green, Grace is definitely not among them."
"Are you that sure?"
"Certainly, because she likes women. She doesn't like men at all." Stellan Quinn looked seriously at her parents, "Jacob Green's lies are filled with loopholes. He probably never thought of this, which is why I don't believe anything he says. It's just a pack of lies!"
Autumn Fletcher and Benjamin Quinn exchanged looks and didn't know whom to believe.
"Whatever happens, tomorrow you are coming with your mom and me to have a meal with Jacob Green. We'll talk face to face."
"Who asked you to invite him for a meal? I don't want to see him at all! I'm not going."
Benjamin Quinn's face turned stern, "You must go."
Stellan Quinn reluctantly agreed and went back to her bedroom to freshen up. Her phone kept ringing outside.
She wasn't in a rush, thinking it must be Jacob calling.
Usually, only he would call one after another.
Her original reluctance to shower ended up changing as she took a long bath before coming out.
Wearing a bath towel, she lay on the bed lazily, picked up the phone from the bedside table, and checked it.
Eight missed calls; none were from Jacob Green's number, but all were from Grace Hughes.
She was somewhat surprised and quickly redialed.
As soon as the call connected, Grace's tearful voice came from the other end, "Why did it take you so long to answer?"
"I just finished bathing; you've been crying?"
Her mention made Grace cry even harder, "Stellan, you have no idea how much pain I'm in all over; I really feel like dying."
"Don't talk nonsense, you'll get better. I'll visit you at the hospital tomorrow."
"Even if I get better, there will be all kinds of scars left."
Stellan Quinn didn't know how to comfort her; all she could say was, "No worries. I'll buy the best scar removal products for you. Just focus on healing and don't overthink."
"Has he contacted you?"
"No, but tonight my mom called him, said we should have a meal together; I don't want to go at all, but my parents insist. When I see him tomorrow, I'll definitely stand up for you."
Grace Hughes quickly said, "No need, Stellan, please don't let my situation affect your relationship with Jacob Green. Green Group and Quinn Family have business dealings; don't let small matters cause big losses. I really don't mind, your belief in me already comforts me greatly, Stellan, having a great friend like you is truly a blessing."
"You showed me what kind of man he is, Grace. My current favorability towards Jacob Green is negative. My parents want me to marry him, but I won't listen to them, no matter how wealthy or powerful he is. I don't care."
"Don't be silly." Grace Hughes advised, "Jacob Green likes you; he will definitely be good to you."
"He let someone beat you up like this, and you still speak well of him? I really think you shouldn't."
"..."
——
After dinner, Lucy Eaton and Jacob Green synchronously went to wash up and then lay side by side in bed.
He watched award-winning foreign films while she read a mortuary service textbook.
The only sound in the room was the dialogue from the movie; they both were very quiet.
She was very focused, and after about an hour, she closed the book.
By this time, the movie had reached its ending.
Lucy Eaton's gaze shifted onto the large screen.
The female protagonist lay in a pool of blood while a group of men in black, wielding long blades, left in unison.
On the vast white earth, the crimson silhouette was exceptionally eye-catching.
Using her frail strength, she crawled forward and finally reached the shattered phone on the ground.
The phone surprisingly powered on.
She dialed the male protagonist's number, and the call connected quickly.
The protagonist's voice came from the other end, "Hello, who is this?"
Just as the female protagonist was about to speak, the co-star's voice came through, "Honey, the ceremony is starting; turn off the phone, will you?"
Soon, wedding music began to play.
"Congratulations on your marriage."
After saying these four words in an extremely light voice, the woman loosened her grip on the phone, her pupils rapidly dilated, and she completely died.