Chapter 214

---- Chapter 214, When Gideon spotted Donovan sitting there, he deliberately slipped an arm around Giselle's waist and led her to the couch. "'So, Mr. Donovan is here too." Donovan's gaze sharpened, though his expression barely shifted. "What are you doing here?" Ethan asked, his face dark. "Obviously, I'm here for the most important matter of my life. Gideon's hand slid from Giselle's waist to rest casually on her shoulder as he addressed him. "Uncle Ethan, we've already made ourselves clear about getting married. You shouldn't be surprised.

We just wanted to tell you we're planning to get our marriage certificate first and hold the wedding after." "Stop making a scene," Ethan snapped, mindful of Donovan sitting beside him. "I told you before, I disapprove of this marriage . I'm here to discuss business with your Uncle Don. Leave now and stop interfering." 'The way Ethan said "Uncle Don" made Gideon sneer inwardly. "T'm not your biological son, so I don't have to acknowledge any of these so-called elders. And just so we're clear, my marriage is a decision I make alone.

I'm informing you, not asking you." ---- "Tf you insist on going against my wishes, then don't call me Uncle Ethan anymore." Ethan's face was grim as he turned to Giselle. "And Ms. Holt, this awkward scene, is this what you wanted? You know exactly what your intentions are. Have some basic decency and stop testing my limits over and over." Ina moment like this, Giselle had nothing to say. Whether it was an explanation, an apology, a defense, or some polite excuse, none of it mattered. Silence was best.

Donovan still hadn't looked directly at her, but the moment she stepped into the room, her presence and her scent unsettled him. His chest felt tight. And when his eyes caught the flash of the diamond ring on her left hand, his heart clenched like it had been pierced, the breath nearly knocked from him. She, however , appeared calmer than he was, as if she didn't know him at all. She stayed close to Gideon, letting him hold her as he announced their engagement. By all rights, Donovan should have left without a word.

Instead, he sat there motionless for a while, then silently lit a cigarette and walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows to smoke. "Mr. Ethan," Giselle finally said, grasping for something to fill the air. "Gideon and I have known each other for quite some time. We understand each other. This is a considered decision. Ihope you can give us your blessing." ---- fill the air. "Gideon and I have known each other for quite some time. We understand each other. This is a considered decision. I hope you can give us your blessing." Ethan's irritation was barely contained.

He felt caught in the middle; part of him wanted to give in to Gideon, but one glance at Donovan's brooding profile and rigid back drained that impulse away. He exhaled heavily. Sensing Ethan's hesitation, Gideon leaned in and murmured, " Uncle Ethan, I know what's worrying you. But you've seen it yourself -Mr. Donovan hasn't said a word, which means he's fine with it. Why keep standing in my way? Just say yes." Ethan shot him a sidelong look. "You really can't wait? Not even six months or a year?" "Not a second longer." With that, Gideon wrapped his arm around Giselle's shoulder. "Let's go.

It's still early. We can grab lunch and head straight to the city hall." Giselle stayed silent and followed him toward the door.