By the end of their conversation, his tone had taken on a sharp edge.
Mila found herself momentarily at a loss for words.
This marriage had reached such a point, and despite not having wronged anyone, she found it most difficult to explain things to her kind-hearted and understanding mother-in-law.
Years ago, in a torrential downpour, she had shown up at the Montgomery family’s doorstep, unexpectedly pregnant.
It was her mother-in-law who ushered her inside, tending to her injuries, offering warm water and healing soup, providing her with the comfort and warmth she desperately needed. She even had Lysander dragged home from his all-night escapade, made to kneel in the rain, agreeing to the marriage under the pressure of family obligations.
But, but…
Tears welled up in Mila’s eyes as she swallowed the lump in her throat and struggled to keep her voice steady. I didn’t want this. It was him who forced me back then. I never intended for any of this, she said, her voice tinged with desperation.
She wanted to explain how she had no choice.
That unexpected event turned several young lives upside down. She, being the most powerless and uncontrollable piece in the game, clung desperately to the only lifeline she could grasp.
But a lifeline was not enough to sustain a life, and she found herself sinking regardless.
Now, she was desperately trying to claw her way out of the mire, striving to start afresh, to embark on a new path.
Past rights and wrongs had become indistinguishable, and she no longer wished to look back or seek answers.
But why was it so difficult?
Conrad was momentarily silent. He had no desire to meddle in the younger generation’s affairs, but he couldn’t bear to see Felicity hurt and troubled. Felicity couldn’t withstand the strain.
Moreover, Mila had always been devoted to Lysander; he assumed a few words of persuasion would suffice, especially coming from him, a figure of authority.
Yet, he hadn’t anticipated Mila’s resolute stance this time.
Here he was, toiling away upstairs to save his son’s marriage, while Lysander had the audacity to undermine his efforts right under his nose!
After Lysander and the others settled in, Giselle and Adrian sat together, her fingers playfully pinching his cheeks as they laughed and joked, basking in the joy of the moment.
Lysander, seated opposite, watched them with a soft smile. Giselle, how are things going with the Forest Team—the AI prodigies we talked about last time? he asked.
Giselle, still rubbing Adrian’s reddened cheeks, looked up with a smile. Don’t worry. They’ll be arriving tomorrow. My mentor has already set things up, so we’ll be able to meet with them soon. Given the connection between my mentor and theirs, plus Montgomery Holdings’ influence, securing the collaboration should be no problem. That ‘Atlas Language Model’ they’re developing will definitely be ours.
Lysander nodded in approval.
He picked up a freshly served pastry, cutting off a piece with a fork and offering it to Giselle with affection. Then let me thank you in advance, Giselle.
Giselle blushed, taking a small bite of the sweet treat, feeling warmth blossom in her heart.
Lysander watched her with deepened affection, his eyes reflecting a mystery as profound as an unfathomable abyss.