Chapter 3 - The Engagement
Adrian proposed beside the estate’s rose garden in early May.
Celeste cried before he finished asking.
Photographers were not present, but her mother arrived less than an hour later with a public relations team and a prepared announcement. By sunset, society websites were reporting the union of two historic families.
The Laurent family celebrated as though their debts had already disappeared.
Celeste’s father, Victor, invited bankers to dinner and spoke confidently about “new strategic relationships.” Her mother, Beatrice, ordered custom wedding stationery bearing both family crests.
Adrian found the speed uncomfortable.
“We have not chosen a date,” he said.
Beatrice smiled.
“Of course not. We are simply preparing possibilities.”
Celeste touched his arm.
“Mother is excited. Let her enjoy this.”
A week later, Victor requested a private meeting with Adrian.
He presented a proposal involving three Laurent hotels that needed renovation. Vale Holdings, he suggested, could provide funding in exchange for future equity.
Adrian read the figures.
“The properties are carrying significant debt.”
“Temporary pressure,” Victor replied. “Nothing more.”
“I would need our finance team to review everything.”
Victor’s smile became strained.
“We are about to become family.”
“That is why the review must be independent.”
When Celeste learned Adrian had not immediately approved the funding, she confronted him in her apartment.
“My father felt humiliated.”
“I asked reasonable questions.”
“You treated him like a stranger.”
“He is requesting eighty million dollars.”
Celeste turned toward the window.
“So this is what marriage to you will be like? Contracts and investigations?”
“Marriage has nothing to do with the company.”
“To you, perhaps.”
Adrian stared at her.
“What does that mean?”
Celeste realized she had moved too quickly.
She softened her expression and stepped toward him.
“It means our families should trust each other. I want us to feel united.”
Adrian took her hands.
“I want that too. But my grandfather taught me never to use family as an excuse for careless decisions.”
The mention of Edmund irritated her.
Every path to the Vale fortune seemed to pass through the old man.
“When will he transfer control to you?” she asked casually.
Adrian released her hands.
“He may never transfer full control.”
“But you are his heir.”
“I am his grandson. That does not automatically make me qualified.”
Celeste laughed.
“You have worked at the company for twelve years.”
“And I still have to earn the board’s trust.”
She looked at him in disbelief.
In the Laurent family, titles were inherited, respect was demanded, and mistakes were hidden. The idea that Adrian might be required to prove himself seemed almost insulting.
That night, Celeste called her mother.
“He does not control the money,” she said.
“Not yet,” Beatrice replied.
“And Edmund does not trust me.”
“Then make him trust you.”
“I have tried.”
“Try harder.”
Celeste looked at the diamond engagement ring on her finger.
“What if he never does?”
Her mother was silent for a moment.
“Then we make certain the wedding happens before he can stop it.”
Two days later, Beatrice announced plans for a grand engagement dinner at Vale Estate.
May you like
She did not ask Edmund’s permission first.
She simply sent the invitations.
