Katie didnât catch Tristanâs words, still reeling from the shock.
âHow can they look so identical? How is that even possible?â
âWho looks identical?â Tristan became more curious. âKatie, who were those people we just saw?â
The family of four remained in view, seemingly content and joyful.
Katie managed a strained smile and responded, âItâs nothing.â
âYou just brought up your cousinâs child. Is your cousin Adrian Miller, the CEO of the Miller Group?â Tristanâs eyes gleamed with shrewdness.
He had ended a two-year relationship to pursue Adrian, aiming to leverage connections with the Miller family. Katie, a wealthy and beautiful heir of the Miller family, suddenly seemed like an even better catch.
For the first time, Tristan believed his father had made a wise decision in suggesting such a suitable match.
Katie nodded, her gaze following Joelleâs retreating figure. âThat woman is my cousinâs ex-wife.â
âI see.â Tristan was disinterested in Joelle and shifted the conversation. âKatie, when can you introduce me to your cousin?â
Katie linked her arm through his with a smile and replied, âDonât worry. Once we finalize our marriage plans, Iâll take you to meet my family. If weâre not official yet, I canât bring you to see my cousin. It wouldnât be taken seriously and might give him the impression that Iâm not serious about our relationship.â
gⱯlnÏνð®ðsï¹ð¸Ð¾m opens doors to fiction âOh, I understand.â Tristan found it oddâperhaps wealthy families always acted with such rules.
âBy the way, have you considered what my mother mentioned about the gifts?â Katie asked again.
Scratching his head, Tristan explained, âI can manage the car and cash, but the house in the city center⦠Katie, as you know, our family isnât as wealthy as yours. Can we perhaps discuss the house later?â
âNo way!â Katie said unhappily. âA car and a house are basic securities. If you canât provide these, how can I trust that you truly want to marry me?â
In a rush to appease her, Tristan pleaded, âPlease, donât be upset. I truly want to marry you. Katie, youâre the first person Iâve ever loved. I wish we could get married right now!â
Katie was unconvinced, saying, âThe house is a must! If your family canât provide that, then thereâs no point in bringing you home, much less meeting my cousin!â
âWellâ¦â Tristan knew he had to act.
Securing long-term stability was crucial, and even a fool would understand that.
âKatie, just wait. Iâll talk to my father as soon as I get home. I promise Iâll secure a house for you, no matter what.â
âOkay.â Katie softened, leaning into Tristanâs embrace. âActually, my mom doesnât really care about these things. She just wants to test how serious you are about me. Considering our status, we need to stay alert for those looking to take advantage of us.â
Tristan felt a little guilty, and his smile was not so natural. âKatie, relax. I truly love you! Itâs not about your familyâs wealth!â
âWell, I know. I trust you.â
âIâll go see my dad right now! Iâll get back to you with an answer as soon as I can.â
Filled with determination, Tristan couldnât help but feel excited about the prospect of marrying into the Miller family.
At that moment, not only would the Watts family rise in status, but he could also impress his father.
Watching Tristanâs car drive away, Katieâs expression changed instantly. She quickly hailed a taxi and headed to Adrianâs residence.
She would not have visited if it werenât urgent. Katie had long understood that her family and Adrianâs were enemies.
Despite her efforts to win over Amara and Adrian, they neither accepted nor showed any warmth towards her. Katie hated Adrian.
He was responsible for imprisoning her brother and father, which relegated her to dependently live with her mother in her grandmotherâs home.
They were unwelcome there.
Therefore, despite her animosity towards Adrian, Katie was forced to leverage her familial connection to secure a comfortable life for herself.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Katie knocked on the door urgently. Leah answered, and Katie barged in without a word.
âHey! Who said you could come in?â
Leah trailed after her into the living room where Adrian was seated.
Katie had always feared him since her childhood, knowing well that Adrianâs caliber was beyond comparison with her or Spencer.
âAdrianâ¦â
âIs this how your mother raised you?â Adrian barely glanced at her. He knew what Katie had done, but he just didnât want to make a fuss about it.
Over the past few years, she and Lyla had exploited the Miller familyâs name and swindled. This behavior had tarnished the reputation of the Miller Group.
Their actions had completely exhausted any remaining patience Adrian had for them.
âAdrian, Iâ¦â
âGet out of here,â Adrian said in a sullen voice.
.
.
.