Chapter 772

Domenic held no grudges against her; being a Walsh, he knew all too well that such arranged matches were out of their hands.

Yet, he pondered why his grandpa held Carole in such high regard, given her non-elite background.

“There’s no need.

” Domenic stepped closer, his voice low and rich, oozing with a grown-up charm.

Carole felt her cheeks warm, and her heart raced.

She listened as he slowly said, “Just so you’re aware, Carole, we might have to proceed with the engagement, despite everything.

”

“What?” Carole’s confusion was noticeable as she lifted her eyes to meet his.

The words she had prepared crumbled away-she was utterly captivated by Domenic’s statement and look.

Could it be that Domenic had developed feelings for her?

Had he come to realize that women like Lindsey were not suitable for him, and she was his true match? Was it possible he had recognized her worth over Lindsey’s, changing his perspective?

As these thoughts began to fill her head, Domenic’s following statement abruptly snapped her back to reality.

“Once this ordeal is behind us, I’ll make our situation clear.

Your innocence and good name will remain intact.

”

“Once this ordeal is behind us? What do you mean?” Carole still hadn’t fully caught on to what was unfolding.

“I’ve got a proposition for you.

” Domenic fixed her with a steady gaze, his eyes compelling but his words felt like a blade piercing her heart.

“Let’s pretend we’re engaged for my grandpa’s peace of mind.

Once he feels secure enough to hand over the shares to me, I’ll make a public announcement to clear your name.

After that, you’ll be free to live your life, and we won’t have to bother with him anymore.

You’ll be free to find someone you truly love.

”

Domenic’s tone was earnest, believing Carole would be on board-after all, she had shown no interest in him and had voiced her yearning for freedom, hadn’t she?

“Besides, I don’t intend for you to come out of this empty-handed.

I’ll provide you with financial help so you’ll have nothing to worry about for the rest of your life.

And should any trouble come your way in the future, count on me to back you up.

”

His goal was to gain fifty percent of the Walsh Group’s shares, securing his spot as the top shareholder and, effectively, the next in line to lead the Walsh Group, straight from Jordan.

With real authority, he’d be able to confront his uncles, sever ties with Carole gracefully, and eventually, marry Lindsey, granting her the recognition she deserves.

Domenic didn’t notice the gradual dimming of Carole’s eyes.

So, this had been his plan all along; was that why he seemed so agreeable? Was her role and their engagement merely a stepping stone towards securing the Walsh Group’s shares? The realization was like a thousand of needles to Carole’s heart, leaving her mute with sorrow.

From a young age, Carole had harbored deep affection for Domenic, admiring his brilliance and charm.

To prove herself worthy of him, she pushed herself harder and braved more challenges than anyone else.

She wasn’t afraid of exhaustion or challenges; she was ready to face them all for Domenic.

What truly scared her was the thought of her love not being reciprocated.

Her deepest fear was the possibility of not becoming Domenic’s wife.

Otherwise, why would she have kept trying for so long?

“Carole?”

Pulled back to reality by the sound of her name, Carole found Domenic looking at her with concern.

“Is everything alright? Aren’t you willing to proceed?”

Carole suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing she had been lost in thought.

She quickly dismissed her distraction with a wave.

“0h, no.

I was just caught up in some work stuff.

My apologies.

”