CHAPTER 1278

Chapter 1278 A Deeper Truth

Lucius looked at Marie with a meaningful gaze. “I promise. I have no intention of starting a family soon or at any point in

the future.”

After all, the woman he dreamed of marrying more than anyone else didn’t feel the same way.

“Let’s get back to you–when are you going to divorce Shane?” Lucius asked. Staying with Shane would only lead to her downfall, yet Marie remained blinded to the looming danger.

Marie frowned at his words. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask. Are you not aware of my divorce?”

Lucius appeared stunned, and the look in his eyes changed noticeably. Despite his calm appearance, he stumbled over his

words. “Y–You’re divorced?”

“Indeed. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to your ridiculous proposal. So, tell me, are you seriously intending to use Taylor against me?” Marie inquired, staring at Lucius with a clear

gaze.

For the first time, Lucius felt like a cat on a hot tin roof–a saying he learned from his great–grandfather. Fidgeting with his fingers, he nervously affirmed Marie’s question.

“You always enjoyed coming up with such absurdities. When you first visited us, you insisted I be your playmate. When I refused, you broke my toy.” Marie sighed, her soft tone matching her calm demeanor.

Chapter 1278 A Deeper Truth

2/3

Upon hearing that, Lucius felt a surge of panic inside. “You still remember that?”

With downcast eyes, Marie replied, “I’ve forgotten a lot of things since I got sick. When I came to Hawford, I tried to recover my lost memories; not the ones others shared with me.

“Since you’ve made a request, I’ll do the same. You claim our grandfathers were close friends, but why didn’t the Whitmans. hear about this?”

Lucius looked at her sorrowfully. “It’s because of the conflicts within the Darnell family. Grandpa Jared kept a distance from the Whitmans for my sake.

“I was feeling down that day, and he thought a visit to his old friend might lift my spirits. He mentioned his friend had a grandchild around my age.

“Grandpa Jared wouldn’t have taken that risk if it weren’t for me. To the Darnell family, I was considered impure. My Cascadian blood made me unfit to take over the family, so I was essentially cast aside.”

He wore a wistful smile and continued, “Unlike my mother, Grandpa Jared was a scholar who provided me with a good education. Unfortunately, I wasn’t exactly a disciplined child due to the blood running through me.”

Marie stared at Lucius. Ever since she received his call, she had been weighing her options. Finally, she came to a decision.

“I know the Darnells hold significant influence over the Chamber of Commerce. My request is simple–support my

Chapk 1270 A Deeper Truth

3

daughter and cast a favorable vote when she decides to move against the Wray family,” Marie stated firmly.

Lucius arched a brow and retorted, “Well, we’ll have to see if she can make an impression.”

“She definitely can. In addition to these requests, the Darnell family must voluntarily withdraw from the Chamber of

Commerce,” Marie continued. She was fully aware of Wynter’s purpose in Hawford.

Upon hearing that, Lucius turned his gaze away and let out a threatening chuckle. “Wouldn’t it be easier if you just ruined me instead?”

“I didn’t tell anyone about our meeting, not even my daughter. Now that I’m in a relationship with you, I hope to secure her best interests instead of creating more problems for her to handle,” Marie replied, her stare unwavering.

Lucius scoffed. “Well, aren’t you an admirable mother?”

“I’m not. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come to see you. I have my own selfish reasons,” Marie refuted as she shifted her gaze away.

Stunned, Lucius attempted to speak when Marie cut him off with a low voice. “Now that I’ve agreed to your request, will you agree to mine?”