The Billionaire’s Maid Bride (Flanagan and Allison)

Pink crept up Penelope's cheeks as she spoke with a hint of shyness, "Oh, Miranda, it's really up to Lucian, isn't it? I'm all ears for his take."

Miranda chuckled warmly, taking in Penelope's endearing ways. Despite her occasional bouts of high spirits, Miranda found it all quite normal. After all, Penelope had saved both Lucian and herself. The debt of gratitude weighed heavily on Miranda's heart. If it hadn't been for Penelope's quick thinking, Miranda herself might have been the one laid up in the hospital. The thought of all that Penelope had endured in her stead was heart-wrenching. It was just a shame that her son now harbored such a strong aversion to marriage.

She felt helpless.

Meanwhile, in the study...

"You know, Lucian, I'm not one to rush you, but since you've already committed to this marriage, we hold our word as bond. If you intend to back out, you'd best have a solid reason," Carter said with a piercing gaze that saw right through to Lucian's inner turmoil.

Lucian nodded slightly. "I understand, Grandfather. Just give me a little time."

Carter continued, "Your marriage is a significant matter, not to be taken lightly. You claimed that Penelope saved your life and begged to marry her. At first, I doubted the Flanagans, given their modest background, but you were insistent, and I relented. Penelope's got a bit of sass, which is normal enough for a girl raised in a rich family. If there are small tiffs between you two, just show a little patience, my boy."

"Grandfather, I..." Lucian's voice trailed off. His smile was tinged with a hint of bitterness. "I'm having second thoughts."

"Oh? Might I ask why?"

Lucian hesitated, but Carter's sharp intellect soon cut to the chase, "It's because of Allison, isn't it?"

Without holding back, Lucian nodded in affirmation.

"Grandfather, I want to marry Allison."

Carter's expression turned grave. "Are you serious, Lucian?"

"Utterly serious," Lucian affirmed.

Carter studied the resolve in his

grandson's eyes and sighed, "Penelope suffered greatly to save your mother. She lost a child, broke her leg, her arm... She just recovered. If you try to break off this engagement, you'll become the of a public storm, the target of seorn. You'll be labeled heartless, a betrayer. Not to mention, the Lindberg Corporation's shares could take a hit, and even I might not be

able to shield you."

He admired his grandson and had always intended for Lucian to take the reins of the Lindberg Corporation. Among his grandsons, Lucian was the one who reminded him most of himself. Though George was competent, he still fell short of Lucian's caliber.

Carter was well aware of the

shadowy battles within the

corporation. If Lucian called off the

engagement with Penelope, bolstered by public outcry, certain shareholders would surely challenge him. At such a time, George would seize the opportunity to rise. This was clear to both Lucian and Carter.

Naturally, Carter disapproved of Lucian's intentions.

"Lucian, unless you can find a suitable reason..."

Lucian understood all too well.

"You may care for Allison, but you don't have to marry her. A man should prioritize his career. You do have affection for Penelope; she saved you and your mother, and

nd she

lost a child in the process. You owe her respect. A man must be responsible for his actions, Allison can be... someone you care for from a distance."

Lucian's fists clenched tightly. "I want to marry her, to give her the status she deserves, to put my mind at ease. I want Allison to be my wife, just like how you cherished Grandmother."