"I'm the one getting married, not you, " blurted Zayn.
He noticed Jombo's gloomy expression and immediately switched over to a wry grin instead. "That being said, we already have children. What else is there for you to disagree with?"
Zayn knew that Jombo's weakness was the children.
"Don't you dare use the children as a shield! I'm not buying into that argument!" shouted Jombo in anger.
Zayn curled his lip, unmoved. He busied himself with the freshly brewed tea and poured Carla a cup too.
Carla took it but did not dare drink it. She only used the teacup to warm her clammy hands.
"If I don't consent to this union, you can forget about getting married, " said Jombo in a warning tone. "Don't think you can go around spreading your wings and behaving as if you can do as you please."
"I still hold a majority of the Giblo Groups' equity. If you disobey me, I'll pull out of the group—unless you're fine with doing things alone."
"You did build the Divine Corporation, but it comprises only a small part of the Giblo Group's assets."
"Based on the assets of that company, the best you can do is to compete on equal standing with the Bendays. You're nothing compared to your aunt, and the Liergers will be able to wipe you out in minutes."
These remarks that seemed to be directed at Zayn were actually meant for Carla.
How could Zayn not realize something so obvious?
He was fearless—confident in his own capabilities. He refused to believe that his grandfather would just cut off ties with him over something like this.
Carla, on the other hand, did not want to risk it.
Zayn was not the type to share his burdens with her, but she was not completely unaware of his struggles.
He was orphaned at an early age and was thrust into a devilish training regime at the age of six. Zayn was denied a childhood and grew up devoid of any entertainment or happiness.
He was a genius, and a fountain of knowledge.
The only thing that he knew was the pursuit of knowledge. Even when he grew into his teens and a man, Jombo had tight control over his friendships or pursuits of romance. He only lived for one thing—success.
Twenty-eight years of hard work had brought him to where he was. It should not be put on the line for Carla's sake.
"Grandpa, don't be angry…" came Carla's hurried interjection. "If you don't agree, we'll just drop it.
"Quiet." Zayn glared at her accusingly. How could she so willingly discard everything he was going to put on the line for her?
"A wise man submits to circumstances, " said Jombo coldly. "You're only interested in Zayn because he is the worldly, well-off man that he is today." "However, if he disobeys my will, he will lose everything. You will be left with nothing after that."
"If you leave quietly, I'll pay you handsomely for it. You'll never need to worry about finances for the rest of your life. I think you know what's best for you."
"I think you've misunderstood, Grandpa." Carla smiled bitterly at him. "When I was with Zayn four years ago, I had no idea who he was. Call it dumb luck or serendipity, if you will."
"Ah, you mean to say that you're not with him for his wealth?" sneered Jombo mockingly. "Even if it was sheer dumb luck, it's been four years since you've met again. You're still insisting that you have no ulterior motives?"
"No, " said Carla matter-of-factly. "We met under a different identity, four years later. I didn't know the man from four years back was Zayn as well. It might sound absurd, but it was not planned."
"Isn't that adorable." Jombo looked at her with scorn and disdain. "Anyway, I refuse to agree to this marriage. Even if you've sent out invitations, it'll be pointless. I only need to make one phone call, and your wedding will be called off."
"Grandpa, I—"
"If you still acknowledge me as your grandpa then do as I say." The old man did not give Zayn a chance to refute. "I've said it once, and I'll say it again. I refuse to accept this woman into our family!"
"And what about the children?" asked Zayn pointedly. "Don't you think they should be recognized as members of the family? Shouldn't they carry the Giblo surname?"
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