Chapter 237: The Ex–Mother–in–Law’s Ridiculous Move
Marcus was practically dragged back to the office by the executives.
He hadn’t showered the entire time he was in detention, smelled awful, and looked rough–unshaven, exhausted, and completely worn out.
But there was no time to clean up.
Just like that, he was thrown straight into a meeting with the Merricks.
The executives explained the situation, but the Merricks didn’t care.
Octavia, the lead negotiator, gave Marcus a once–over, her expression full of disdain.
After assessing him, she let out a cold laugh, clearly unimpressed.
“Mr. Wilson, I have to say, this look of yours? Pretty disappointing.”
She dismissed everyone else from the room, wanting to talk to Marcus alone.
Without an audience, she got straight to the point.
Marcus‘ complexion was sickly, his eyes bloodshot, making him look years
older.
His voice was hoarse, tinged with exhaustion.
“Ms. Merrick, just say what you want.”
Octavia nodded. “You catch on fast. I like that.”
“‘Anastasia‘. The movie, have you seen it? Long story short, I’m the Anastasia of the Merricks. So, You probably know I’m not exactly their favorite.”
“But I’m still set to inherit everything.”
“That said, I need allies. You’re divorced now. I wasn’t planning on marrying someone who’s been married before, but at the moment, you’re the best
option.”
“Mr. Wilson, let’s get married. A contract marriage. We won’t interfere in each other’s lives.”
“I’ll help the Wilsons get back on their feet. In return, you help me secure my position in the Merrick family and teach me the ropes of the business
world.”
“Once I’ve got full control, you’ll be free to walk away and do whatever you want.”
She was dead serious.
Then, she slid a prepared contract across the table.
“Of course, if this feels too much for you, we can compromise. We’ll just get legally married on paper, sign an agreement, and that’s it.”
“No need to live together, no need to deal with in–laws. Just a way to handle public scrutiny.”
Originally, Octavia had considered turning the fake marriage into something real.
But after seeing Marcus like this, she changed her mind.
Even if he were handed to her on a silver platter, she wouldn’t want him.
He was just… beneath her.
Marcus picked up the contract and scanned it.
It was detailed and, all things considered, pretty fair.
They’d fake a marriage to fool the public. Once Octavia secured control over the Merrick family, they’d part ways.
During that time, Marcus could even try getting back with his ex–so long as no reporters caught wind of it.
The Merricks had money. Enough to revive the Wilson family.
It was a no–lose deal.
A damn good one.
Marcus‘ eyes flickered with emotion, but deep down, he hesitated.
All he really wanted was to win Gemma back.
But if he publicly announced a marriage to Octavia, reconciliation with Gemma would be impossible—at least for now.
He took a deep breath.
Rubbed his temples.
He didn’t respond.
“I want to see my son. Where’s he?”
“Merrick? Great! I need to see Ms. Merrick.”
The door burst open.
Setting
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Chapter 237: The Ex–Mother–in–Law’s Ridiculous Move
Margaret stood in the doorway.
Her face had been stormy, but the moment she spotted Octavia, she switched to a warm, almost motherly smile.
“Ms. Merrick, hello. I’m Marcus‘ mother.”
Octavia frowned.
“We’re in the middle of a conversation. You shouldn’t have barged in.”
She didn’t hold back.
Even knowing who Margaret was, she showed no hesitation in putting her in her place.
Margaret looked awkward but recovered quickly.
“Apologies. I just wanted to meet you.”
“I wasn’t trying to interrupt.”
Octavia straightened but kept her expression cool.
Marcus sighed and got up.
“Mom, what are you doing here?”
Margaret’s heart ached at the sight of him.
“Oh, Max… what happened to you?”
She took a few quick steps forward, teary–eyed, grabbing his arm.
She wanted to touch his weary face but hesitated, worried it would send the wrong message to Octavia.
So instead, she swallowed her emotions and said softly,
“I came on my son’s behalf to accept Ms. Merrick’s offer.”
Octavia blinked, surprised.
She then turned to Marcus.
She expected him to protest, but he didn’t. He just let his mother decide for him.
She’d only been in N.L City for a short time, but she was a grown woman who could take charge of her own life.
Marcus, pushing forty, still hadn’t cut the cord.
“Mrs. Wilson, I’m sorry, but I was discussing a business deal with Marcus.”
Translation:
This is between me and him. Stay out of it.
Margaret either didn’t get the hint or just ignored it.
“I know. But I can make decisions for Max.”
“Ms. Merrick, this is our first time meeting, but I already like you. I think you and our family are meant to be connected.”
“You know what. I don’t even need to read the contract. I’ll agree to everything. Whatever you want, I’ll say yes.”
“You don’t have to worry about a thing! I’ll make sure your wedding is the grandest event imaginable!”
Octavia, “…”
Before today, she had been open to making this marriage real. After seeing Marcus, she had downgraded it to just a contract marriage. Now? She
didn’t even want to fake it.
Sure, fighting for control of the Merrick family would be tough and exhausting.
But it would be far better than getting tied to this mess.
“Mrs. Wilson,” she said, forcing a polite smile, “I think there’s been a misunderstanding.”
“I was negotiating a business deal with Mr. Wilson, but given the circumstances, I don’t think we’re the right fit. My apologies.”
With that, she packed up the contract and walked out.
Margaret, finally realizing what had happened, started to panic.
She had just ruined the deal.
“Oh, Ms. Merrick, you misunderstood! I wasn’t trying to interfere.”
*Please don’t be mad. We can discuss this again.”
“If there’s something you don’t like, just tell me! I can-”
But by the time she ran after Octavia, it was too late. She was gone.
Worse, Margaret’s little stunt had made the executives look at her with even less respect.
Margaret, “…”
Setting
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Chapter 287 The Ex Mother in Law’s Ridiculous Move
She didn’t see the problem
Mas always lened to her.
Octavia had already won her approval as a mother in law
If the married in and had a child, she’d be a hero to the Wilson family.
Ales
Octavia and Gemma came from similar backgrounds.
If it weren’t for the Wilson family’s downfall, Margaret never would’ve even considered a Merrick.
Why was Octavia bring to picky?
Marcin walked out of the meeting room.
Seeing Margaret’s dazed expression, he didn’t comfort her.
Deep down he was kind of enjoying this.
Seating
