Billionaire’s Unlikely Bride - Chapter 24: Chapter 24

Mason's POV
After what transpired at the hospital, my dad asked to see me. One could cut through the tension in the air as I stepped into my father’s study. It's been a while since he summoned me to his study, and every time it happened, I knew it was going to end in an argument. I stood by the large desk, the room was silent. I wondered what new trick he had in store for me this time.
I had barely settled in my seat when Justin walked in. He was the last person I expected to see right now. The sight of him instantly ignited the rage in me. The memories of him and Candice together caused my blood to boil. Without thinking, I sprang out of my chair and closed the distance between us. My fist connected with his jaw, wiping off the smug look he had on. His hand flew to his cheek, shock evident on his face.
Before I could land another punch, my father’s voice thundered through the room. "Sit down, both of you!"
I shot Justin one last glare before reluctantly taking my seat again. He did the same, but not before glaring at me with resentment. He had some nerve, showing up in front of me. I knew he was aware I already found out about him and Candice.
"I'm sure both of you are wondering why I called this meeting," my father began, his sharp gaze moving between Justin and me. He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a file, sliding it across the desk towards me.
I picked it up, flipping it open without hesitation. My pulse quickened as my eyes scanned the content. It was paperwork transferring full control of Barrett Enterprise to me. I could see Justin slowly leaning in, trying to sneak a glance at the papers, and I let him. I couldn’t believe my eyes, I still thought it was a dream until I heard Justin’s annoying voice.
"No way! You're allowing Mason to take full control over the company?" Justin's voice cracked with disbelief as he glared at the documents in my hands.
My father didn’t even bother looking at him. "He has shown his capability in handling the company, and now that he's married, I'm confident he'll do an even better job."
The moment he mentioned my marriage, my mind flashed back to Raven. Our relationship has improved a lot since these few days, but I don't know if she is still willing to give this marriage a try. I've been thinking about it, and I don't think I want a divorce. Even though I always denied it before, the truth is, I'm starting to fall for her.
"But... you know his marriage isn't real! What if he decides to get a divorce the moment he walks out?" Justin stammered. "How can you trust him with everything, even after he lied and deceived you?" Justin looked as if someone had punched him in the gut.
My father turned to Justin, finally addressing him. "Mason has earned my trust, Justin. Throughout the years, he’s proven himself to be more than capable of handling the company. I pushed him to get married because of a promise I made to my friend, but also because I felt marriage would help him stay focused." His words left no room for argument.
"What about the ultimatum you gave me, Dad? Why did you suddenly change your mind?" I decided to ask, this seemed a little too good to be true.
My father laughed dryly. "A man can only try right?" He asked. "I'm eager to see my grandkids. I said that so you and your wife would hasten the process."
I was stunned by his confession. I always knew my father was full of tricks, but this was a shocker.
"And as for you, Justin," he added, "you’ve also worked hard. That’s why you’ll be responsible for handling the restaurants and hotels in France and Italy. I trust you'll perform well."
Justin opened his mouth to respond, but my father already turned his attention elsewhere. "Send her in," he instructed the maid who had just walked in and whispered something to him.
The maid left, and my heart skipped a beat as Raven walked in, her usual confident demeanor now replaced by nervousness. I suddenly remembered that she didn't know that my father had found out about our arrangement, I didn't dare to tell her cause I was worried she would leave if she knew about my father's ultimatum.
"Good day, sir," she greeted my father as she walked in. I watched as she slowly took her seat; everything she did looked sexy to me.
My father gave her a nod, his tone softening like he was talking to a kid. "I was informed that you've been wanting to speak with me, which is why I invited you to have lunch with me. I never got a chance to know you while you were younger, but I’m sure there’s much we can discuss now."
"Really?" Raven glanced at me, surprise flickering in her eyes, but she tried to remain composed. "Thank you, sir. I would like that."
"You don't have to thank me, it's my duty. You also don't have to be so formal with me anymore, you're part of the family now. So you can call me Dad as well."
I could tell my father liked Raven, he must have been close to her father.
My father cleared his throat, shifting in his chair. "I also owe you an apology. You got dragged into all this without a heads-up. But I would like for you to give your marriage a chance, but if you're not happy about it, you can inform me. I'll personally arrange for you to get divorced. I don't want you to feel like you don't have a choice."
I was taken aback by my father’s words. He had been so adamant about the marriage from the beginning, and hearing him say that kind of upset me. But I think I was more anxious than upset. I didn't want a divorce, and now the choice was left for Raven to decide. What if she chose to leave me?
"Um, I would also love to give my marriage a chance. But that's if Mason wants to." Raven replied quietly.
My father turned his attention to me. "What do you have to say about that, Mason?" He asked.
"I have no objections, as long as she's mine," I replied.
"Then it's settled." He smiled. "Oh, I almost forgot, you haven't been properly introduced to Justin. He's Mason's cousin."
My father introduced her to Justin and they shook hands. Justin held her hand longer than necessary and I wanted to crush his arms. I hated how he looked at her, how his gaze lingered on her for long, and I clenched my fists to keep myself from reacting.
As we left the study, the sounds of a heated argument reached us from down the hall. Margaret and Lenora were standing in the foyer, their voices raised as they exchanged insults. Looks like they've been arguing for a while now.
"What do you mean, there's nothing you can do?" Lenora asked angrily. "Don't forget I have the power to get you kicked out of this house."
"Don't speak to me like that! I've had enough of your threats." Margaret shouted, her face red with fury. "It's not my fault your daughter couldn’t hold Mason’s attention. Raven was able to do that without even trying. Maybe if you had taught her some manners, she wouldn’t be in this mess!"
I already had my suspicions about Margaret, and I knew she was involved in their little scheme to make me sleep with Blair.
Lenora’s eyes blazed with rage. "At least I have a daughter! You’re nothing but a barren slut. Don’t forget, if it weren’t for me, you’d still be Charles's assistant, groveling for scraps of attention!"
Margaret sneered. "I feel sorry for Mr. Clinton. He has no idea he’s marrying a fraud."
"What did you just call my daughter?" Lenora hissed, stepping toward her.
"What? Did I strike a nerve?" Margaret taunted. "You heard me. Your daughter is a fraud, and she doesn't even know it. Both of you are living a lie! I wonder what would happen if Raven learned the truth?"
I didn't understand what Margaret meant by that. I've been doing a background check on Raven and I have some doubts.
Lenora slapped Margaret, the sound echoed through the hallway. They were completely unaware that we were watching the whole thing unfold.
"How dare you? You dare to speak to me like that after everything I’ve done for you?" Lenora spat. "Hasn’t your precious daughter been living a fake life as well? I helped you pull such a big stunt during your fake pregnancy. I went out of my way to help you find a newborn baby at the orphanage, and now you have the nerve to stand here and call me a fraud?"
I couldn't process what I was hearing. Julie... from an orphanage? What rubbish was she sprouting from her mouth? As I was about to step forward, my father held me back.
The revelation stunned me, but I wasn’t the only one. Julie’s voice cut through the tension, filled with shock and betrayal.
"What did you just say?" She gasped, her face pale as she stared at the two women. "Answer me!" She screamed, wiping her tear-stained cheeks.
Both Lenora and Margaret whipped around, their eyes wide as they realized we had all been listening to them argue.