Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 356: Chapter 356

The higher-ups were all stunned when they heard this. Those who admired Zoe were delighted. It meant keeping their best resources within the organization.
But the higher-ups who disliked Zoe were anything but pleased. They feared that if this continued, Shawn would surely be led astray. There was no way they would ever allow a woman like Zoe to stay by Shawn's side.
Someone said, "We strongly object to this arrangement."
One of the higher-ups who opposed Zoe chimed in, "Yeah, even if she's not suspected of treason, who knows what other skeletons she's hiding?"
Another said sternly, "Anyone with questionable loyalties is absolutely forbidden from marrying you."
As more people voiced their opposition, Sophia's eyes gleamed with vindictive hope. Rationality had long abandoned her. Consumed by spite, she was determined that if she couldn't be happy, Zoe wouldn't be either.
Just as she was about to echo the higher-ups' objections, Shawn spoke up again, his tone resolute, "I'm not seeking your approval. I'm simply announcing this. My marriage application documents will be submitted directly.
"As for whether Zoe has any loyalty issues, that's for the proper authorities to verify. None of you need to worry about it."
Hearing this, the dissenting higher-ups were left fuming, their faces red with anger and eyes wide in disbelief.
Shawn tightened his grip on Zoe's hand, gazed into her eyes, and said, "In a few days, there will be an international reception with dignitaries from around the world. I'll take you there and announce to everyone that you're the woman I love."
"No way, Shawn. You can't do this," Sophia roared angrily.
Shawn fixed his cold gaze on Sophia and said icily, "This is the last warning. If I catch you scheming against Zoe again, I won't wait for her to act. I'll deal with you myself."
Sophia staggered back, nearly losing her balance. "No... this can't happen. Shawn is supposed to be mine. How could he choose to be with that worthless nobody over me?" she thought.
"Shawn, do you realize how ridiculous you sound?" Rick roared in anger. "You've already embarrassed yourself over a woman. Now you want to go abroad and make a fool of yourself on the global stage. Have you forgotten who you are?"
Hearing this, the others instantly grasped the implications, and a chorus of vehement objections erupted.
One of them shouted, "Shawn, you must not do this."
"Exactly. Going to a place like that and making a spectacle of yourself? Do you really want the whole world laughing at Clusia's War God for being a love-struck fool?" the other chimed in.
Another glared and snapped, "This is utterly unacceptable. Have you forgotten what your status as Clusia's War God means? Have you considered Clusia's dignity at all?"
When she saw the opposition, Sophia's hope flared. She pointed at Zoe and screamed, "You manipulated Shawn. How selfish you are.
"Don't you know your place? How dare you make him risk everything? Do you really love him, or are you just trying to ruin him?"
This time, Quran also stepped forward and interjected, his tone measured yet firm, "Shawn, no one is stopping you from getting married and having children. But do you really have to make such a public spectacle of it?"
"Exactly," one of the higher-ups chimed in, "you really should reconsider."
"Shawn, what if you two break up or get divorced someday? Do you realize what an international laughingstock you'll become?" Rick went straight for the jugular.
Shawn turned to Rick and declared, "This is precisely to prove my unwavering resolve."
Shawn raised Zoe's hand high and declared solemnly, "I will marry only one woman in this lifetime and this vow shall never change."
Zoe looked at Shawn, her face calm, but inside, she was touched. "I never thought he'd go this far for me. If he knows who I really am, will he still feel the same? Maybe I should talk him out of this," she thought.
But Shawn said firmly, "Only by taking this to the international stage will it carry real authority. That's the only way to crush the delusional fantasies of those who doubt our relationship."
Shawn's words weren't just directed at Sophia. They were meant for Rick and the entire White family as well.
Some higher-ups thought, "The Ludwig family has already accepted Zoe. What right does the White family have to keep trying to break them up? Could there really be some ulterior motive?"
After hearing Shawn's words, the higher-ups couldn't help but speculate, and their gazes toward Rick and the White family shifted, suspicion flickering in their eyes.
However, given the gravity of what Shawn proposed, after some discussion, they decided to send a representative to talk with him. Naturally, as Shawn's most trusted confidant, Quran stepped forward to take on this mediation mission.
"Shawn, I know you're a man of strong convictions," Quran said, "but you must think this through. Once you announce your relationship with Zoe at such an important event, you two will be permanently bound together. Your fates will be intertwined, for better or worse."
Shawn said resolutely, "I've thought it through. She's the only woman I'll ever marry."
Quran shook his head with a sigh and said, "Since you've made up your mind, I'll stand by you. As for the others, I'll do my best to talk them around."
"Thank you, Mr. Perkins," Shawn said solemnly.
"No. I won't allow this." Sophia had thought there was still a chance to turn things around, but now it was hopeless. She cried out desperately, "Shawn, don't let her fool you. She's nothing but trouble. If you stay with her, she'll destroy you."
Shawn didn't even spare Sophia a glance. Ignoring her completely, he took Zoe's hand and was ready to leave with Zoe.
Sophia rushed forward desperately and grabbed Shawn's arm. "Listen to me. You must not marry her. Do you even know who she really is? She..."
Zoe fixed Sophia with an icy stare and sneered, "I'm quite curious myself. Who exactly am I?"
Sophia recoiled in shock, but Shawn had already shoved her aside ruthlessly. "Who she is doesn't matter. To me, she is, and always will be, my one and only wife."
Sophia collapsed to the ground, dazed and disoriented. "How did this happen? I was supposed to tear them apart, but instead, I've only brought Shawn and Zoe closer together," she thought desperately.
"Shawn, you..." Zoe began.
Shawn cut Zoe off, his voice tense, "You don't want this?"
Zoe hesitated.
"That concludes today's inspection," Shawn announced with authority. "Escort the higher-ups to their quarters. We'll resume the grand military review tomorrow." With that, and under the collective gaze of everyone present, he firmly led Zoe away.
When they reached a secluded spot, Zoe yanked her hand free from Shawn's. "You should've listened to Sophia. If you announce our relationship before you even know who I really am, aren't you afraid the truth might be more than you can handle?"
Shawn said solemnly, "I trust what my eyes have seen."
"Can't your eyes deceive you? Don't be so certain," Zoe said.
Zoe turned to leave, her mind in turmoil. She thought, "I came here to kill Shawn, but after everything we've been through, I can barely remember my mission. Am I forgetful or do I just not want to remember?"