SWNOVELS Chapter 946
The Joyners were never short on cash; what mattered most to them was Ophelia's own desires. No fortune could outweigh their daughter's happiness.
"I have no objections," Ophelia declared, her ambition shining through. Marrying into the Metzger family would significantly bolster her position at the Joyner Group.
"But the Metzgers can't interfere with my career," she stated firmly. She wasn't ready to settle into the life of a housewife with kids straight after tying the knot. "We'll work it out," her parents assured.
The Joyner family agreed to the union, and Mrs. Metzger was quite pleased with the arrangement. She had met with Ophelia a few times in secret. Impressed by her capability and drive, Mrs. Metzger found herself genuinely admiring Ophelia.
"Ophelia, you're a strong woman, and I truly like you," Mrs. Metzger confided, taking Ophelia aside and holding her hands with earnest gravity. "Jonathan is young and naive; I've sheltered him too much. There will be friction between you two. But Jonathan has a kind heart. He may resist this marriage at first, but I believe he will come to see your worth."
Ophelia didn't care who Jonathan fancied. Her goal was to settle down to ease her parents' minds and gain the support of the Metzger family, which would smooth her path in the corporate world.
"Ma'am, I'll heed your advice," she assured her.
The close ties between the Joyner and Metzger families meant that before long, photos of Mrs. Metzger and Ophelia's private meetings were leaked. Amid the media storm, the Joyner Group's stock soared, and Ophelia's fortunes with it.
Upon seeing the news, Jonathan immediately called Saskia, but there was no answer. Restless, he drove straight to the Lynette's.
Arriving at the Lynette's, he was met with a cold shoulder from Leila before he could even step inside.
"Jonathan, I always thought you were a stand-up guy. To think you'd say one thing to my face and do another behind my back, claiming to love my daughter while engaging with the Joyners!" Leila lashed out, her disdain for two-timers fueling her rage. Despite the scolding, Jonathan's mind was fixated on Saskia. "Where's Saskia?"
He feared she had seen the news and was hiding away, hurt and possibly crying. It was his fault. He was powerless and had let Saskia down.
Leila shoved Jonathan out. "Enough talk. If you can't give Saskia happiness, don't bother coming to us."
Locked out, Jonathan waited for hours before leaving, dejected.
Saskia watched him from the window, heart heavy with the realization that the Metzgers disliked her so much they'd find Jonathan a fiancée overnight. But she had been prepared for this possibility.
...
After meeting with Ophelia, Brittany decided to get back to business. Staying in Craneville for the foreseeable future, she might as well return to her old profession.
Ysabel felt the same, and they renewed their partnership. Brittany's reputation drew many clients, and after a busy month, she returned to the Lynette Mansion for dinner, learning from Saskia that Jonathan had fallen out with the Metzgers. Reportedly, he had defied Mrs. Metzger, insisting on marrying Saskia, and was beaten for it, moving out that very night.
Jonathan had been job hunting since, blacklisted by Mrs. Metzger's influence, finding nothing but rejection. In desperation, he turned to construction work, his skin tanning rapidly under the sun, yet he refused to yield.
It was said that Saskia offered him money, but he was too proud to accept it, determined to marry her.
Brittany was surprised by Jonathan's fierce rebellion for love.
Saskia was clearly upset, retreating upstairs after dinner, while Yuri took Daniel out to the garden for some air.
Leila, who usually kept to herself, remained seated at the table, her voice carrying a hint of depth. "Saskia could have avoided all this hardship..."