Is this destiny?

The seniors of the Long family were holding the list of assets that Scarlet handed them, and they couldn't believe that an outsider would have all this information.

"My publishing company?", Uncle Leo mumbled while frowning and his hands shook in anger.

How dares Noah suggest that Chloe gets as her dowry HIS publishing company?

Uncle Leo saw that the first several points were targeting assets that belong to others, including Chloe's Aunt Wendy and Uncle Kevin, and he didn't care about those, but this publishing company was his side-income for years!

"Is the LL publishing company yours?", Noah asked innocently. "I was aware that suggesting Chloe get stocks which belong to Long Industries might not be appropriate, considering that Chloe will become a Bennet and you want your main company to stay within your family. That is why I listed independent options. It is quite fortunate that the publishing company is yours, master Leo. Since you volunteered to be Chloe's representative, I'm sure that you care for her."

Uncle Leo saw red. He understood very well that Noah's words implied how as a caring Uncle, he should give his company to Chloe.

Steve saw that several other seniors had grim expressions, and Steve decided to speak before this escalated into an argument.

"I see that you were thoughtful when you made these suggestions, and you considered the interests of Chloe and the Long family in general. Don't worry about the dowry, we will not let Chloe enter this marriage with a feeling of inferiority. Your offering is very generous, and we will do our best to match it. You can expect that we will send you the first draft within twenty-four hours."

Steve stood up and shook hands with Noah.

"Thank you, Steve."

"It's my pleasure, Noah.", Steve responded. "I would invite you to stay for dinner, but you gave us homework for today, so it's not convenient. Also, I assume that you will be busy considering that you just got engaged. Hopefully, we can meet soon and catch up. If you need anything, you have my number and Gabriel is available as well. Gabriel is not here because he is on a date with Becca, but I assure you that he is supportive."

Steve looked at Chloe with a complex expression and Noah noticed.

"Don't worry, I will take care of her.", Noah said to what Steve nodded.

Steve wanted to ask Chloe why she didn't come directly to him. He didn't like that he had to hear about her situation from an outsider (aka Noah).

It's not that Steve minds hearing things from Noah. Over the years, Noah accompanied Sarah many times and they attended the same events, so they are fairly familiar with each other, but the fact that Chloe didn't come to Steve (aka the patriarch) in her time of need made Steve feel that he failed as the leader of the Long family.

Since Noah called Steve earlier that day, Steve was troubled about this, and Bridgette told Steve that the whole family is like that and he shouldn't blame Chloe or himself. Sure, Steve knew that the Longs are old-fashioned and patriarchal, but he grew up outside of the family and he was not aware how deep this goes.

Steve wanted to talk to Chloe and get more information, but he knew that the timing is not right.

How Steve sees this family, these old geezers need to go. The future of the Long family should be in the younger generation. Elders can help with guidance and advice, but if they are set on forcing youngsters to do their bidding, Steve will strike those seniors off their pedestals.

Steve didn't want to discuss internal family issues with Noah, but this situation caught Steve off guard. In the end, Steve liked Noah's suggestion to give to Chloe assets that belong to Aunt Wendy, Uncle Leo, and Uncle Kevin (aka the three most prominent seniors).

The only assets that matter to Steve are related to Long Industries, and from his point of view, everything else is dispensable.

Also, giving these assets to Chloe will be Steve's way of apologizing for not doing his duty as the patriarch. He focused on the Long industries and people who tried to jeopardize his position, forgetting about the others who didn't stir trouble, like Chloe.

Steve welcomed this cooperation with Noah, as Noah pointed out issues Steve was not aware of.

Uncle Leo owning a publishing company was not a secret, the same as the information that Uncle Kevin has three hotels in the Bahamas, and that Aunt Wendy has investments in precious metals. However, Noah gave Steve detailed reports, which included data on the value and how much profit they are making. Steve clearly remembered how those seniors would always downplay their external assets, saying that they are operating at a loss or barely making any profit.

Steve thought how it's ironic. These seniors are pressuring the younger generation to make sacrifices for the family, yet the seniors themselves were growing their wealth on the side without sharing that with the rest of the family. Did they really think their actions will go unpunished? 

Noah also pointed out that Chloe is not the only one under pressure from the seniors, and that Chloe's situation reached the point where she was thinking of leaving everything behind, fleeing Los Angeles, and hiding from the family. Steve felt guilty for neglecting family members like Chloe and he was determined to figure out who from the younger generation is facing what pressure and he will compensate them by transferring assets from seniors who bullied them.

Seeing that everyone stood up, Chloe stood up as well. Now that the negotiations were over, she was worried that Noah will leave her behind.

Noah saw that Chloe grew anxious again and he swiftly took her hand into his, pleased to see that she calmed down within seconds. His little rabbit was ready to flee, but not from him. That was definitely progress.

As for Chloe, while listening to people discussing her marriage and who gets what without asking her, Chloe felt like a pet who is changing owners.

After they said goodbyes to Steve, Noah put his arm around Chloe's shoulders and pulled her close to him. "I arranged something for tonight. I hope you will like it."

"You are taking Chloe with you?", Aunt Wendy asked with disapproval obvious in her voice.

Noah shot a side-glance at Aunt Wendy and tightened his hold on Chloe. "Chloe just agreed to marry me. We are going to have dinner and get to know each other better. I will not mistreat my future wife. Instead of worrying about Chloe's whereabouts, I suggest you work on figuring out the appropriate dowry."

Noah and Chloe walked out, and Lizzie and Scarlet were two steps behind them.

As they stepped out of the villa, Chloe's eyes moved over five black Bentleys and several people in black uniforms standing in attention.

She glanced at Noah and thought how he really made a spectacle out of this. No wonder her seniors were bootlicking him.

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