Paul had just turned fifty, but maybe because of the years spent grinding in the business world, his hair waspletely silver. Still, the sharpness in his eyes, hidden behind gold-rimmed sses, was unmistakable, radiating themanding presence of someone who''s been around the block.


    Next to Paul sat a man who looked a lot like him but was noticeably younger. Paul was the eldest in the family, and this man was his younger brother, the fourth child.


    Around twenty minutester, the sound of a car engine, along with faint calls of "young master" from a servant, echoed from outside. The girl sitting on the sofa adjusted her skirt modestly, her expression a mix of anticipation and shyness as she nced toward the door.


    The grand European-style door swung open, and Ray walked in briskly, bringing a chill with him. He was dressed in a ck shirt and suit trousers. His expensive, tailor-made shirt was now somewhat wrinkled, adding a touch of irritation to his appearance. His tense features carried an air of coldness and annoyance, but his messy hair and the casual way he stood, despite his tall frame, gave him an indescribably charming and roguish quality.


    The girl''s heart raced. She was used to the always proper gentlemen of high society and had never encountered a man quite like this before...


    "Why are you only arriving now? Ms. Brigid has been waiting for quite some time," Paul said, clearly disapproving of Ray''sck of refinement.This is from N?velDrama.Org.


    "It''s alright, I haven''t been waiting long," Ms. Brigid replied, her cheeks flushing with a shy blush. But she didn''t act demure; instead, she confidently extended her hand to Ray. "Hello, Wade, I''m Ms. Brigid. It''s a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you."


    Ray scrutinized her openly, his gaze as if appraising an item, devoid of any emotion. Then, with a slight smirk and a cold chuckle, he said, "So, this is the woman you''ve introduced to me? Your tastes are getting worse."


    Ms. Brigid''s face stiffened slightly. The tension in the room was palpable, and the butler quickly found an excuse to invite Ms. Brigid to the garden. Understanding theplex dynamics of wealthy families and not wanting to overstep, Ms. Brigid gracefully followed the butler out.


    Hudson chuckled lightly. "Big brother, you''ve let Wade get away with too much. If you don''t take control, he''ll truly get out of hand."


    Paul frowned, looking at Ray. "Ms. Brigides from a distinguished family, has had the finest education from a young age, and is both graceful and well-mannered. She was chosen by your grandfather and me as a suitable match for you. You''ve seen her now. If there are no objections, we should start nning the wedding."


    Ray scoffed, the irritation in his demeanor intensifying. "So, you want me to marry a high societydy to solidify the Brimer family''s position in Maple Grove?" he said, pulling at the corner of his mouth but surprisingly agreeing. "Fine, I''ll marry her."


    Paul and Hudson were taken aback. They knew Ray too well; his suddenpliance was suspicious.


    "Did you really agree?" Paul asked, skeptical.


    Ray, with a hand in his pocket, smiled wickedly, his eyes gleaming with a destructive light. "As long as you''re not worried that what''s carried into the bridal chamber is a corpse."


    "Don''t you dare!" Paul''s face darkened. He knew Ray wasn''t one to easily agree!


    What infuriated him even more was... Ray was indeed capable of such an act.


    "Madman!" Hudson muttered under his breath.


    Ray''s eyes shed dangerously, his voice turning threatening. "I am a madman, Mr. Hudson, so it''s best not to push me."


    A madman, when cornered, is capable of anything.