Chapter 3
Nash looked up to see a woman standing beside Herman—tall and striking, though her face was caked in heavy makeup. She exuded an aura of exquisite beauty, but it didn’t quite match the natural grace that Hera had even in her barest form.
She must be Helena Lewis, the eldest daughter of the Lewis family.
Hera quickly stepped forward, calling out, “Grandpa…”
Her eldest uncle, standing just behind, looked momentarily startled when he saw Hera. His expression shifted back to neutral almost instantly, but Hera caught it.
“Why are you late?” Herman asked with a smile, his tone warm despite the clear reprimand in his words.
Before Hera could offer an excuse, Helena scoffed loudly, “Grandpa made the announcement last night, and yet you still arrived late. Seems like you didn’t care much for his words.”
Hera’s face reddened, but she quickly explained, “It wasn’t that—I almost got into a car accident on my way back. Thankfully, this person helped us.”
As she spoke, Hera gestured to Nash, who stood beside her.
Helena sneered in response, her gaze dismissive. “A car accident, really? Your excuse sounds a bit too thin. Let me guess—you were busy hanging out with this wild man and lost track of time?”
“Please, Helena, be more considerate. This person is unrelated to me—he just helped us out,” Hera tried to defend.
“If he’s unrelated to you, then why don’t you show him the door? This is a private family gathering, not a place for outsiders.” Helena interrupted, casting a cold look at Nash. Her disdain only deepened as she took in his humble appearance.
Herman followed her gaze, but instead of sharing her judgment, his expression shifted slightly. Though Nash’s clothes were plain, his physique was strong, his aura robust, suggesting he was no ordinary man.
“What’s your name, young man?” Herman asked, his voice calm but curious.
Nash bowed respectfully and answered, “I’m Nash Calcraft from Tili Mountain, a disciple of Master Johnathan Calcraft. I’ve come on his behalf to fulfill a marital alliance with the Lewis family. My master has instructed me to regard you as both my teacher and father.”
He then took out a pendant from his robes and handed it to Herman.
“Oh my, oh my! So you’re the beloved disciple of Master Calcraft!” Herman exclaimed, his excitement palpable. He staggered toward Nash, holding his hand with a tremble of awe. “I received a letter from your master yesterday. We’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival! From now on, this place is your home. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything.”
Hera watched the exchange in stunned silence. Her grandfather’s warm reception was a complete contrast to the cold reception he had given her just moments before. Was Nash really that important?
“Alright then, Mr. Lewis, I won’t be polite,” Nash said, scratching his head, his genuine surprise evident.
Helena, who had been impatiently standing by, pulled at her grandfather’s arm. “Can we get to the distribution of family assets already? I have things to do. And make sure to give me control of Lewis Corporation.”
Herman chuckled, but there was no anger in his tone. “It’s all for you. And today, I’ll settle one of your life’s major decisions.”
“Huh?” Helena blinked, caught off guard. Was Grandpa referring to her relationship with Kai Watson?
Herman turned toward Nash, his gaze serious. “Helena, this is your fiancé, Nash. You two should get married today.”
“What?!” Helena gasped, her shock evident.
The rest of the family members were equally stunned, exchanging confused looks. Everyone knew that Herman had a soft spot for Helena, but they never imagined he would arrange a marriage with someone like Nash—plainly dressed, yet possessing a powerful aura.
“I won’t do it!” Helena snapped, stomping her foot.
Herman’s expression darkened. “Helena, don’t be difficult. Nash is a rare talent, you’re lucky to have him.”
Helena pulled away from her grandfather, her voice dripping with disdain. “Rare talent? Look at him! He’s nothing more than a peasant! I refuse to marry this country bumpkin.”
Nash’s smile faltered at the insult. “If Ms. Lewis is unwilling, then we can forget about it. The Calcrafts live self-sufficiently on the mountain. I’m not as poor as you assume.”
“What?” Helena sneered, rolling her eyes. “Is that so? Let me show you something.” She extended her hand, revealing a large diamond ring. “This was a gift from Kai Watson, worth 700 grand. I’m sure you can’t afford this even if you farm for a lifetime.”
Nash’s eyes flickered with a hint of displeasure but he remained composed. “Engagement?” he asked, his voice steady.
Helena, unbothered, smirked and continued, “Kai is from the Watson family, the top aristocratic family in Jonford. Once I marry him, I’ll make sure the Lewises rise in status. This is the future of the family, Grandpa.”
Herman’s expression shifted immediately, his face turning a shade of red as he pointed at Helena. “You fool… Return that ring to the Watsons!”
Hubert Lewis, Herman’s eldest son, stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. “Dad, Kai has already given his betrothal gifts—nearly 300 million plus a 1.5 billion-dollar investment. What does this boy have that could compare?”
In a swift motion, Herman raised his hand and slapped Hubert across the face. “Utter nonsense! How could someone like Kai Watson compare to Nash?”
Hubert rubbed his cheek, looking both angry and helpless.
Helena, her arms crossed, scoffed loudly. “I’ll marry whoever I want! Not this… nothing.”
Herman’s rage was palpable now, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath.
Harrison Lewis, trying to calm his father, approached and supported him. “Take a deep breath, Dad. It’s alright.”
Hera, observing her grandfather’s rare outburst, felt an unsettling thought stir within her. Throughout her life, Herman had always been patient with Helena, even when she misbehaved. Yet, now he was willing to go so far as to argue over this marriage.
Her eyes narrowed, and then it clicked. The reason wasn’t Helena’s happiness—it was Nash’s connection.
With a steady resolve, Hera stepped forward, catching everyone’s attention. “If Helena refuses to marry Nash… I’ll marry him.”
The room fell into complete silence. Every pair of eyes turned to her in stunned disbelief.