Chapter 411: Chapter 311
"What do you take Avery for?"
"Shameless!" Brandon exclaimed angrily, voicing the sentiments of his entire family. "You’re all over the headlines with other women, frequently trending online, and you even have a child with an ex-girlfriend. Now you claim that Avery is the only girlfriend you’ve ever had?"
"Madalyn and Jaylin are not my girlfriends, but my subordinates," Alexander explained openly. "They are twins. Madalyn is the older sister, and Jaylin is the younger brother. Jaylin often dresses up as Madalyn and pretends to be my girlfriend. Rumors spread that she didn’t die and was even pregnant. The child was born, but it has nothing to do with me."
He continued, "At my grandfather’s birthday party, Jaylin pretended to be pregnant and faked a miscarriage. That’s all."
The Carter family was stunned. "What kind of trick is this?"
They turned to Avery, who nodded, confirming Alexander’s words.
Brandon frowned. "What do you want by doing that?"
Alexander replied calmly, "It was to divert attention and deal with the arranged marriage."
Brandon adjusted his glasses. "What do you mean?"
Luna immediately understood. "Mr. Moran, do you mean you cooperated with Madalyn to prevent the Moran family and your marriage partner from discovering Avery?"
Alexander nodded. "That’s right."
Brandon sneered. "In other words, although you look powerful, you don’t have the ability to protect Avery, do you?"
Alexander said firmly, "First of all, let me correct you.
"Avery is extraordinary. She can protect herself and her family. She doesn’t need my protection.
"However, whether Avery needs it or not is her decision. I care about her, so I will do my best to protect her. The reason I haven’t made my feelings public is because I believe neither Avery nor you want attention from the public, nor do you want pressure from the Moran and Powell families. You don’t want to be secretly monitored and guarded either."
He paused and looked at Avery. His eyes softened, and his tone grew gentle. "Also, Avery is still studying and has many things to focus on. I don’t want her to be distracted. I hope our relationship can grow quietly, without interference, until the time is right."
Now was that time. The Carter family had become a true powerhouse, wielding influence few could challenge. They had also grown accustomed to being the center of attention and living among the highest circles of society. They exchanged glances in silence.
Brandon faltered, adjusting his glasses again. He wanted to speak, but Jaden spoke first. "I understand your point. I’m willing to believe your sincerity toward Avery."
His gaze sharpened. "But this means the Moran family won’t agree to you being with Avery, doesn’t it?"
Alexander hesitated only briefly. "Based on the current situation, that’s correct."
Jaden leaned forward. "In that case, how do you plan to convince the Moran family? If they don’t accept Avery, what will you do?"
Alexander didn’t flinch. "I won’t persuade them. I’ll simply inform them that I want to marry Avery. If they refuse, I’ll leave and start my own company."
The Carter family was stunned into silence.
The Moran family was the foremost power in Osceiton, the leading financial consortium in the East, capable of shaking the entire economy. To give up such a background and carve his own path required immense sacrifice and courage.
Even Avery looked at Alexander with a complicated expression.
Jaden composed himself and asked, "Are you really willing to give up everything about the Moran family for Avery? And if you regret it one day, won’t you blame her?"
The Carter family silently agreed. Alexander’s words sounded touching, but was it truly good for Avery?
Alexander chuckled. "If such a day ever comes, the Moran family’s refusal would only be the spark. To me, the Moran family isn’t all that important. Leaving them would not be a loss."
The Carter family’s aggressive aura faded into quiet.
He continued calmly, "In fact, I’m already prepared to leave the Moran family. So I won’t regret my choice, nor will I take it out on anyone. Don’t worry."
Everyone was left speechless. It seemed the matter was already decided, and they had no choice but to accept it.
"Alright then, Alexander may I call you that in private?" Wesley said with a smile. "Avery likes you, which means you must treat her well. We have no objections. Come in and eat."
"Thank you, Mr. Carter." Alexander smiled and held Avery’s hand. "As long as you treat me as one of your own, you can call me whatever you like."
Truthfully, they had already accepted Alexander the night Zayn fought the terrorists. Alexander had rushed overnight to Gringger City, proving at least that he was willing to take a bullet for Avery. Tonight’s "assessment" was only their final test. Since it was useless to resist, they let it go, and the atmosphere quickly became lively.
The younger ones grew curious.
"Mr. Moran...well, Alexander," Alaric said bravely, putting an arm around his shoulder. "I heard that in a big family like yours, when you come home there are two rows of servants bowing and shouting to welcome you. Is that true?"
After a moment of silence, Alexander replied, "If the time is right, I’ll take you to the Moran family, and you’ll see for yourself."
Arthur asked eagerly, "What do you usually eat at home? Only expensive things like foie gras, Wagyu beef, and caviar? Do you eat only the best parts of each dish? That sounds so wasteful!"
Alexander smiled. "If the time is right, I’ll bring you and Alaric to the Moran family for a meal. You’ll understand then."
Josie hugged Dolli and asked, "Does your family have lots of strict rules? Like on TV,if you talk while eating, you get your palm slapped. If you make the slightest noise, you get scolded. If you run around, you get punished."
Alaric and Arthur thought privately, Alexander will definitely bring her for a meal too,then she’ll know.
But Alexander gently patted Josie’s head. "Sometimes it’s like that. Honestly, our family isn’t that good. Your family is the best."
Alaric and Arthur exchanged looks, suspecting Alexander was biased.
As the children bombarded Alexander with curious questions, Avery’s phone buzzed with a message from Cora:
[We found your mentor. He’s not in a good state. We’ve also confirmed that the mysterious force searching for him is the Rose family. They’ll find him soon.]