Chapter 40

Chapter40 What Do You Think

Brent wasted no time and went straight to the point. "You and Marissa are both quiet, reserved,and allergic to conversation. How's a relationship supposed to work like that?"

Pausing for a moment, he continued, "My grandson is completely different from you. He's witty,charming, and outgoing. Marissa should be with someone like him."

Standing off to the side, Maxton could only sigh quietly, caught between amusement and mild embarrassment. He had never once thought of pursuing someone else's fiancée. With so many women out there, why fight for one already taken?

He had learned long ago that life was best lived without unnecessary drama.

"Don't you think so?" Brent asked, eyeing Theodore, who had been quietly paying attention.Then, he gave Maxton a nudge, subtly urging him to step up and show some initiative with Marissa.

Maxton rubbed his temples in frustration."Grandpa, can you please stop stirring things up?" "Quiet, boy," Brent said, shooing him aside. Turning to Marissa, he softened his tone and smiled. "What about you, Marissa? What's your opinion?"

Marissa stayed silent, her eyes instinctively flicking toward Theodore.

"Why are you looking at him? You're engaged, not married. He doesn't own you. And come on,divorces are common these days. Don't stress,I've got your back. He wouldn't dare cross you." Brent frowned.

Brent already had a fixed impression of her in his mind.

To him, she was a hopeless romantic and too selfless for her own good, always putting her partner ahead of herself.

And ironically, Brent considered it a point in his favor. Smart women were harder to manage, but Marissa was pliant and easy to control.

"Theodore, can you give me an answer?" Brent asked, redirecting his question since Marissa wouldn't respond.

"I won't give up on Marissa." Theodore's reply was immediate-firm and final, without even a hint of hesitation. Brent's expression remained calm, but Theodore's blunt refusal upset him. "Why not? I think you should compete fairly with Maxton."

Brent genuinely thought it was an good idea, and the more he explained it, the more convinced he became of his own genius.

Her humble background and the constant presence of her fiancé were the reasons he had always considered Marissa an unsuitable match for his grandson. So, he had only teased her about becoming his granddaughter-in-law without ever introducing her to Maxton.

But now, things were different. After Marissa returned to the Curtis family, her background matched perfectly, and Brent suddenly found himself far more invested.

He believed Theodore's calm and collected nature made him a poor match for Marissa, as their temperaments were too similar.

Theodore was undoubtedly a decent man, free of any romantic gossip or messy entanglements.

That was exactly why Brent wished Theodore could marry his granddaughter.

Yet, now the two people he had handpicked as ideal matches for his grandchildren were now engaged to each other and that was something Brent couldn't stand to let happen.

Holley, eager for things to go her way, looked at Brent. "Dr. Wallace, tell me honestly, does Maxton like my cousin?"

Maxton opened his mouth to speak, but Brent silenced him with a warning look. Then, with a light chuckle, Brent replied on his behalf, "Of course, he does."

"That's amazing! I'm so happy to hear that!"Beaming from ear to ear, Holley clapped her hands together. "Maxton likes my cousin, and she likes him, too. And I like Theodore. He'll definitely fall for me too. All of us will be happy! We can even have a double wedding! Oh, that would be so perfect!"

She twirled slightly, giddy with excitement."Marissa, you and Theodore have only met once.You don't even like him, right? So please, let me have him. I've liked him for so long. I really can't live without him. He means everything to me."

The way she spoke, it sounded as if she were asking to borrow a trinket, expecting Marissa to hand it over just because she wanted it.

Why should Marissa comply with her whims simply because Holley wanted something? From what she knew of Corrine and Marc, she understood one thing: even if Theodore weren't in the picture, they would find other men to court her.So why should she give up Theodore, who conveniently kept the other men at bay?

Even if Theodore had a girlfriend named Betty,it was no big deal. As long as they didn't flaunt it in her face, he could have a hundred women for all she cared.

"What do you think, Mr. Brooks?" Marissa asked with a soft smile, her eyes steady on his as if daring him to respond.

Theodore met her gaze, his lips curving slightly. He said smoothly, "Our engagement is arranged by our families, and I have no problem with it."