Mommy 299
The behind–the–scenes events of the auction were kept tightly under wraps. The Duarte Group only had knowledge that the land development rights were obtained by the Glorise Consortium, oblivious to the fact that Charlie was the mastermind behind it.
Wilson was still being treated in the hospital. He told the public that his injury was accidental, but he kept the actual reason a
secret.
Nicole mostly stayed at home, taking care of herself and her baby growing inside of her, and rarely went out.
Rose was busy going back and forth to the hospital to care for her son, then returning home to care for her daughter, and keeping a close eye on the potential marriage alliance between the Goodwin and Linetti families.
Zackery worked tirelessly day and night to secure the funds his company needed and was unaware of some of Rose’s private activities.
After more than a month of hinting and communicating, the marriage arrangement between the Goodwin and Linetti families slowly became more apparent.
The two families had a tacit understanding, and they were one step away from officially discussing it.
Levi, Andrew’s father, scheduled a meeting with the Linetti family leader, who a few days later officially confirmed that he would arrange for his daughter and Andrew to meet and get to know each other.
Levi was very satisfied with the news and immediately made some arrangements.
Andrew, as one of the two parties to the marriage, was very serious about this meeting.
Levi kept telling him that this was a rare opportunity and that he had to make the most of it.
The Linetti family, a well–established, prominent family in their circle, was as wealthy and influential as the Goodwin family.
If Andrew married the beloved daughter of the head of the Linetti family, he would not only benefit the Goodwin family but also increase his chances of inheriting the position of the head of the Goodwin family.
The Goodwin family was a large family with numerous branches and members.
The conflict between the main family line and the other branches never ceased.
Andrew’s mother was from the Franco family and was Raphael’s only daughter. Levi respected the Franco family, so he loved and cared for his wife without ever being unfaithful to her. Consequently, his family was peaceful and happy.
But that didn’t mean every man in the Goodwin family was the same.
As the current head’s only son, Andrew was an outstanding man and naturally became the successor of the Goodwin family.
However, he was young and lacked the same level of astuteness and insight as his father. Consequently, his position as successor was not as secure as many believed it to be.
Therefore, to secure his son’s position as the heir, Levi made every effort to carefully select a wife for him. With the aid of the Linetti family, Andrew’s position in the family could be genuinely
secure.
Andrew was well aware of the advantages of the arranged marriage, so he willingly promised time and again that he would. make the most of this hard–won opportunity.
Shawn Linetti, the leader of the Lineni family, explained to his daughter the reasons why he chose Andrew as her future husband and persuaded her to go meet him.
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Joy grew up overseas, making her more open–minded than many girls at home.
In addition, she was proud and had high expectations for her spouse, so there were very few men who could catch her eye.
At first, she didn’t agree with the idea of a marriage alliance. She thought she was still young and attractive, so there was no rush for her to get married. Instead, she made up her mind to go overseas and return after a few years if her family pressured her excessively.
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Shawn really loved his youngest daughter and did everything in his power to convince her to meet Andrew and even made a solemn vow that he would never force her into marrying him unless she grew truly fond of him.
Only then did Joy agree to meet Andrew.
That evening. Andrew dressed formally and arrived very early after finding out that the meeting would take place in a hotel owned by the Linetti family.
Joy had repeatedly asked that she and Andrew meet alone because she wanted to personally evaluate him to determine if he was suitable for her without their family’s presence.
Knowing this, Levi chuckled and happily agreed, thinking that she was embarrassed to be around her future father–in–law.
Shawn worried that something might happen if her daughter went to the appointment alone. However, he also feared that insisting on going with her would trigger her rebellious nature. Therefore, he decided not to accompany her.
He thought. ‘It’s a good idea to let the young people have their own conversation. The environment will be more relaxed with no elders present. Maybe they will be very happy with each other after they talk to each other and maybe they will get along
At seven o’clock in the evening, Joy arrived on time. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
When she pushed the door open, she saw Andrew sitting on the sofa in a well–ironed suit. Upon seeing her, he stood up with a smile and walked over to her gracefully. He stood in front of her, bowed gracefully, and reached out his hand.
“Hello, Miss Linetti. I’m Andrew Goodwin. Nice to meet you!”
Unlike the enthusiastic Andrew, Joy was a little indifferent.
She wore flawless makeup and stylish designer clothes. A Chanel bag rested in her hand, and she eyed him with an air of superiority. She glanced at his hand and coldly remarked, “No need to shake hands.”
Andrew’s heart sank.
“I know this is our first meeting, but let’s just cut the formalities since there’s no one else here.”
As Joy spoke, she arrogantly walked around him toward the sofa.
Her neglect and indifference caused the kind smile on his face to freeze, and he awkwardly and uncasily pulled back his hand.
The youngest daughter of Shawn, she was rumored to be spoiled by the Linetti family and to exhibit arrogance and condescension.
Now that he had seen her for himself, he found that she was indeed difficult to deal with.
But his interest was aroused by her attitude.
He felt a primitive desire to conquer her, something that had never happened to him in dealing with those well–behaved young ladies from noble families.
He smiled and sat on the sofa facing her.
Despite Joy’s cold expression, Andrew didn’t seem embarrassed and greeted her with enthusiasm. He believed he was being humorous and polite, but Joy’s face stayed cold and her eyes showed contempt.
‘She is much more difficult to deal with than I expected; he thought, deeply troubled.
Joy’s silence created an uncomfortable atmosphere, causing Andrew to feel uncertain despite his enthusiasm.
He couldn’t help frowning
Even as a seasoned lover, he was at a loss as to what to do in the tense atmosphere.
Joy suddenly smiled, looking contemptuous.
“You’re really serious about this meeting. I thought you were just going through the motions like me!”