Chapter 526
After settling the matter, the Yamin family invited the Turner family couple to stay for dinner. However, they politely declined, citing their intention to return and report back.
Angie made a jest, and Emma thankfully expressed that they would dine together once her son returned.
The Yamin family gathered at the door to bid farewell to the Turner family and the Roberts family, displaying an abundance of enthusiasm.
In the car.
Grace assumed the driver role while Daniel occupied the back seat, engrossed in sending a message to Joseph. [The Yamin family has approved the marriage, but the formal engagement gift requires Christina’s confirmation.]
Daniel was aware of the situation’s sensitivity and opted not to call his son at that moment, avoiding any potential disruptions.
At that moment.
Joseph was enjoying a peaceful nap in the sunroom with Christina nestled in his arms when his phone buzzed in his pocket. Groggily, he retrieved it to discover a message from his father.
Joseph extended one hand from the blanket and replied, [Okay, I’ll discuss it with her when she wakes up].
However, Daniel refrained from responding, feeling awkward about inquiring if they were asleep.
Christina in his arms stirred like a little cat rubbing against him, and Joseph softly asked, “Are you awake? Are you still tired?”
Still in a drowsy state, Christina mumbled under the blanket, “Let me clear my head. Your phone keeps buzzing.”
“Yes, it’s probably from Ava. She’s likely inquiring about our situation,” he replied.
Christina weakly replied, “Did you tell her?”
Joseph seemed to state it like an everyday matter, “Well, I’ve taken care of your shareholders’ meeting for you.”
“Okay.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she realized that something was amiss.
She was taken aback by his mention of a shareholders’ meeting.
The next moment, Christina abruptly opened her eyes and gazed at him with disbelief. She realized this shareholders’ meeting referred to a family gathering, not a corporate shareholders’ meeting. “You’re serious? You called them?”
Her enchanting eyes brimmed with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. They widened as she leaned forward on his chest and excitedly craned her head. Joseph gently pushed her hair away from her face and explained, “While we were sleeping, my parents hurried over to your house to propose.”
He replied, “So, does that mean Aunt and Uncle have already consented to our marriage? Is Ms. Yamin having second thoughts about it?”
Christina was left speechless.
Christina was so astounded that she found herself momentarily at a loss for words. She finally managed to stammer, “Ms. Yamin, please tell me you’re not having second thoughts about commitment. I’m someone who takes relationships very seriously. Once I’ve crossed a certain line, I’m dedicated to life. So, Ms. Yamin, are you committed?”
His words carried a concern as if he feared that Christina might reconsider, yet his tone remained tender and gentle.
“Joseph, I’ve realized that you’re quite the cunning wolf. You strike when least expected,” Christina quipped, playfully teasing him. “And you leave no room for counterattacks. You’re wicked.”
All because she had fallen for him.
Hearing this, Joseph smiled. There was no anger on Christina’s face. Instead, there was mockery. He hugged her tightly under the blanket and pulled her into his arms. “That’s because you’re a good person. I had no choice but to do it. Ms. Yamin, can you be my Mrs. Turner now?”
In this situation, both parties in the relationship have reached a significant level of involvement. Christina found herself in a difficult position where she felt compelled to accept the responsibilities of this heightened commitment. The pressure to do so stemmed from Joseph’s reminders and insistence, creating a sense of obligation. From her perspective, it might have seemed that she had no alternative but to comply with these demands. The fear of refusing and the potential consequences of doing so weighed heavily on her, as it could have led to a negative perception of her character within the relationship, ultimately portraying her as someone who avoids or evades responsibilities rather than actively participating and contributing to the partnership.
Witnessing her willingness to cooperate, Joseph let out a sigh of relief. He knew there was a certain level of risk involved in this situation. Nonetheless, Joseph made the conscious decision to take a chance. He was anxious that further delays might
lead to complications, so he wanted to prevent Christina from having too much time to reconsider her choices.
He had forced her.
Joseph smiled and said, “I’ll accompany you back to Athana tomorrow. The contract has been signed. I’ll bring you back to meet your in-laws.”
“Are you worried about the Yamin Group or our long-distance location?”
Looking at Christina in his arms, thinking about something, Joseph guessed why.
Christina said truthfully, “Both. Chris doesn’t want to take over the company, so we might have more long-distance locations in the future. Can you accept that?”
“Call me like you did last night. Don’t use your surname. Our relationship isn’t suitable for such an unfamiliar address.”
She wondered how she had addressed him the previous night. Perhaps he had wanted her to call him Joseph.
Joseph continued, running his hand gently along her back through her clothes. “For the Yamin Group, I can find someone to help you manage it, guaranteeing your satisfaction. I can also handle your brother’s marriage matters. It will be a sure success, no room for failure.”
Christina narrowed her eyes once more, sensing a hidden agenda. “You’re not planning something unconventional, are you? You’re not joking, are you?”
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