Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 943

Nicholas Lee was indeed tempted by the offer. Besides, Charlotte Kelly had a point. If Dennis refused, no one could force him. After all, Dennis Williams held the reins at NextGen Technologies. The Williams family had already made it clear they didn't want the marriage, and pushing any further risked infuriating Dennis and leaving them with nothing. Taking this graceful exit was their best option, even if it meant getting less than they'd originally hoped. At least these benefits were tangible, something they could actually hold in their hands. But it also meant he wouldn't be Dennis Williams's father-in-law, and the Lee Group's name would never carry the same weight as the Williams Group's... The two thoughts warred in his mind. His greed and indecision left him paralyzed, unable to make a choice. Cynthia Lee, however, was the first to lose her composure. Her anger flared as she snapped, "I don't agree!" Her outburst brought Hazel Wood back to her senses. Supporting her daughter, she added, "I don't agree either." She looked at the Williams family, her voice laced with accusation. "When you get down to it, you're the ones who have wronged us. The engagement was set, and Dennis should have honored it and spent time getting to know my daughter. Instead, he went to Harrisburg and got involved with that other woman. Morally and logically, he is in the wrong. Now, not only is he not thinking about compensating Nancy, but you're asking her to give up? Why should she be the one to step aside for them?" The elder Mr. Williams was stunned by her brazen, twisted logic. He couldn't believe the Lee family could be so shameless. Any parent who cared about their daughter, seeing how things had turned out, would have made a clean break to find their child a better match. Why were they clinging to this? Didn't they care that Cynthia would be miserable, married to a man who didn't love her? As the thought crossed his mind, he finally saw the truth. It wasn't just his grandson they wanted; it was the power of the Williams family and NextGen Technologies. His expression hardened. "So," he asked, his voice low, "what is it you want?" Hazel, oblivious that her ambition was now laid bare, declared, "Naturally, Dennis should make time for Nancy. They need to get to know each other and build a relationship. That's only fair. Otherwise, this is a breach of trust on the Williams family's part. If word got out, it wouldn't look good for you, would it, Mr. Williams?" Her arrogant, non-negotiable tone, using his reputation as a threat, made the elder Mr. Williams's face darken. He never knew the Lees, whom he had considered friends, were so ruthlessly ambitious. Their true intentions were now crystal clear. It wasn't paranoia on his part; he had truly misjudged them. Douglas was furious and about to speak, but Charlotte placed a calming hand on his arm. She smiled serenely at the three of them. "So, you're rejecting my proposal?" Nicholas feigned a troubled expression. "Well... I didn't want it to come to this. But you see, Nancy is just so stubborn." He glanced at his daughter, pretending to reason with her. "Nancy, maybe we should listen to Mrs. Williams's suggestion and just let it go?" "No!" Cynthia, blinded by rage, shot back. "I want Dennis, and only Dennis!" Charlotte nodded, her expression magnanimous. "Is that so? Since you're so insistent, you can have your chance. Starting today, you may use any means you see fit to get close to Dennis. If you can actually win his heart on your own merit, I will have nothing more to say. If you two genuinely end up together, I will even prepare a lavish dowry and welcome you into the Williams family with all the ceremony you deserve." With that, Charlotte stood up. "This dinner is over. Please, help yourselves. We'll be leaving now." She helped the elder Mr. Williams to his feet, and Douglas rose with them, ready to depart. The abruptness of it all made Nicholas nervous. It wasn't that he was dissatisfied with Charlotte's offer, but their attitude worried him. He feared they had angered the Williams family and ruined a connection others could only dream of. They couldn't afford to make enemies of them. But before he could say anything, Charlotte spoke again. "Dennis's flight lands at three in the afternoon, the day after tomorrow. If Nancy is truly confident in herself, she can be there to meet him. You said we never gave you a chance to be together. Well, here's your chance. I suggest you make the most of it." And with that, she led the elder Mr. Williams and Douglas out of the private room.