Chapter 103 I Have a Condition
The two of them spent half the day together, going to Caroline's favorite restaurant, spending a hundred dollars on claw machines, and watching a movie that wasn't too bad. It was all ordinary stuff, but somehow not boring at all. This rare sense of calm was relaxing—Leopold couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this at ease.
On their way home, they passed by a renovation company. Caroline pulled Leopold inside. "Perfect timing that you're here too. Let's find a designer and talk about renovation plans for the house."
"Whatever you like is fine." What Leopold really wanted was to give her everything she loved.
But Caroline felt that since it was their home together, they should both be involved. "It's not just my home—aren't you going to live there too? Let's decide on the style together, so you don't end up not liking it after it's all done."
"That won't happen." Leopold trusted Caroline's taste. "I have complete faith in your eye for design. I really like how your place is decorated."
"My place is Art Deco style, and your room is minimalist—they're completely different styles. We should sit down and discuss this together." Caroline also wanted to avoid unnecessary arguments. "I've heard my coworker complain about this so many times. She and her partner had a great relationship, but they fought at least five times over decorating their wedding home. One day it's the floor tile color, the next day it's paint and wallpaper, then it's lighting and bathroom fixtures, and after that it's choosing beds and dining tables. Basically, there's nothing they didn't fight about—only things they haven't gotten to yet in the renovation."
Leopold made her a promise. "Don't worry, that won't be us."
Caroline tugged at his arm, shaking it. Unable to resist her coaxing and especially her acting cute, Leopold smiled helplessly and agreed.
The designer showed them several renovation styles to choose from first. Leopold had no opinions whatsoever—everything followed Caroline's ideas. He had just one requirement: as long as she liked it.
After discussing it together, Leopold felt that Caroline's place was more comfortable and cozy to live in. They finally decided on Art Deco minimalist style, choosing light yellow, white, and blue-green colors. They wanted a simple layout that also considered storage issues, with colors mainly in warm tones with low saturation—softer overall and more visually warm and comfortable.
The renovation company wasn't too far from home, so they treated it as a walk.
Almost home, Leopold got a call from Preston. From his tone, he must have found out about the marriage registration.
Preston told him to come over right away. After hanging up, Caroline looked a bit worried. "You're going to get chewed out, aren't you?"
Leopold smiled easily, patting her shoulder with the arm around it. "It's not a big deal. It won't be that bad. You go upstairs first, I'll go see what's up."
She had expected this day would come eventually. Now it was just a matter of seeing how Leopold would handle it.
Before they parted, Caroline reminded him, "Your dad is an elder after all. Try to keep a good attitude."
"Got it." Leopold walked her to the elevator. "I'm off."
The car was parked downstairs at the company. Leopold and Preston almost never met at Preston's home because Gemma didn't like it.
Knocking on the office door, Preston sat behind his desk, his face dark. From his expression, this conversation wasn't going to be pleasant.
Preston frowned, watching him close the door before speaking. "You've grown up."
Leopold knew what he meant—that he couldn't control him anymore.
"Mr. Preston Wipere, if I'm getting married, I should at least find someone I like to live with."
"Someone you like? If I'd been half as selfish as you back then, I wouldn't have everything I have today." Preston scoffed at his talk of liking someone. "Is this how you repay me? Don't forget—who gave you and your mother comfortable conditions? Who paid for you to study abroad? And who made sure your mother never had to worry about food or clothing and could spend money freely? It was all me. Back then I sacrificed so-called liking someone, and that's what brought today's success. What right do you have to talk to me about liking someone?"
When it came to putting people down, Preston was definitely a master.
It was also because of the pressure he gave that Leopold fought hard in everything, even using any means necessary to reach his goals. Preston had taught him all of this.
"Whether you agree or not, it's too late. I've registered our marriage." Leopold's face was calm.
Hearing this news, Preston didn't panic. He even laughed dismissively and said unhurriedly:
"So what if you've registered? Even if you get divorced, I can still arrange a suitable marriage partner for you."
Was he suggesting divorce?
Leopold's anger flared. He looked down and said coldly, "Mr. Preston Wipere."
Preston's expression was stern, his tone commanding as he emphasized, "I'm your father."
Leopold stood his ground, reminding him, "We're at the company right now."
He was the one who said that at the company, he should be called Mr. Preston Wipere.
Preston hesitated for a moment. Leopold wasn't a child anymore. Now that he couldn't control him, this wouldn't do.
"Leopold," Preston stared at him, saying each word deliberately, "aren't you being too confident, thinking that what I gave you is yours? Don't forget—I gave it to you, and I can take it back. It's easy to go from simple to luxurious living, but going from luxury back to simplicity isn't so pleasant."
Leopold understood Preston too well. Since he'd called him here today, Preston must be confident he could make him submit.
But Preston miscalculated one thing. Although Preston had given him opportunities, today's business was something he'd fought for himself. It wasn't something Preston could take back just because he wanted to.
"Mr. Preston Wipere," Leopold had prepared in advance for exactly this situation, "all my projects are signed under my personal name, and they were approved by a vote of the board of directors. You have no authority to take back the hotels under my name."
"What!" Preston's expression changed slightly, but having weathered many storms, he wouldn't easily lose his chess piece.
A cold smile curved his lips. "Just because the hotels are under your name means I can't do anything about it? Aren't you part of the company? You really are naive."
Since he'd decided to come, Leopold had prepared for everything. Unless Preston pushed him to the edge, Leopold wouldn't take that final risky move.
For now, he didn't want to completely break things off. He could see clearly now what he meant to Preston—he was just Preston's money-making tool, with no family affection involved.
"Mr. Preston Wipere, even though I didn't choose the marriage partner you arranged, I promise that the benefits you want, I will definitely deliver. Consider it my compensation."
Leopold didn't choose to go head-to-head. The harsh words he'd just said were only to make his position clear—his marriage to Caroline was not up for discussion.
Preston also knew Leopold's capabilities. After all, this was a critical time for Celestial Waters Hotel. Due to policy changes, the domestic economy was booming, and suddenly many new hotel brands were emerging. This was a huge impact on old brands. He still needed Leopold to hold onto their current market share, and even more, he needed him to capture a larger market.
"From what you're saying, you must have other plans?" Preston sized him up, assessing the situation.
Leopold said, "I have one condition. You've always wanted to expand the market—I can make that happen. But I only need you to agree to attend our wedding."