Louie's unexpected refusal surprised not only Nelson but also Isabella. If Louie had expressed his willingness, Isabella would have immediately protested. However, Louie chose to decline.
Isabella, a girl with both beauty and a prestigious family background, serving as the Vice President of Century International Group, was someone that many young elites and business leaders dreamed of pursuing. Yet, Louie, seemingly aware of his own shortcomings, claimed he wasn't interested. This undoubtedly felt like a slap in the face for Isabella, who now felt a mix of embarrassment and anger. She thought, "Who does this guy think he is? Just because Ben Grandpa got confused doesn't mean he can take advantage of me. Now, he's acting all high and mighty, saying he's not interested."
Unable to preserve her dignity, Isabella tightened her face and said, "Louie, don't think for a moment that I enjoy being with you. If my dad hadn't agreed, I wouldn't even bother acknowledging you. Well, now I can be at ease. Don't bother me anymore; there is no relationship between us."
This unintentional admission revealed Isabella's agreement to the trial marriage. She hadn't intended to say it out loud, considering her plan to use the trial marriage to get Louie to leave her alone. However, her anger at Louie's earlier words led her to speak without thinking.
Louie chuckled, not looking at Isabella but focusing his gaze on the equally puzzled Nelson. He said, "Uncle, I think there's a bit of a misunderstanding here. I don't disagree with the marriage; I just don't want to be your successor. I'm used to being carefree. Taking on a leisurely role at Infinity Group is sufficient for me. Plus, you don't know much about me, and I lack experience. Declaring me as your successor early on may cause us to miss out on many excellent talents. Who knows, the next 'Welch' might slip away right under your nose. Let's discuss this matter later."
Louie's words impressed Nelson even more, as he appreciated Louie's character. To have someone refuse the position of the CEO of Century International Group showed a level of humility and self-awareness that few possessed.
Nelson let out a sigh of relief and said, "Alright, young man, you make a lot of sense. We won't bring up this matter again. I'm very satisfied with you now. Let's talk about your marriage with Isabella."
"Dad, I haven't agreed yet." Only now did Isabella realize she had been fooled by Louie again. Unable to take back what she had said, she pouted, "Dad, don't you care about my feelings?"
Nelson laughed heartily. "Isabella, didn't you just express your attitude?"
This statement left Isabella momentarily speechless. Her face turned red, and she glared fiercely at Louie, as if saying, "It's all your fault. Just wait; I'll get my revenge sooner or later."
Nelson shifted his gaze from his daughter to Louie and asked, "Louie, do you have anyone in your family?"
"Louie?" Louie was momentarily taken aback, then realized that Nelson had already considered him part of the family, addressing him so warmly. A warm feeling surged within him as he thought about his years of wandering, being away from home for so long. He wondered if his old and dilapidated house was still standing, evoking a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.
Louie, with a tone filled with melancholy and nostalgia, said, "Uncle, my parents passed away a long time ago. I'm the only one left in my family." As he spoke, he sighed deeply, casting his gaze out of the window. The once vibrant expression on his face instantly turned desolate.
Isabella had never imagined that Louie could wear such a desolate expression. A moment of sympathy flashed through her heart, and she remained silent, just listening.
Nelson, too, sighed along with Louie's long breath. As someone who had experienced hardships, he understood Louie's emotions. The weight of the years of trials and tribulations was evident. Nelson didn't want Louie to dwell in sadness, so he changed the subject, saying, "Since that's the case, things are much simpler. I've already chosen a villa for you two. It's in a newly opened residential area not far from my place. It'll be convenient for me to visit Isabella. You both can live there for a while, get to know each other. Once you're familiar, we can proceed with the formal wedding. Louie, what do you think?"
Louie, still immersed in his melancholy, felt a newfound warmth, as if he had found a sense of home. He nodded and said, "I have no problem. After all, I'm single; it doesn't matter where I live."
"Since that's settled, then this Saturday, you'll move in," Nelson declared. Suddenly realizing his forgetfulness, he laughed, saying, "Look at me, getting carried away with our conversation and forgetting about the food. Waiter, bring the dishes."
During the meal, surprisingly, Louie and Isabella didn't argue. Instead, they coexisted peacefully, while Nelson recounted many of his past experiences, perhaps influenced by the melancholy that Louie had revealed.
Outside the restaurant, Louie and Nelson bid farewell. Louie didn't return to the company but headed to the boutique jewelry store that Bessie had recently opened.
Inside the store, a girl with a bag was choosing a bracelet. Bessie, explaining the benefits of the bracelet to the girl, noticed Louie's arrival. Leaving the girl, Bessie walked towards Louie, a joyful gleam on her face, clearly happy to see him.
"Mr. Louie, why have you come?" Bessie's face sparkled with joy. Her sudden appearance made her feel delighted.
"I came to see how your business is doing," Louie smiled. He then picked up a decorative bracelet, examining it in his hands.
"It's alright, considering it's a new business. As long as there are customers, that's good enough," Bessie replied. The girl had already signaled to Bessie that she wanted to buy the bracelet, so Bessie hurried over to handle the transaction.
After the girl left, Bessie brought a chair and placed it in front of Louie, saying, "Mr. Louie, please have a seat."
"No, I just came to see if you needed any help. I'll be heading back to the company soon," Louie said, patting Bessie on the shoulder. "If you need anything, make sure to find me."
"Okay, Mr. Louie, I know you're my great benefactor. Once I've made some money, I'll definitely pay back the loan you gave me," Bessie said.
"Let's talk about it when you have the money. I don't care about that amount," Louie waved his hand, turned around, and prepared to leave. At this moment, Bessie softly said from behind, "Mr. Louie, if you ever... if you want me, you can find me anytime."
Louie paused for a moment, then said, "Sure, be careful not to lose sleep over me at night." With a smile, he left Bessie's store, leaving behind a blushing Bessie, still thinking about the night of passion with Louie.