Chapter 180 Marriage?

Chapter 180 Marriage?

Noah glanced sideways at Killian but didn't get straight to the point. Instead, he asked about how things were going.

"How's the company doing lately? Is Lena adjusting well? Why haven't you brought the kids to see me? Don't tell me you think I'm too much of a nag?"

Killian paused for a moment, then immediately replied, "Everything at the company is running smoothly. Lena is extremely capable and has everything perfectly organized."

"As for the kids, they really miss you. It's just that Lena and I have been so busy with work. Once we have some free time, we'll definitely bring them to see you."

His answer was airtight, leaving Noah nothing to criticize.

But Noah didn't let it go. He continued asking, "How come I've been hearing all these strange rumors going around the company? Something about you and Lena not getting along, and that you argue all the time."

"We haven't been arguing. We just have different views on some things. Besides, we've worked so hard to build what we have today. Whether it's the company or our family, we're facing new challenges. It's normal to have a few small disagreements."

Killian answered calmly. "But I think these are minor issues. Lena and I can sit down and talk things through. The rumors are way overblown. You don't need to worry about them, Grandpa."

Seeing how composed he was, Noah smiled slowly and said, "Killian, I understand you and Lena have your own plans and arrangements, but I hope you can settle things soon."

"After all, the outside world is watching you closely. The longer this drags on, the more troublesome it becomes. It could even cause instability within the group."

"Grandpa, I..."

Hearing Noah say this, Killian found himself in a difficult position.

He naturally understood what Noah meant. Noah wanted him and Lena to get married right away, but for him and Lena, this wasn't something they could decide immediately.

"Making Lena an official member of our family would be good for both of you," Noah said slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable tone. "The sooner the better, understand?"

This was Noah's order, and Killian couldn't hide from it.

But when Lena found out, she clearly resisted and immediately protested, "What is this? Why should we get married for the sake of the family?"

"This isn't a choice based on feelings at all. It's more like a political arrangement!"

Although she could understand Noah's decision, she couldn't go along with his wishes and obediently follow his orders like some decorative trophy.

"If marriage is just to stabilize the Thorne family's situation," Lena also expressed her thoughts clearly to Killian for the first time, "then I absolutely won't agree!"

Hearing Lena's firm answer, Killian remained very calm.

He didn't get angry or argue with her. He simply took Lena's hand and said seriously, "Lena, I respect your pace. As long as you're not willing, I won't force you."

"Marriage is our own business. Even if Grandpa pressures us, I won't give in, not until the day you change your mind."

Looking into Killian's sincere eyes, Lena couldn't help but feel moved.

The man who used to be so domineering and stubborn had actually changed for her, standing up to Noah for her sake. This had never happened before.

It turned out that as time passed and they weathered so many challenges together, it wasn't just she who had changed—Killian was also changing bit by bit.

"Killian."

Lena couldn't help but hold Killian's hand. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I'm not against marriage. I just want to think it through carefully."

"Of course," Killian also smiled warmly while holding her hand. "Marriage is a big deal. You have to think it through."

Lena pressed her lips together and nodded. She realized she was now seriously weighing the idea of marriage instead of just rejecting it outright.

That evening when she got home, she went to the children's rooms as usual to check on each of them.

Because of work, Lena had limited time to spend with the kids, but she always kept them in her thoughts and cared deeply about them.

"Mommy."

Hearing a sound beside her, Zoe opened her eyes and called out softly.

"What's wrong, Zoe?" Lena sat down on the edge of the bed, a bit surprised, and gently stroked her head. "Why aren't you asleep yet? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

Zoe shook her head, seeming a bit hesitant. After a long pause, she asked timidly, "Mommy, will you marry Daddy?"

Lena was taken aback. She didn't know where the news had come from, but even the children knew about it.

She stroked Zoe's head and thought carefully before answering, "I don't know yet, but I'll definitely think about it seriously."

She didn't want to lie to the children or go against her own wishes and heart. Regardless of what others thought about her and Killian, she had to follow her own heart.

Zoe was clearly a bit disappointed, but she still leaned into Lena's arms and said, "Mommy, whatever you choose, I'll support you."

She loved both Lena and Killian. If possible, she didn't want them to separate. She hoped they could stay together forever.

But she also knew very clearly that some things weren't for her to decide. If Lena wasn't willing, no one could force her.

"Thank you, Zoe." Lena lowered her head and kissed her forehead, smiling. "Whether your daddy and I are together or not, we'll both love you. You're all our precious babies!"

Her relationship with Killian wouldn't change their love for the children. On the contrary, they would care for the kids even more and do their best to love and protect them.

Hearing this, Zoe's worried heart settled down. She closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Lena also gently patted her chest until she was sound asleep, then tiptoed out of her room.

She slowly walked to the balcony and gazed into the distance, feeling that too many other factors were wrapped up in her relationship with Killian.

Whether it was the outside world's attention, Noah's pressure, or Isolde and the children's thoughts, they all brought her new considerations.

But fortunately, Killian hadn't rushed her. He respected her wishes and allowed her to continue thinking about which direction to take in the future.

But before Lena could find the answer in her heart, the media suddenly broke the news that the heir to the Thorne Group was about to get married.

This news was like a bomb, instantly attracting widespread attention. Even within the Thorne Group, there was much discussion, pushing Killian and Lena to the center of the storm.