Chapter 499: Who Wants to Marry You?
Tobias glanced between Matthew and Adelaide before addressing her. "Adelaide, what's your take on this?"
Adelaide averted her eyes from Tobias's and spoke in a low voice. "I'm not sure. Whatever you decide is fine with me."
A look of satisfaction crossed Tobias's face. He turned toward Matthew. "You'd better stay true to your promise. If you ever wrong Adelaide, you will answer to me."
Given their shared social standing, the stories surrounding Matthew's reputation had inevitably reached his ears.
Matthew was both young and formidable, having single-handedly scaled and strengthened the Lumina Group in just a few short years.
While Sophia's assistance played a role, his own talents already set him apart from his peers.
While some even drew comparisons between him and Benjamin, the consensus remained split on who truly held the advantage.
Most importantly, his integrity remained intact, guided by a steadfast set of principles in both his professional and personal life.
Numerous business leaders who collaborated with the Martinez Group had expressed high regard for Matthew.
He had only paid passing attention at the time, never suspecting that Matthew would one day become his granddaughter's husband.
But the marriage between Matthew and Adelaide remained unconfirmed.
If Matthew were to truly enter the Martinez family through a marriage to Adelaide, it would likely send shockwaves through both high society and the global business market.
For a man of his stature, youthful and accomplished, any woman was within reach. It seemed inconceivable that he would sacrifice everything for a woman unable to conceive.
The more he reflected on the situation, the greater his sense of satisfaction grew.
Matthew was prepared to surrender his entire net worth and labor for the Martinez Group without compensation, solely to secure his marriage to Adelaide.
Matthew’s sincerity was undeniable.
Everything now rested on Adelaide’s decision.
Regardless, the younger generation could handle their own concerns.
He was exhausted.
Matthew gave a soft chuckle. "I appreciate your blessing, Grandpa."
Adelaide directed a sharp glare at Matthew. "Don't be so familiar. He isn't your grandpa."
"We'll be married soon enough. Your grandpa is my grandpa too, wouldn't you agree?"
Tobias felt a brief wave of awkwardness at the title, but Matthew's reasoning soon had him laughing heartily.
"You're right. Adelaide, I think Mr. Moore is a fine choice. Why not give him a chance?"
"Grandpa, why are you siding with him?!" Adelaide felt a mix of helplessness and amusement.
Had Tobias forgotten his own caution from just two days ago about choosing a grandson-in-law?
How had he been won over so effortlessly?
Tobias smiled. The terms Matthew proposed were simply too compelling.
Above all, he could see in Matthew's gaze a profound devotion and care for Adelaide.
In truth, he had held secret meetings with several promising young men behind Adelaide's back just a few days prior.
Upon hearing that Adelaide was unable to conceive, those men immediately frowned and offered excuses to make their exit.
Some even went as far as to insult her directly, uttering the most horrific things.
He was absolutely livid at the moment.
He had feared a suitable grandson-in-law was out of reach, but then Matthew had unexpectedly arrived right at their doorstep.
Matthew—with his handsome features and tall, commanding figure—exuded a noble bearing in every movement.
A man like this was one in a million, far superior to those losers!
Once Matthew and Adelaide were married, he would finally seek his revenge; he had been suppressing his anger for far too long!
To give Matthew and Adelaide some privacy, Tobias made an excuse to head upstairs.
Once he had gone, Adelaide and Matthew remained on the sofa, eyes locked in silence.
"Are we officially together now?" Matthew asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "When should we start planning the wedding?"
Adelaide nearly choked, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. "Who said I'm marrying you? Don't be so full of yourself!"
Matthew shrugged helplessly. "Your grandpa already gave his word. You can't back out now."
"You're the one who played dirty."
"Yes, I'm stuck on you now. When are you going to marry me?"
Meeting Matthew's smiling gaze, her cheeks burned once more. Things were spiraling in an unexpected direction, rapidly slipping beyond her control.
Had she fallen into Matthew's trap?
The conditions Matthew offered perfectly addressed every one of her concerns. Despite the lingering resistance within her, she had to admit he was her best choice.
And... what had Matthew been through these past few years? It was said he’d never even been in a relationship, yet he was so adept at flirting with her.
Her composure was on the verge of shattering.
It was a relief Sophia wasn't there; it would have been so humiliating if she had seen her in such a state.
Sophia, who was enjoying time with Benjamin, suddenly sneezed.
Benjamin's stiffened slightly, his movements pausing. "Got a cold?"
Sophia rubbed her nose and nestled into his embrace. "I'm fine. Perhaps someone is thinking of me."
Benjamin smiled, his large warm palm gently stroking her belly. "Two and a half months now."
"Yes." Sophia nodded absently, not noticing Benjamin's eyes growing darker.
"Half a month left."
Who knew how hard this period of abstinence had been for him?
His sex drive was already strong. Before, he'd wanted to make love with Sophia almost every day.
Since Sophia got pregnant, he didn't dare mess around anymore.
He'd been abstaining all this time. If this continued, he'd probably get sick from it.
Sophia didn't catch his meaning and gave another perfunctory nod.
Benjamin frowned in dissatisfaction. "What's so interesting about your phone? Be careful, the radiation isn't good for the baby."
Was the phone better looking than him?
Why did she keep staring at her phone?
He leaned over to sneak a peek at the phone screen. She was watching a video.
Seemed to be an esports competition. It was Gregory.
Sophia laughed and moved the phone closer to him. "Gregory's competing in an esports tournament. This is the live broadcast."
Benjamin nodded. He didn't know much about esports and wasn't very interested.
But he felt somewhat jealous of Gregory. Here he was, a living person right in front of her, and Sophia was still busy watching another man compete.
Thinking this way, he found Gregory more and more annoying.
Sophia explained, "This time, Gregory's team is representing the country. They're competing against Aetheria."
Benjamin raised an eyebrow. "If I remember correctly, Aetheria's esports team is very strong."
"Yes, but I believe in Gregory's skills." Sophia looked down at her phone screen, her lips curving slightly. "The other side's about to lose."
As soon as she finished speaking, the broadcast announcement came through.
Gregory's team had won.
They broke the previous record, and everyone at the venue applauded excitedly for them.
Sophia even spotted Flynn in the audience.
But she and Flynn had nothing to do with each other now.
Was he interested in esports, too?
Before she could think more about it, her body suddenly lifted into the air.
Benjamin's dissatisfied complaint came from above her head, "The video's over. Time to rest."
"I just woke up from a nap."
"I need to rest." His tone was ridiculously childish.
"Then you go to sleep."
"I can't sleep without holding you."
When did he develop this bad habit?
But Sophia resignedly let him carry her to bed.
Benjamin held her tightly in his arms. There was no sleepiness in his eyes at all.
Sophia blinked and asked him, "What do you want to do?"
Benjamin chuckled softly, picked up the remote control from the nightstand, and casually drew the curtains.
The curtains were thick, blocking out the light from outside.
The room instantly darkened. Before Sophia's eyes could adjust to the darkness, her lips were suddenly kissed.
"No sex during the first three months of pregnancy."
"I know, so Sophia, will you help me out?" Benjamin took Sophia's slender hand.
His palm was burning hot. Sophia felt like her whole body was on fire. "Benjamin, you bastard..."
But before she could finish, her lips were sealed again, and the rest of her words disappeared between their lips and teeth.