Chapter 490 Choice

Chapter 490 Choice

"It's all good, Hestia. You know I got no issues with you," Quinton said, hugging Hestia. 

Quinton, usually unfazed by violence, now held Hestia gently, careful not to squeeze too tight. "And even if this ain't the right move, Edmund won't object. You're his favorite niece, after all."

"Fave niece?" Hestia lifted her head, glaring at Quinton. "If he cared, why'd he hook me up with some Zotburg dude? He swore to my mom I could marry for love, not duty, like she did. He promised!"

"And now? Quinton, I was picturing our wedding, and he drops the bomb that I have to marry Shawn for the Ramirez and Sharp families, just because his father's from Zotburg? What about what I want?"

Quinton's eyes lit up at the thought of marrying Hestia, but the spark faded fast.

"Hestia..." Quinton struggled. "I get you're mad, but Edmund's hands were tied. Shawn's past got out, and now everyone's eyeing him, from Kiliath to the Soth Empire, not just Zotburg."

Knowing that changing Hestia's marriage to Shawn was a long shot, Quinton kept quiet, not daring to push Edmund, knowing it wasn't just his call.

Thinking of who was pulling the strings, Quinton sighed silently. He ran his fingers through Hestia's hair, speaking softly, "Even though Brian ain't the head of the Lewis family, they're cool with Shawn having Soth Empire ties. Picking his wife is key. They trust you, Hestia."

Hestia looked puzzled. "But that ain't a reason to sacrifice me. And Quinton, that person you mentioned, Sebastian? I ain't heard about him pushing me to marry Shawn. Rumor mill says he's eyeing a Montgomery for himself."

"Quinton, why me over Sebastian? Did Edmund ditch the Montgomery family's orders?"

Quinton hesitated, staying silent.

The Ramirez family seemed under the Montgomery family's thumb. But since Edmund took charge and teamed up with Melantha and that mystery figure, they weren't strictly following Montgomery's lead anymore.

It could be argued that even if the Ramirez family cut ties with the Montgomery clan, it wouldn't make a big difference. 

After the trio's discussions, they saw the benefit of still using the Montgomery family's influence, especially to deflect blame when needed. This also conveniently diverted the Soth Empire's attention away from Kiliath.

As for why Hestia was picked, Quinton had questioned this directly before. Everyone who knew him was aware of his connection with Hestia.

What did the leader say back then?

"Quinton, it's a strategic move. We need someone we can rely on. Look at Hestia from the Sharp family. She's a perfect fit. With Edmund as her uncle, you as her lover, and her family's loyalty, she'll fall in line with just a little nudge, right?"

"After all, who among the nobles isn't sneaking around behind their partner's back these days?"

Quinton was shocked by this. He couldn't go against the leader's wishes, knowing his success was tied to their support. But...

Quinton frowned. How could Hestia marry someone else like this?

"I'm sorry, Hestia."

Quinton bit his lip, looking unusually defeated, as he faced Hestia's questions.

"This ain't a direct order from the Montgomery family, but I believe Edmund, as head of the Ramirez family, has his reasons. When big gains are at stake, even if it's a Montgomery request, Edmund has to weigh whether it's good for the Ramirez family. And... my true leader, the one I follow, has always backed this. Edmund, as an ally, wouldn't go against it. But I promise you, if you're unhappy after the wedding, I can find you, or if the mission succeeds, I'll help you disappear and return to us."

"Hestia, can you do this for the Ramirez and Sharp families' honor, and... for our future, for now?"

The cold water surrounded Ava, feeling like a heavy stone sinking in a pond. Her ears caught every sound from the shore, unable to move as Quinton's footsteps on gravel neared, his words cutting through.

What did he mean by meeting as lovers and faking death to leave? Quinton was manipulating Hestia's feelings for his gain!

And the leader Quinton mentioned was likely the emblem's owner.