Alexander Valentine straightened his tie outside the Sullivan Group headquarters.

He took a deep breath before stepping into the elevator.

At the door of the chairman's office, he raised his hand to knock.

"Enter." Victor Sullivan's cold voice came from inside.

Alexander pushed the door open to find Victor standing with his back to the entrance, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Uncle Victor." Alexander greeted him respectfully.

Victor turned slowly, his gaze sharp as a blade. "You dare show your face here?"

Alexander retrieved a stack of documents from his briefcase. "These are the Valentine Group's partnership proposals for next quarter."

"Leave them on the desk." Victor didn't even glance at the papers.

Silence filled the office.

Alexander cleared his throat. "Natalie last night—"

"Enough!" Victor slammed his palm on the desk. "How old is my daughter? You actually—"

"I'll take responsibility." Alexander met his gaze directly. "I came today to ask for your permission to register our marriage."

Victor sneered. "You think you're worthy?"

"I understand your concerns." Alexander presented a medical report. "I undergo comprehensive annual checkups. My health is excellent."

Victor flipped through the report, lingering on the "family medical history" section.

"Dad!" The office door suddenly swung open.

Ethan Sullivan walked in holding a file. "There's an issue with the North City project."

Noticing the tension, he deliberately added, "Alexander, weren't you taking Natalie wedding dress shopping today?"

Victor's expression darkened further.

"Dad," Ethan lowered his voice, "the Valentine Group's market value has doubled recently."

A flicker crossed Victor's eyes.

"You know how stubborn Natalie is. The more you oppose, the more she'll resist." Ethan continued, "Maybe—"

"Silence!" Victor barked, yet turned toward the safe.

The clicking of the combination lock echoed loudly.

Victor pulled out a household register and slammed it onto the desk. "If you ever make my daughter unhappy—"

"I won't." Alexander accepted it with both hands like a priceless treasure.

Victor's eyes suddenly reddened. "That girl's been spoiled rotten since childhood..."

"I'll spoil her even more than you have." Alexander vowed solemnly.

Victor turned away with a dismissive wave.

Exiting the office, Alexander exhaled deeply.

Ethan followed him out. "Don't forget you owe me one."

"Thank you." Alexander said sincerely.

In the underground parking garage, Natalie Sullivan paced anxiously inside her car.

Spotting Alexander, she sprinted toward him. "Well?"

Alexander waved the household register.

"Oh my god!" Natalie leaped into his arms. "Old Victor actually agreed that easily?"

"Thanks to your brother." Alexander chuckled, embracing her.

Natalie blinked mischievously. "So we're..."

"Going to the registry office right now." Alexander took her hand.

In the car, Natalie suddenly leaned close. "Husband~"

Alexander's hands jerked, nearly swerving the wheel.

"Say that again."

"Husband dearest~" Natalie playfully drew out the syllables.

Alexander shook his head with an affectionate smile. "You..."

"What about me?" Natalie tilted her head. "Not satisfied?"

"Extremely satisfied." Alexander squeezed her hand. "For this lifetime and beyond."

Sunlight streamed through the window, glinting on their intertwined fingers.