“Oh? Is it that important?” Francesca nodded, but she didn't seem to understand it.

“Yes, it's extremely important.” Despite her smile, Hazel was stern. “If the banquet falls through, Mr.

Adams will most probably rope the three families to go against Mr. Lindberg!”

“That sounds complicated.” Francesca raised her brows. “Do you mean that the banquet will fall

through if I show up?”

“Yes,” Hazel's answer was firm.

“Lindberg Corporation has no choice but to collaborate with the four great families. That way, we can

be a community of interests. Among the four great families, my family is the only family with a daughter.

Thus, my relationship with Mr. Lindberg is important-”

“Oh?” Francesca seemed confused.

“So?”

Hazel froze. Did I not make myself clear enough? Is she really confused, or is she putting up an act?

“Oh, I got it.” Francesca pondered briefly before stating solemnly, “You're saying that I'll affect

Danrique's future if I stay by his side?

And that it will be better if you're his partner?”

“I'm glad you understand-”

“But you shouldn't be telling me that,” Francesca interjected with a stumped expression. “He refuses to

let me leave, and I'm pretty frustrated, too. You should tell him to release me for the sake of his family's

interests.”

After a pause, she added, “I think I told you this when we first met.”

“There's no need to remind me of that.” Despite her anger, Hazel remained graceful. “I can't stop Mr.

Lindberg, but you can make a smart decision.” “I don't know what you’re talking about.” Francesca

furrowed her brows as though she was confused.

“If Mr. Adams enters a marriage of convenience with the Atkinson family, it would spell trouble for the

Lindberg family and Mr. Lindberg,” Hazel snapped impatiently. “I've made myself clear. If you love Mr.

Lindberg, you should be considerate. If you don't love him, then leave him as soon as possible so you

won't be dragged into this mess.”

“If you're that important, then why don't you make the decision yourself?” Francesca shot her an

amused grin. “Your marriage is important, and you are considerate to Danrique. Why don't you marry

him yourself? Why bother telling me all those nonsense?”

“Hey!” Hazel fumed, but she couldn't find any words to retort.

“Oh, you came to persuade me to leave because Danrique refused to marry you, huh?” Tiny, almost

imperceptible crinkles formed around Francesca's eyes. “That doesn't sound right. You're an eligible

bachelorette and can help him secure his position. Why did he refuse to marry you?”

Breathless with anger, Hazel couldn't do anything as the color drained from her face.

Heaving in fury, Hazel spun on her heels and strode away.

“But-”

Before Donald could say anything else, someone knocked on the door. Sean then led Hazel into the

study room.

Hazel took one look at Donald's expression and sensed the tension in the air. She promptly realized

that the discussion didn't go well.

Her gaze dimmed, but she swiftly pulled herself together and flashed a smile. “Since Mr. Lindberg has

already made up his mind, we should respect his decision.”