Madilyn felt a growing unease. How was it that Arthur seemed to get every woman he slept with pregnant? Was there something suspicious going on? "Charles, the situation is rather delicate now. Perhaps we should allow Arthur to marry this Jennifer woman—if only to satisfy public expectations. If she proves unsuitable, they can always divorce after the wedding," Madilyn suggested calmly. She glanced toward Arthur, expecting him to seize the opportunity and elaborate on the wedding plans. Even if Charles objected, Arthur could at least explain the necessity of the marriage and emphasize it wasn't his preferred choice. "Grandpa, Jennifer and I were already planning to get engaged. Now that she's pregnant, I must take responsibility. I intend to marry her within the month," Arthur stated plainly, his voice devoid of emotion. There would be no engagement—just a direct marriage. "Pregnant?" Charles' eyes snapped open at the mention of Jennifer's name, his expression turning stern. "Jennifer is pregnant?" He stared intently at Arthur, a strange look flashing in his eyes. "When did this happen?" "Grandpa, I'm sorry. I made a mistake. I'm ready to accept whatever punishment you see fit," Arthur said, bowing his head as if prepared for a scolding or worse. Charles clenched his fists, looking as though he might strike Arthur at any moment. Madilyn watched with concealed satisfaction. Would Charles finally lose his temper? He had always been so stubbornly devoted to Chloe. If he learned Arthur was marrying Jennifer, he would surely be the first to object. Go on—get angry! Explode! Maybe even have a heart attack and die. "Grandpa, go ahead—hit me!" Arthur suddenly dropped to his knees before Charles. He watched Charles' expression closely, fully expecting an outburst. At this point, all he could do was secure Jennifer's position—make her the legitimate wife of the Myers heir, the lady of the household. As long as she was satisfied, that was all that mattered. It was the least he could do for her—and the most he was capable of giving. As for love... he was no longer in any position to speak of it. Hit him! His grandfather had a fiery temper. Maybe if Charles beat him half to death, it would bring some clarity.Arthur closed his eyes, waiting for the punishment to come. "Enough. Get up. Stop blocking my view—I need to rest, not listen to all this noise," Charles cut him off before he could finish. Before Arthur could process the words, Charles continued in a dismissive tone, "I understand. It's just a marriage. Marry whoever you want—love whoever you want. You're a grown man, not a child. Handle your own affairs. Don't bother me with this. I won't interfere." Arthur was utterly stunned. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Charles was supposed to be outraged—supposed to refuse to accept anyone but Chloe. He hadn't even offered a word of objection, not so much as a second glance. "Grandpa, please let me explain—" Arthur moved forward urgently, wanting to confess that Chloe was the only one in his heart, that he was only marrying Jennifer out of obligation. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. How could Charles agree so easily? "Enough! Stop chattering. It's irritating. I need to rest—the doctor said I should focus on pleasant things. Don't bother me with such trivial matters. I'm going to my room." Charles extended his hand. "What are you standing there for? Help me back to my room." Arthur stood frozen, unable to react. Charles glared at him. "Arthur, you've been president of Myers Group for years. If you can't even make your own decisions, how do you expect to lead? If you're tired of being president, it might be time to step down. "Who you marry is your business. You don't need my approval. Since you're getting married, this house will only get noisier. I need peace and quiet. Have the suburban villa prepared—starting tomorrow, I'm moving there. Don't disturb me unless it's absolutely necessary." Arthur wanted to explain further, but his reasons felt hollow. Charles had completely dismissed the significance of him marrying Jennifer. He had expected Charles to be the first to object—after all, in Charles' eyes, only Chloe had ever mattered. Once, Charles had declared before the entire family that Chloe was the only woman he would ever acknowledge as the lady of the Myers family. Now, it seemed... it no longer mattered to him who Arthur married or who entered the family. A profound sense of loss washed over Arthur, but he found himself at a loss for words. His last pillar of support had crumbled. He was truly on his own now. Without another word, Arthur helped Charles back to his room. Then he called Donald and instructed him to arrange for the suburban villa to be cleaned and staffed with newly hired, trustworthy attendants.