Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Tarquin's voice was icy, "This is between her and me; you've got no part in this. Just sign the paperwork and throw in an extra million, and we can call it a day. If you don't agree, I'll find another way to get her medical bills paid."

The threat in his tone was palpable, casting a shadow over Gideon's face.

Tarquin's "other ways" of getting the money were sure to be far more brutal and terrifying than the current proposal!

Yet, giving away 2% of his shares felt like slicing flesh from his own body!

Gideon fell silent for a moment before tentatively offering, "She got hurt by my people, and I owe her for her medical bills. Would ten million do?"

"No deal!"

Gideon's expression darkened, "Do you really have to push me this far, Tarquin?"

Tarquin glared back, "You knew what you were getting into. Why act surprised now?"

This was all Gideon's own doing!

After a tense stare-off, Gideon exhaled as if making a monumental decision, "I can give her 1% of the shares, at most!"

"That won't do!"

Gideon's breathing grew rapid, clearly struggling to keep his temper in check, "1% of the Bradford Group's shares is more than enough to cover her medical bills. Hell, it's enough to buy her life ten times over!"

Tarquin's expression darkened, "You should be grateful she's still alive. Otherwise, you'd be mourning the loss of the entire Bradford family right alongside her!"

The implication was clear: if she died, he'd bring the whole Bradford family down with her.

Gideon stared at him, shocked, "You've always been in love with Elijah's mother. You couldn't possibly have fallen for Elysia. Why do you care so much about her?"

"That's none of your business! A 2% transfer of shares, not a fraction less. 1% for Elysia's medical bills and the other 1% for her and her child's emotional distress. Technically, you should also give 2% to me and Elijah, but let's keep this between us for now. Consider the 2% for me and Elijah a fee for our silence."

Gideon's face turned even darker, "?!"

2% wasn't enough; he was actually thinking about 4%?!

After a long look at Tarquin, Gideon asked, "If you secure shares for Elysia, she'd be thrilled. Why wouldn't you want her to know?"

"You don't need to know."

Gideon frowned, "You're hiding the shares and your true identity from her. What are you really up to?"

"That's not your concern."

"...And you're not worried I'll spill the beans?"

Tarquin shot him a cold look, "If you do, I'll just come clean to her. It's no big deal. But don't expect to get off easy!"Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Gideon clenched his jaw, "..."

"

Tarquin added, "You have three seconds to decide. Sign or don't sign?"

Gideon inwardly cursed, glaring venomously at Tarquin for a full three seconds before finally signing the document.

Signing it felt like his organs were being ripped out!

Tarquin took the signed document, glanced over it, and tucked it away with satisfaction.

Gideon said, "If she suspects anything when signing, it's on you."

Tarquin ignored him, but before leaving, he threw in a reminder, "Don't forget the million!"

Gideon,

"

The moment Tarquin left, Gideon hastily grabbed some heart medication from the table and swallowed it, feeling genuinely enraged to the point of

nausea.

Downstairs.

Tarquin momentarily tucked the share transfer document away, intending to find Elysia.

Just then, he witnessed the following scene...

A woman slipped and fell towards Elysia.

Instinctively, she grabbed Elysia's hair as if clutching at a lifeline and yanked it down hard.

Elysia's head jerked back, and she hissed in pain.

Even as the woman was steadied by her companion, she didn't let go of Elysia's hair, pulling with vicious intent, regardless of Elysia's well-being.