?


    Justin''s deep, starry eyes held a quiet detachment as he replied coolly, "Thank you for your kind intentions, but there''s no need for that."


    Gregory frowned as he tightened his grip on his son''s shoulder. "Justin, if you want to be the Salvador family''s heir, then marriage is an obligation you can''t avoid! The doctors tell me you''re experiencing ack of emotional capabilities now. Given that, any woman should be more or less the same in your eyes. That includes Be."


    "I''m fine as I am. I don''t need a woman."


    Justin furrowed his brows, creating a deep line between them. "Furthermore, even if Ms. Thompson and I have broken up, you shouldn''t lump her in with everyone else. She was, after all, someone very important to me."


    Someone very important. Those words made his frozen heart stir slightly, like something struggling to thaw.


    "Justin, could it be that you still haven''t let go of that Thompson girl?" Gregory''s voice grew sharp with displeasure.


    Justin''s lips curled into a cool smile. "Dad, this is a private matter, and I have the right to remain silent."


    "Justin, as someone who''s been there, let me give you some advice. Choose a wife who is virtuous and one who truly loves you."


    From their vantage point, Gregory nced at the beautiful, refined young women below, each dressed to impress, perfumes mingling in the air.


    "Though Bees from a privileged family, she''s been spoiled rotten by Wyatt Thompson. She has no sense of boundaries, always meddling in things that get her into trouble, with no way to protect herself! She''s a ticking time bomb around you-not only could she drag you down, but it''s just a matter of time before she causes trouble for the entire Salvador family! How many lives do you have to waste on her?


    "Look at those girls down there. Their appearance and backgrounds-they''re hardly inferior to Be. Most importantly, they admire you, cherish you, and see you as a treasure. They wouldn''t let you endure hardship and would give our family heirs."


    Justin''s lips lifted in a faintly mocking smile. "So that''s the reason you married my mother?"


    Gregory fell silent.


    "Dad, my brain might have been injured, but I haven''t lost my memory. I haven''t forgotten what kind of woman Be truly is."


    He turned away indifferently, his tall and broad frame standing straight. "I''ve already been married once, and I''ve already had a girlfriend. I have no interest in marriage alliances or


    rtionships. I''m afraid I can''t fulfill your request."


    Gregory gritted his teeth, releasing a frustrated breath.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    Justin had barely taken a few steps when Gregory suddenly called out, "Justin!"


    Without turning back, he replied, "If this is still about an arranged marriage, you''d best save your words."


    Gregory shook his head in resignation. "No, I wanted to ask you to go to the parking lot to greet your older brother."


    Justin halted his steps.


    "Your brother isn''t in the best health. This is his first public appearance since returning to the country. I''m concerned he might not feelfortable. Having you by his side would give him support."


    Be, apanied by Steven, arrived punctually at the Salvador Hotel.


    Given the awkward status of her rtionship with Justin, she was aware that attending a Salvador family event would be a mistake, potentially adding to their mutual troubles.


    Still, Nigel had insisted on the invitation, and she could not bring herself to turn down an elder''s kindness. That was why she decided to go.


    The Rolls Royce pulled up in the underground parking lot.


    From the front seat, Steven turned back to her. "Ms. Be, shall I escort you in?"


    "No need. I''m just here to greet Grandpa Nigel. I won''t be staying long. You can wait here."


    With that, Be opened the car door and headed straight toward the hotel entrance.


    She barely made it to the corridor before a swarm of reporters rushed at her, surrounding her in a frenzy.


    "Ms. Thompson! Is it true that you and Mr. Justin Salvador have broken up?!"


    Her heart gave a painful jolt, and all color drained from her face.


    "Was it you or Mr. Justin who initiated the breakup?!"


    "You were hailed as the perfect couple and a match made in heaven! What was the reason for your split? Was there a third party involved?!"


    "Years ago, you divorced him because of Ms. Gold. Has he cheated on you again?!"


    Be had initially nned to remain silent, but the crowd was too thick to break through. Hearing such baseless spection, she could not help but speak up, her gaze steady.


    "Mr. Salvador and I separated amicably; there was no third party involved. We maintained a


    cordial rtionship. I''d appreciate it if you wouldn''t jump to conclusions or spread rumors." Suddenly, a reporter''s voice rang out above the others.


    "Is it true the breakup was caused by a woman called Ms. Amaryllis?!"