Not twins novel (Natasha and Kenneth)
Chapter 178

Chapter 178 Standing In

Erin's heart still skipped a beat whenever she thought about the confrontation with the Hamilton family at Infinitium a few days before.

However, she did not dare to let Desmond know about it. Otherwise, her plans to marry into the Lynch family would fall through. The company must have been unaffected because I've always been overseas, so the Hamilton family did not know about me. With that thought in mind, Erin became at ease.

When she saw the smile on Desmond's face, she smiled as well. "It seems like the company is going to enter the international market under your lead."

It had to be said that Erin's words were words pleasant to Desmond's ears.

He had fallen for her back then because she was too skilled in buttering others up. Every word that came out of her mouth was one that would delight another. Her words would make a man's ego inflate. "Hahaha!" Desmond boisterously laughed. "It's still too early to say that we're entering the international market, but if we work with Hamilton Corporation, we'll definitely be able to get a standing in the national market."

"That will be something we'll be working on for the next two years. I believe that you'll achieve that soon," Erin said.

Thrilled by her words, Desmond stared at her merrily before nodding his head.

"That is the good fortune you bring with you. Once everything is settled, let me know anytime if there's anything you want," Desmond told her.

"Really?" A trace of joy flashed past Erin's eyes, but she still kept her collected look on her face.

"Of course."

Erin was already starting to contemplate what she wanted.

Right then, Jacques sneered. "I'd advise you to stop thinking of joining the Lynch family because I won't let you do so!" With that, he wheeled himself clumsily toward his room.

Erin's smile froze on her face.

Desmond watched his son leave with a frown. He wanted to say something to him, but in the end, he was silent.

When he turned back to Erin, he said, "He..."

"It's fine," Erin told him. "It's something I'll have to be patient about."

"I'm glad that you understand."

Erin still smiled in the same soft way she usually did.

Right then, Desmond's eyes flitted toward Zachary, and a frown appeared on Desmond's face. "Why are you still standing there? Come over."

Erin turned around to look at Zachary and waved to him. "Your dad is calling for you. Come over quickly."

Zachary mulled over it for a few seconds before walking over.

Just as he took a seat, Desmond said, "Your engagement with Winnifred Lenoir-"

"I won't marry her!" Zachary cried out before Desmond could finish his sentence.

Desmond froze. Then, anger seeped into his eyes. "What did you just say?"

At that, Erin quickly tugged the hem of Zachary's shirt and whispered, "Zachary, don't make your father mad."

However, it was as if Zachary had not heard her. As he stared at Desmond, he questioned expressionlessly, "I think I was clear about this. I won't marry Winnifred. If Lynch Corporation is about to work with Hamilton Corporation, I'm sure all of the problems will be resolved. In that case, why do you want me to marry Winnifred?"

"It's one thing to work with Hamilton Corporation and another for your promise with the Lenoir family!" Desmond uttered.

"Why do I have to sacrifice my love life?"

"Sacrifice? How is the Lenoir family not a match for you? I'm telling you now that this is an engagement that others want but can't even get. If not for the current state of your elder brother, do you really think you'll be able to have a good marriage like this?" Desmond bellowed at him furiously.

It was then Zachary finally realized that he was nothing but a replacement in the matter.

As the feelings of sorrow washed over him, he felt the urge to bark out a self-deprecating laugh.

All of a sudden, a grin grew on his lips. "In that case, let him marry her then. I don't want this wedding!"

Desmond flew into a rage instantly as he slammed his hand on the table. "I dare you to say that again!" Zachary did not want to bother repeating himself, so he turned to leave.

"You rebellious boy!" Desmond leaped to his feet and shouted at the back of his son. "If you don't marry Winnifred, quit dreaming about joining the Lynch family, and don't you dare call me your father!" Zachary halted in his tracks.

He then turned to look at Desmond before looking at the mansion.

"Once upon a time, I might have wanted to join the family, but now... It doesn't matter anymore. As for you... You're someone I never had, so why do you think I'd care about you?" With that, he looked away and continued walking out.

"Zachary! Zachary Lynch!" Erin cried out after him, her body shaking from the anger she felt. Nonetheless, she still had to make sure to keep up with the gentle, weak facade.

Still, no matter how loud Erin cried out for him, Zachary never once turned around.

In the past, he would think about how Desmond might have a proper reason-that Desmond might not have a choice at all-but now, he realized that he was nothing but a replaceable being. If Jacques had no been injured in that accident—or if nothing happened to the company-he might never have had the chance to be around Desmond.

If that was the case, he needed not to contemplate as much anymore.

Just as Zachary left the place, Desmond angrily picked up the cup and threw it on the floor.

"He's nothing but a rebellious boy!" Desmond fumed.

Erin jumped in surprise, but the next thing she did was look at Desmond as she squeezed out a few tears. "This is all my fault. I didn't educate him well enough. Desmond, I'm sorry. If you have to hold someone accountable for this, please hold me accountable!"

Desmond looked at her with a frown. "What's the point of crying right now? Why don't you think about what to do instead?"

"Give me some time. I'll surely convince him otherwise," Erin said.

"You'd better do that. If this ends up affecting my matter..." Desmond did not finish the rest of his sentence out loud.

Erin took a step forward to gently caress his back. "It won't. I won't let him affect you. Trust me. To be frank with you, he cares about what you think of him. It's just that it's been a long time since the two of you have met, so the communication between both of you isn't that smooth."

As Desmond listened to her words and felt her hand running down his back, an indescribable feeling seeped into his heart, and he turned to look at her. Erin looked gentle. She was already in her fifties, but she managed to preserve her appearance to make herself still look like she was in her forties.

Desmond sighed. "It's true that you must have had a challenging time raising him alone all these years..."

Erin's eyes reddened. "I said that I'll do anything if it's for you. All I ask for is for you not to hold a grudge against me."

"It's all in the past now."

"Then, Desmond, do you... still want me?" Erin asked.

Desmond gave it a thought. "Give me a little more time. As long as the marriage with the Lenoir family is set in stone, I'll talk to Jacques about it. By then, he'll agree to it for the company."

Hearing that, Erin instantly smiled. "All right. I'll wait. As long as I can be with you, I'll wait no matter how long it takes."

Desmond's eyes flicked toward her gentle face. Indeed, her gentle demeanor was a huge boost to his ego.

As he stared at her, an emotion flashed past his eyes.