?<strong>Chapter 467:</strong>


    “If you don’t acquiesce, I’ll die right here!” Stephen threatened dramatically.


    Adrian scoffed, “Die as you please.”


    If Stephen were truly having a heart attack, he would have been desperately searching for his medication, but Adrian wasn’t fooled. The old man wouldn’t dare to die—not before M’s marriage was settled.


    Sure enough, after five minutes of performing like an award-winning actor, Stephen stopped his theatrics, but Adrian remainedpletely unfazed, not the slightest bit concerned. This only enraged Stephen further, and in a fit of frustration, he punched Adrian squarely in the chest.


    “I’ll ask you onest time,” Stephen said, his voice hard with authority. “Will you take her as your wife?”


    “I refuse to marry M,” Adrian responded without hesitation.


    “Do you truly believe I am incapable of handling you?” Stephen countered, his tone filled with authority. Armed with a vastwork of connections and years of experience, Stephen held a distinct advantage over Adrian. With the wisdom gained from a long life, he had a firm and unwavering foundation.


    Aware of this, Adrian had always shown him a measure of deference. Some people mightck the power to topple Stephen, but they couldplicate his life in other ways—undermining his efforts, dragging his name through the mud, and manifesting malice in a staggering number of ways.


    Adrian regarded Stephen with aposed expression. “Do you truly believe that marrying her would serve her best interests?”


    “I don’t care!” Stephen dered, his voice filled with obstinacy. “I would procure for her anything she desires! Even if she wanted the stars in the sky, I would make sure she got them!”


    The vehicle had already entered the hospital’s parking lot.


    “Then you ought to go and retrieve the stars for her,” Adrian replied nonchntly.


    With that, he swung open the car door and stepped out, not bothering to nce back. His position was clear: marrying M was a much more daunting task than reaching for the stars.


    The driver, noticing the tumultuous expression on Stephen’s face, understood that the discussion had not gone well. “Sir, what should we do?”


    Stephen held his breath and dered, “It’s fine. If I can’t sway him, I’ll turn my attention to Joelle instead!”


    He took out his phone. His presbyopia made the fontrge and legible, and the driver watched as Stephen dialed a number. The identity of the person on the other end remained a mystery.


    “Hello? Do as I instructed and proceed to Joelle’s ward now,” Stephenmanded.


    A nurse approached to take Joelle’s temperature. “Ms. Watson, have you heard the news?”


    Joelle, just waking up, yawned. “What news?”


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