Mark, Just You Wait

"Stop glaring at me. I really won't do anything."

Alex covered Mark's eyes, urging him to relax and go to sleep.

"If you try anything, I'll kick you to death."

Mark pushed Alex away, refusing to let him hold him while they slept.

Alex laughed, surrendering, and promised to behave.

"Hmph!"

Mark pulled the blanket over himself, putting some distance between them.

Soon, Mark fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

"Just now, he was so wary of me. Now he's sleeping soundly. Is he really that trusting or just too exhausted?"

Alex was conflicted, unsure whether to be happy or frustrated.

"Never mind, there's plenty of time. No rush."

Alex moved closer to Mark, slipping his arm under Mark's head as a pillow.

Mark, sleeping deeply, was oblivious to the situation behind him.

Meanwhile, at Alex's uncle's villa,

"Isabelle is incredibly gullible. Just a bit of embellishment, and she believed everything."

Isaac boasted to his father, Lucas, who sat behind his desk with a satisfied look.

"The old man from the DeLaCroix family is a major shareholder on the board. Alex would rather marry a man than his granddaughter. There's no way he'll let that go."

Isaac added, "Belmont DeLaCroix dotes on Isabelle. This time, he'll definitely side with us."

"He might be furious, but he'll weigh the pros and cons. Your job is to win Isabelle over. Once she's on our side, Belmont will have no choice but to help us gain control of the company."

Lucas remained cautious, not letting his guard down.

"You're right. Don't worry, I'll charm Isabelle. If that doesn't work, I'll use other methods."

Isaac's expression turned lewd, hinting at unscrupulous plans.

Lucas noticed but didn't stop him. "Just make sure there's no evidence. Do it cleanly. Once she's yours, she'll have no choice but to marry you."

"I know what to do."

Isaac gave Lucas a confident look, determined to succeed.

"If only your useless brother were half as clever. He's hopeless, always pining over that Beryl. Pathetic."

Lucas's face twisted with disdain and anger as he mentioned his elder son.

"Beryl is only with him for money. She immediately agreed when we offered a reward to seduce Alex."

"He's an idiot, blindly clinging to Beryl. Now she's run off with five million, and we can't find her."

Isaac fanned the flames, knowing that with his brother out of the picture, there'd be less competition for the family inheritance.

"Keep searching for her. That five million belongs to the Dupont family. We can't let her get away with it."

"I've already sent people after her. We should have news soon." Isaac replied, then asked, "What's Alex thinking? Marrying a woman wouldn't have been this humiliating. Why a man?"

"Why else? To spite his father."

Lucas had seen through Alex's intentions.

"I see!"

Isaac finally understood.

"Go rest. Don't miss tomorrow's show."

Isaac acknowledged, smiling as he respectfully left, anticipating Alex's downfall at the board meeting tomorrow.

Back at Isabelle's home, she stormed in, crying to her grandfather, "Grandpa Belmont, you have to stand up for me. Alex is too much! How could he do this to me?"

"His mind isn't right. He likes men. It's disgusting." Isabelle sobbed and cursed.

Belmont, awakened by the noise, leaned against the headboard, listening silently but visibly angry.

"Grandpa."

When Belmont remained silent, Isabelle cried harder.

"Servant."

"Yes, sir."

The butler hurried in.

"Take Miss Isabelle to rest."

"Yes, sir." The butler gently guided Isabelle. "Miss, it's late. Please rest."

"No, I don't want to leave. Grandpa, you don't love me anymore. How can you let Mark bully me? He doesn't deserve Alex."

Isabelle clung to Belmont's leg, weeping.

Belmont patted her head. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you're not wronged."

"Really?"

Isabelle sniffled, wiping her tears, doubtful.

"Of course. Now go rest."

Belmont smiled kindly, his face full of affection.

"Grandpa is the best."

Isabelle hugged Belmont joyfully, then her expression turned venomous.

Mark, just you wait. Grandpa won't let you off.

Early the next morning, Alex woke Mark and took him to the company.

Howard, as usual, came to pick them up, driving them to the office.

In the backseat, Mark yawned, still groggy.

"So tired."

He leaned lazily against the seat, barely keeping his eyes open.

"I'll find you a place to nap at the office. Just bear with it for now."

Alex ruffled Mark's hair, his head pats becoming increasingly habitual.

Mark shot Alex a sideways glance but didn't swat his hand away, merely showing his displeasure.

Alex, seeing Mark's disgruntled look, just smiled and withdrew his hand, then asked Howard, "Is everyone here?"

"The board members arrived early. They're in the conference room waiting for you." Howard replied.

Alex showed no urgency, smiling as if he had a plan.

"Is Belmont here too?"

"You married your wife and left his granddaughter behind. Of course, he'd attend this meeting. Although your uncle initiated this impeachment, many shareholders, likely influenced by Belmont, want you removed. It's not just your uncle you have to worry about." Howard analyzed.

Even without Howard's analysis, Alex understood the board members had long disliked him. Being so young and already in his father's position had made many envious.

Although the shareholders couldn't assume his role, they all had sons. Who wouldn't want to replace Alex with their own child as Dupont Group's president?

"You were too impulsive. Yesterday, you should've let them have their way. No need to drag your wife into it."

"If we're going to play, we'll play big. I want to flush out all my enemies at once. The board isn't under my control yet. Now's the perfect time to see who's on my side and who's against me."

Howard was stunned. He's thought this far ahead?

No wonder he dragged Mark into a public marriage, creating such a spectacle.

Indeed, now's the time to differentiate friend from foe. As acting president, he needs to know his allies before he can move forward.

I thought he was just messing with Mark. Turns out I underestimated him. Last night, I even cursed him for being a perverted romantic.

Howard felt embarrassed for having misjudged Alex, though he had harshly criticized him for it.

"But what about Belmont? You can't afford to alienate him. It'll be bad for you."

"I'll handle it."

Alex cut off Howard's concerns.

Howard sighed, realizing he had to play a supporting role and let Alex take the lead.

"Once we arrive, grab some breakfast. My wife hasn't eaten."

Alex instructed, focused on his phone as if reviewing documents.

"Alright."

Howard didn't object, knowing it was part of his job.

Mark, thinking Alex would ignore him during business, was surprised he remembered he hadn't eaten.

What's with this? Why does he care so much?

Mark muttered internally, appearing displeased but blushing slightly.

Mark, calm down. Something's wrong with you.

He pressed his chest, trying to steady his heartbeat.

Damn it! This man is toxic!

Mark scratched his head, frustrated with his own reaction.

"Not feeling well?"

Alex asked, checking Mark's forehead.

"I…I'm fine."

Mark quickly pushed Alex's hand away, turning to look out the window, flustered.

Alex raised an eyebrow. Is he embarrassed?

Seeing that it might be true, Alex's smile grew. How cute. Just a little teasing and he turns red.