Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 53

Zachary had been fiercely opposed to this marriage back in the day. If it hadn't been for Waldo's strict orders, he never would have agreed to get engaged to Audrina.

But things were different now.

This thorny issue with Vera was still unresolved, and his grandfather would only ever acknowledge Audrina as the rightful future Mrs. Sutton. Because of that, he desperately needed a legitimate child.

With this child, no matter what Vera tried to pull, it wouldn't make a dent.

Tamara knew exactly where her priorities lay, and when the time came, she wouldn't have any reason to side with Vera either.

Besides, he truly didn't understand it.

Why did Vera keep pushing him over and over again?

He had clearly promised her that he would definitely find a way to break off the engagement.

Why couldn't she just be patient...

On the other hand, there was Audrina.

She was so understanding it broke his heart.

Even when she wanted to glance at her own family's financial reports, she asked so cautiously, terrified of making him upset.

Audrina stood there, looking back at Zachary. What on earth was wrong with him? Why was he suddenly asking for a baby? Why were he and Tamara taking turns rushing her to get pregnant?

But she didn't let any of her suspicion show on her face. Instead, she acted a little shy and hesitant. "But... we aren't married yet..."

Zachary stood up, still gripping her wrist.

He was more than a head taller than her, gazing down at her with the light behind him.

For a second, Audrina couldn't read the expression on his face.

"Our wedding is already in the works," he said. "Plus, Waldo adores you. He's getting older, and if he could hold his great-grandchild sooner rather than later, he'd be thrilled."

At the mention of Waldo Sutton, Audrina let out a soft exhale.

But that wasn't enough to manipulate her.

Besides, Zachary was acting completely out of character today...

She feigned anxiety. "But I just started my new job, and I really love this—"

Zachary pulled her into his arms, cutting her off. "I'll take care of you. Once we're married, you'll be Mrs. Sutton. Why bother going out to work and exhausting yourself?"

Audrina didn't immediately push him away, allowing him to hold her.

She rested her chin on his shoulder, keeping her face hidden from his view.

She offered a brief greeting and sat down. Vera was the one who lost her patience first. "What do you want?"

It was the first time Audrina had taken a good, hard look at her.

She had a genuinely beautiful face, with delicate bone structure and an inherently pitiful, delicate aura around her eyes.

Years of dance training had given her a lithe, alluring figure.

No wonder Zachary was so obsessed with her.

Audrina cut straight to the chase. "I know all about what's going on between you and Zachary. Let's just be direct. How much money will it take for you to leave him?"

Vera clearly hadn't expected her to be so blunt. After a few seconds of stunned silence, her red lips curved up slightly.

"Since you're being so straightforward, Ms. Monroe, I won't hold back either. What capital do you think you have to negotiate with me?"

"Who in the Sutton family actually respects you? If it weren't for Waldo backing you up, what would you even be to them?"

Audrina lazily leaned back in her chair. Instead of getting angry, she laughed.

She drawled, "You're right. I have Waldo backing me up. What do you have?"

Vera was left speechless.