Grandpa's Choice

Avery sat quietly in the car, staring out the window at the passing view. The silence wasn't awkward—it was heavy, filled with everything she wasn’t saying.

They weren’t heading to her new “home.” Instead, they were going to the hospital.

Apparently, the old man—the head of the Conrad family—wanted to see his soon-to-be granddaughter-in-law first.

Typical. In the world of rich people, nothing matters more than keeping the bloodline alive. Heirs, legacies, family empires. And now she was a part of that conversation.

Rumors had been flying for a while now about the so-called “Prince Charming” of the Conrad family being gay. Everyone in the elite circle knew, but no one dared say it out loud. Still, the whispers found their way to the old man’s ears, and apparently, he got so upset that his blood pressure spiked. He collapsed.

Devastated and panicked, he’d asked Assistant Hayes to call back that “unruly brat” of a grandson. But then... an idea sparked in his head, and he smiled.

Hayes, who had just gotten off the phone, paused mid-step when he caught the smile. It wasn’t just a grin—it was a plot.

The old man shared his plan: he was going to find his grandson a drop-dead gorgeous woman, someone who could “fix” whatever was going on. He didn’t believe the rumors. Not for a second. He was convinced that the moment his grandson saw the right woman, all that gay talk would vanish like smoke.

They started looking.

And then Edward Sinclair showed up, practically begging for help and offering up his daughters like they were items on a menu. Said he had two beautiful girls and was willing to hand over either one in exchange for saving his dying company.

Lawrence wasn’t reckless. He sent Jordan Hayes to dig deep and do background checks. He wanted the best for his grandson.

And after some digging... they picked the older one.

The car pulled up outside the hospital.

Avery hadn’t expected to come here, but it made sense now. The patriarch was in the hospital after all. She took a quick moment to smooth her hair and check her reflection. Just as she opened the door, one of the guards beat her to it—opening it like she was royalty or something.

She followed Assistant Hayes down the quiet hallway. No words. Just her heels clicking against the tile and causing some nurses to look their way .

They stopped at a private ward. Hayes pushed the door open.

“He’s expecting you,” he said with a short nod.

Avery walked in, keeping her face calm even though her chest felt tight. She hadn’t met anyone from the Conrad family before—aside from Hayes. Meeting the head of the family felt like walking into a lion’s den in heels.

The room was quiet, filled with the soft beep of machines. On the hospital bed lay a man who looked like he was pushing seventy. His golden-white hair was combed neatly, and though he looked a bit tired, his eyes still held that sharp, commanding energy.

This was Lawrence Conrad, the man behind the entire empire—and her soon-to-be grandfather-in-law.

He looked up, and the moment his gaze landed on her, his whole face softened. He smiled.

“I knew it,” he said warmly. “Come on, have a seat. Let’s talk.”

Avery gave a polite bow and sat on the nearby couch. Assistant Hayes quietly stepped out, closing the door behind him.

Lawrence sighed deeply.

“I know this whole arrangement with your family must’ve been hard on you. I didn’t want to force anyone into anything, but... I’m running out of time.”

Avery blinked. She didn’t expect that honesty right off the bat.

“My grandson... he doesn’t listen to me anymore. His friends are married, some already have kids. But him? He just keeps working like a machine. No relationships. No joy. Nothing.” The old man shook his head. “He wants me to die without ever meeting my great-grandkids, apparently.”

He gave a small chuckle, but it was laced with disappointment.

“He’s a good guy though. He really is. I think you two might work. And hey, if you ever need anything—or just someone to talk to—I’ll be here for you, alright?”

Avery listened quietly. Somehow, his words felt... sincere. She didn’t feel like she was being manipulated. It was weird. She'd been so on edge walking in here, but listening to him talk? She relaxed without realizing it.

She even felt a little silly for thinking Assistant Hayes was her future husband. Thank God he wasn’t. Turned out he was just the loyal son of Lawrence’s old friend—married, with two cute kids. phww 🤭.

They chatted for a little while longer. Just light stuff. Enough to ease the tension.

Eventually, she was taken to her new home.

Lawrence was practically beaming. After meeting her, he was convinced he’d made the right choice.

“That boy better thank me,” he muttered to himself, satisfied. “One day, he’ll realize I handed him a treasure.”

Meanwhile...

What Lawrence didn’t know was that Evander Conrad had just landed.

The infamous business tycoon, media-dodger, and heir to the Conrad empire had just stepped off his private jet, looking like he walked out of a fashion magazine.

Sharp, clean, ruthless and composed with dangerous aura.

He adjusted the cuffs of his custom-tailored suit as he slid into the backseat of his brand new Jaguar. “Drive to the villa,” he ordered the driver.

He wasn’t supposed to be back until tomorrow, but he changed plans.

He wanted to surprise his grandfather.

After the day he’d had, all he wanted was a hot shower, a clean shirt, and a quiet dinner with the old man.

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