From Bad To Worst

Melinda couldn't believe what she was hearing.

How could someone like Jack Lorenzo want to marry her unconventional granddaughter, who preferred books to fancy clothes?

She adored her granddaughter with all her heart and soul, but the idea of a respected, powerful man in the business world - known as 'King' by his admirers - choosing a modest woman as his wife was hard for her to accept.

Never had Melinda imagined this day would come. She questioned why her kind and unassuming granddaughter always found herself in difficult situations, with this one being the worst yet.

"Are you alright, Madam?" the man asked, interrupting her thoughts.

She raised her head to see the man looking at her with a worried expression. "Certainly not," she replied sharply, watching him with cautious eyes. "We are discussing my granddaughter here. How could I be okay with it?"

"I apologize for causing you distress," he said.

"Are you absolutely sure you want Phoebe?"

"Yes, Ma'am," he answered confidently.

"Why her?"

He looked at her with disbelief but chose to respond without objection. "She is unlike anyone else I have ever met."

"That's exactly why you shouldn't marry her."

His eyebrows rose in amusement. "Are you trying to dissuade me, Ma'am?" he inquired politely, hiding a smile behind pressed lips.

"Not at all, Sir," Melinda replied casually, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm simply advising you not to rush into things, or you may regret your decision later on."

Sighing, she continued, "You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. My Phoebe is a walking disaster... and that's putting it mildly. She breaks things, walks into walls, and trips over her own feet all the time."

Despite the discouragement, all he could do was smile. "She's a very fascinating woman," he mumbled.

"Indeed, fascinating, Sir," She agreed. "However, once your fascination wears off, you'll see her differently and realize she's not a suitable match for you."

The man's lips tightened into a thin line.

For the first time since he arrived, he addressed her by name. "Mrs. Melinda Sheldon, I will marry your granddaughter, and my decision is final."

"As will I, Mr. Jack Lorenzo," Melinda responded icily. "I will never allow you to have her, and that's the end of it."

The two locked gazes for a long time, neither willing to back down by breaking eye contact.

"Please, Madam, consider my proposal," he implored, diffusing the tension hanging heavy in the air. "I'm doing this for Phoebe's future."

"That's precisely why I can't let you take her," Melinda retorted, her eyes narrowed with determination. "As her grandmother, I won't allow a man of your questionable reputation to harm her future."

"What about Superia, Madam? You're determined to save the company, aren't you?"

"The company means nothing to me compared to her... Even if I could make a small profit by selling it, I believe Phoebe will be just fine," Melinda stated firmly.

"Phoebe has been through so much, Sir," she continued, her gaze distant. "Her father rejected her, favoring her sister. Her mother has been gone for a long time. She's experienced enough heartbreak already, so I beg you, please stop pursuing her. She's not a toy for you to use and discard when you're done."

"I can see your mind's made up," he sighed, standing up from his chair. "I understand that even if I claim my intentions are pure, it may be hard for you to believe me. I apologize for wasting your time."

"No worries, Sir. My time has not been wasted at all. This has been the most entertaining day I've had in four decades since starting work here."

"I have to tell you something but Please, keep this between us," Melinda whispered.

He waited.

"Phoebe had a significant surgery when she was young... The doctors informed us she would never be able to bear children."

He fell silent for a moment, his face betraying no emotion, leaving Melinda uncertain of his reaction.

"I'll bid you goodbye, Madam. Thank you for your time."

—

Melinda took a while to collect herself fully after Jack Lorenzo left her office.

Despite the throbbing pain in her temples, she let out a relieved sigh that the ordeal was finally over. Finally, she could find a moment of peace and give her mind some rest.

However, her cherished silence was abruptly interrupted just a few minutes later by an urgent knock on the adjoining door.

"Mrs. Chairwoman." Claire entered, looking as pale as a ghost with a troubled expression on her face. "I know this may not be the right time to disturb you, but you have an important visitor."

"Not another one?" Melinda thought wearily, having already dealt with enough visitors for the day, and decided to send whoever it was away.

"Please inform him that the Chairwoman is currently unavailable. Reschedule his appointment and ask him to return tomorrow."

"But Mrs. Chairwoman..."

"Just do as I say."

Before the secretary could even respond, a tall man appeared from behind her. In that moment, Melinda immediately understood why Claire was so insistent on sending him away.

"Mr. Angelstone," she greeted the Earl with a chilling politeness. "I never expected to see you again after three years... after what you did to my granddaughter."

"Mrs. Sheldon," the Earl replied, offering a respectful nod despite the frosty reception. "I understand your feelings towards me. What I did to Phoebe was inexcusable, but I am here to make amends."

"You cannot mend a shattered glass or rebuild trust with mere words. Your presence here is futile. I insist you depart before I lose my composure and have security escort you out."

"Forgive my intrusion, Mrs. Sheldon, but I have the consent of Phoebe's father to be here."

She clenched her fists at her sides. "What did you say to my son to sway him to your side?"

"I presented him with an offer he could not refuse," the Earl replied.

Melinda's face twisted with disgust. "Please, enlighten me. What deceitful words did you use?"

"I informed him that I would rescue Superia, and in return, he would consent to my marriage to Phoebe."

"I'm assuming he refused," she stated, staring intensely at him.

"Apologies to disappoint you, Madam, but Mr. Edward actually gave me his approval."

Melinda's legs gave way beneath her, causing her to slump into her swivel chair.

How could Edward make such a decision!

In that instant, she made up her mind that she would prefer to entrust Phoebe to a man like Jack Lorenzo rather than allow the Earl to have her.