Daniel watched Abigail's reaction as he spoke and could see her tense. Quickly he said "You can ask me anything?"
"Anything? That gives me lots of scope to ask you questions."
"I mean it. I told your grandfather when he proposed this to me, that in the end if this happens, it must be your choice. I do not want him to force you into it or you to feel that there is any choice but to agree to what he has proposed."
Abigail shook her head before saying, "I do not believe that you are that altruistic in agreeing to this."
Cole laughed lightly and said "There is always something in any arrangement for both parties. But, in the end the biggest benefit will be for you."
"But that tells me there is some benefit in it for you. You better tell me about that if you even want me to consider this."
Hearing the harshness in her words, Daniel was shocked. Every interaction he had with Abigail before now had show him that she was a person easily intimidated. In just a few words, combined with the look on her face he realised that she was not the person that he thought she was, and that intrigued him.
"There is a benefit in this for me. It helps me secure my position as CEO of Wu Enterprises. When my parents died, they left the shares they held to Sebastian and I. While Sebastian is underage, I control those shares and have been able to use them to stabilise the company after our parents' deaths. While the company has flourished under my leadership, the one thing my uncles, their children, and their various hangers on do not like, is that I make them accountable for what they do in the company and with company resources."
"I have been able to deflect not being married because Sebastian has been a minor, but his birthday is next week, and my uncles have been working on him to marry Sara quickly and push the company directors to remove me from my role, and instal him. Sebastian is not wise to their schemes and will ruin what our parents built up at this time. Being married, simply defeats their plans…"
"That is not a little benefit, it is a big benefit."
"It may seem that way, but honestly running the company is something I simply stepped in to do because it was necessary at the time. All I want, is the time to consider my options, and more importantly to allow my brother the chance to make his own choices for what he wants to do, rather than being forced into something that he really does not want. Getting married gives me that time and allows Sebastian to make his decisions."
Abigail screwed up her nose, and Daniel reached out, tapping it, saying "There is no need for that."
Abigail looked around, and said "Why me? There are many women out there, those close to your age who would be more appropriate for you to marry."
"Abigail, is that a round about way of trying to find out if I am involved with someone? It is a poor attempt to do that if it is. And if I was, I would not have even given a consideration to your grandfather's proposal. I am not in a relationship and have not been for over nine months. But I will tell you this, and if I need to, I will repeat it again and again to your get this. During the length or our marriage, the one thing I will be honest with you. I do not intend to cheat on the relationship, but what that relationship is, in the end will be your choice."
"Do not forget Abigail there are benefits for you as well. I have seen how Sara treats you and marrying me will give you a powerful ally in your corner who will stand up to your family. And, when you are ready to reveal our marriage and move in with me, I will get you out of that house, and support you in what you do. Plus, our marriage, will let your grandfather die in peace when the time comes, knowing that what he wants to leave you will come your way."
"You make me sound mercenary."
Daniel shook his head saying "No. If anything, I am the mercenary one. But Abigail there is one thing that I think you should know, which your grandfather does not. Your parents tonight, intend to do everything to chase you from the family, and announcing that she will at the conclusion of school be joining Meng Enterprises to start her training to become the CEO upon the death of your grandfather and father. They can only see Sara and are not willing to recognise that they have a wonderful child in you. With your grandfather's health, it could cut what little time he has left short."
Seeing the shock on Abigail's face Daniel quickly said, "Do not let that influence your decision, but you need to know everything that I know before you make your decision."