A storm seemed to gather in Joshua's eyes as he confronted the Kendricks. "I once saved your life, Hamilton. It was you who proposed this betrothal, and I, respecting your wishes, agreed. Now, it is you again, who wish to end what you started. Do you take the Whitemores for a joke?"
"That's not the case and you know it," Hamilton said.
"Who are you bullshiting!" Joshua thundered.
"Father, there's no need to let your blood boil over this matter," Val interjected calmly, his demeanor as chilly as his words. "If a woman isn't willing, I have no desire to force her to force her to become my wife. But let's make this clear - it is the Whitemores who are ending this engagement, not the Kendricks. And the repercussions of this decision is also something only the Kendricks will bear."
