The contract proved to be anything but predatory. And Jolie was filled with concern after reading it, she didn't put it down immediately as she was pondering about something. Being married to her husband for two decades made her understand his thoughts and those of Mr. Grant.
A free Aysel had always caused nothing but trouble for her family, constantly embroiling them in scandals. So, what was the likelihood that she wouldn't continue to do so after marrying into a prestigious, old-money family like the Grants, whose reputation mattered most to them? Moreover, the benefits they were being offered, especially the resources, were significant and couldn't simply be disregarded.
Given all this, it suddenly wasn't as bad as she had initially thought. Under everyone's curious glances, and with Aysel's hopeful eyes upon her, Jolie cleared her throat and said in a comforting voice. "I think the contract is good enough. I only hope the Grant family will treat my daughter well."
Aysel's heart sank the moment Jolie's words hit the air. She couldn't believe she had allowed herself to hope that someone would come to her aid. She should have known better; everyone in the family only cared about themselves, their own benefits outweighing Aysel's worth.
But Aysel vowed she wouldn't allow this like the previous Aysel would have done. Never. What they were doing was blatantly clear—they were selling her. There was no other long-term benefit, for her or for them, just a one-time gain, which was more than enough to satisfy their greedy hearts.
Both the butler and the assistant had their eyes fixed on her, as if waiting for her to sign, just as her own family was. But Aysel refused to yield. She hadn't yet explored the new world—why would she throw herself into a gilded cage, one which would shut her from the sun and the world at large?
The most laughable part was that she could very well die inside, cast away by the powerful Grant family, and her parents wouldn't even know. Even if they did, with their hypocrisy and spinelessness, it was clear they wouldn't do anything about it. They were just like that.
"I refuse to sign it, Mr. Jones and Mr. Anthony," she said, her voice firm and her shoulders straight. She looked like a determined warrior, one wouldn't falter or take a step back regardless of the consequences.
Butler Jones' expression turned solemn, though the softening of his eyes went unnoticed by everyone. "May I know why, Miss Aysel?"
Aysel chuckled, thinking that this old butler certainly enjoyed playing games, even at his old age. But she was prepared to play along with him, if that means fighting for herself when the whole world couldn't.
Aysel was about to say something when Jolie nudged her and cuts in, her dissatisfaction evident. "Aysel, stop arguing with our family benefactors and sign the contract."
Daisy also nodded in agreement. "Yes, Big Sis, please sign the contract so the two honorable guests wouldn't have to stay here much longer. They are very busy people after all and they had already spent almost an hour here, please be considerate and stop playing hard to get."
Daisy's words were very clear.
In other words; They have given you enough face, more than you deserves so stop acting like you worth more than that.
Though Vaughn said nothing, his eyes clearly indicated that he supported his wife and daughter in urging his eldest to sign the slavery contract. Everyone in the family feared that Aysel would say something to anger the two guests, which might result in them revoking the offered benefits.
Moreover, the family was acutely aware of their own status. It wasn't as if they had anything to offer that would justify such generous terms. Their family wasn't special in any way. Only God knew why the Grant family had decided to choose a bride from them. And not only that, even though the bride they were offering was an infamous woman, the Grants hadn't objected.
So, they couldn't afford to step out of line when they had been favored to this extent.
Aysel pretended not to hear their pleas. She ignored the desperation in their voices. She knew exactly what they were afraid of and couldn't wait to crush that disgusting hope of theirs, a hope built on the sale of their daughter like a common commodity.
"This isn't sincere enough," she replied, finally answering Butler Jones' earlier question.
The butler's gray brows furrowed, sending waves of panic through every member of the Swift family.
Oh no, the butler was dissatisfied!
Their hearts thumped in fear, and Vaughn nearly fell to his knees as he pleaded profusely with Butler Jones. "I am so sorry for not raising my daughter properly, Butler Jones. I promise she will behave once she reaches the Grant family. She's just spoiled and throwing a tantrum. Please don't take any of her words seriously."
If not that it would reduce the little worth Aysel had, Vaughn actually wanted to lie that she had been to a mental hospital before, so that the two wouldn't take any of the shit she sprout seriously and would regarded her words as air.
Jolie nodded in agreement to her husband's words while adding, "My husband is right, Butler Jones. But is it really necessary for her to sign the contract? I mean, we, her parents, have already given our consent to her marrying Mr. Grant. It's an honor for us, one which we are grateful enough to cherish dearly. Aysel may be an adult in age, but not in mentality, so she can't see the bigger picture or make a proper choice. To ensure she won't regret this once she grows some brain cells and could think like an adult, we fully support the marriage. We can even sign a different contract on her behalf."