Nora continued to speak while staring at the bride and groom, so she didn't catch the look of anger on Alexa's face.
"... Indeed, his strategy worked. After he bought one of the giant fast food companies in Mainland, the board of directors and employees have all changed their minds and want him to become the next CEO," Nora explained. "So that's about it."
To Nora's surprise, there was no reply from Alexa. She turned her head only to see her friend glaring daggers at the Clintons who seem to be in a heated argument.
"Alexa?"
" ... "
"Alexa!" Nora nudged her. When she finally got her attention, she queried, "what is going on with you? Did the Clintons do you wrong? You look like you want to kill them!"
Alexa shook her head, "It's nothing." To shift Nora's attention away from her, she decided to continue the conversation. "Doesn't the old man have children? Why didn't he pick an heir from his direct offspring? And why is he biased towards Aiden?"
She found it strange that a successful business person would want to leave his multi-billion dollar beverage company to a worthless heir that would cause the establishment's downfall.
"Chairman Clinton or Old Man Clinton as he's rightfully called, has one surviving son, yet despises him to the core, which is why he vehemently refused to pass the company to him."
"As for why the old man is biased towards Aiden, I heard that Aiden's mother was the woman whom Chairman Clinton and his late wife wanted for their son, Wilfred. But back then, Master Wilfred was already in love with someone else, whom he promised to marry," Nora shifted her gaze to the family and continued.
"The matter involving Wilfred's other woman was hidden from Aiden's mother until two years into her loveless and agonizing marriage, that was when she accidentally found out that her husband had a Mistress and a child outside. You know how women would feel after finding that out, so Aiden's mother reported her husband to his parents."
"I bet they didn't take that well."
"They didn't. They probably threatened Master Wilfred, because that day, Master Wilfred got home and raped his wife, which led to Aiden's creation. But that's not all, when Aiden's mother was seven months pregnant, Master Wilfred had beaten her up and left her to die."
Alexa's mouth fell open in shock. Nora continued to speak.
"Due to the severity of the beating, she gave birth to a premature baby, Aiden. She lost a lot of blood due to complications and died. A few weeks after she passed away, Master Wilfred married his Mistress who later gave him Seth and Talia."
"So, it is safe to say that Old Man Clinton and his wife loved Aiden so much and spoiled him rotten because of the guilt they felt for his mother.... This matter is confidential and cannot be heard outside. Please, don't tell anyone," Nora pleaded.
This matter was one of the Clintons' dirty secrets. If not for the fact that she was friends with the bride, she wouldn't have known this... What's more, Monica told her this story when she was dead drunk. She might not have even remembered telling Nora.
"I'm not a gossip monger. You don't have to worry about me." Alexa promised while she continued to give the Clintons a scorching glare.
Alexa was too busy listening to Nora that she failed to hear what had transpired between the Clintons. Suddenly, she saw the bride running to the foot of the stage in an attempt to speak to Aiden who didn't seem to have uttered a word since.
"Aiden, I know you've always wanted my happiness. This is where my happiness lies. Please, help us beg your grandfather not to make it difficult for us. I promise it won't change our friendship. I'll always be your– "
Suddenly, a thunderous cry erupted from the white-aired old man standing among the Clintons.
"Enough!"
From her seat, Alexa could see the old man turning red from fury. His bloodshot gaze swept through the front seats and he pointed his cane at his target— a middle-aged man who was occupying a few seats away from him.
"Wilfred, is this what you taught your children? To steal everything from my grandson? Until when do you and your children want to stop bullying him?!"
The man called Wilfred, stood up from his seat. Maybe he wanted to speak in his defense, but Chairman Clinton turned away from him and focused his eyes on another old man.
"Richard, what is the meaning of this? My grandson and I need explanations!"
"Chairman Clinton, I'm as shocked as you are. My granddaughter–"
"Your family connived with those evil creatures to humiliate my grandson and you say you're not aware?!" the old man thundered, cutting Monica's grandfather off.
Monica's grandfather frowned and lectured, "Old Man Clinton, I understand that my granddaughter was wrong, but Aaron is also your grandson. The Clintons are not losing out no matter who marries my granddaughter. We're still going to remain your company's biggest investor. Nothing has changed." Monica's grandfather paused to look at Monica and Aaron who were standing shoulder to shoulder and even holding hands.
"See, they are in love. You should stop forcing them apart. Even though you don't like Aaron, at least let him get this happiness for once in his life. All he does is to slave away his life for the company while your dearest grandson seeks fun and pleasure everywhere. You should have consideration for Aaron too and not favor just Aiden!"
"Wh– what? You– cough! Cough!" Chairman Clinton couldn't find words. He was so furious for getting schooled by an outsider that he almost coughed out blood.
"Grandfather!"
The other members of the Clinton family all surrounded the old man but he was too angry to accept their care. Just when he was about to fight back, a soothing voice that carried a tinge of laughter drifted into everyone's ears, cutting through the rowdiness that even Alexa couldn't help but shift her gaze to the owner.
"Grandpa, it was just a rejection," Aiden said while walking down the altar at a leisure pace. "Why are you so angry? If you suddenly develop a heart attack, what will happen to me?"
His voice was light. If Alexa wasn't there to witness it herself, she wouldn't have believed someone could be this easy-going and understanding.
"I can't believe this is real," she whispered.
"What's not real?" Nora questioned.
"Aiden. How is he so easy-going and understanding? Despite everything, he still looks so calm and relaxed. That can't be me."
Nora chuckled lightly. "This is nothing. He has gone through much worse. There was one time he was invited to a party. He didn't want to go, but because his grandma said so, he went. On arrival, the people humiliated him so terribly that when the news got out, his grandmother had a heart attack. Old Man Clinton wanted to fight for him, but Aiden chose forgiveness… but a few days later, three people who got involved in humiliating Aiden died miserably."
Alexa frowned. "Who killed them? The grandfather?"