Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

Jerlina could sense Jeremy getting stressed for her and bowed her head. He talked to her that not having the Hamilton patents with her might cause troubles for her company and her loyal employees.

She thought it would be a far reach but being here, she could see that her husband was right. The people in this "family" are not the type she is used to. There seemed to be no love or affection among the different families that are related by blood. All they care for are for themselves.

"Did Matilda try to kill me for what you call the Hamilton Money?" Jerlina asked. She didn't think that would be a farfetched idea as Jeremy suggested.

"Ah, forgive me for not explaining properly," Samuel loosened his tie and sat with his forarms resting on his knees. "Please allow me to explain about the money I refer to as Hamilton Money," his eyes turned serious and Jerlina nodded.

She didn't want to hear about it much but she decided to anyway to reach a decision. Her hand was inside Jeremy's hands and she loved him for it. IT's not like she is facing a life or death situation but rather it is just a mild situation where she needed to make a decision, but this is the first time she is having someone with her supporting her emotionally when she needs to make an important decision.

Ah… I love you, Joel!

He didn't force his opinions on her. She understood that he wants her to get the patents at least and he gave the reason too which made sense. But he left the final decision with her. And he didn't leave her alone either. He is with her to support her.

She felt respected and loved by him. he always has ways to make her feel relaxed and courageous and she loved him for it. She wished to be the same kind of partner he is for her, for him.

Jerlina listened to Samuel as he explained how Jonathan had always kept the patents he got from her grandpa separately from the moment Delvina returned to him and never included it with his money. He had separate accountants, paid separate taxes and even maintained separate and strict records with that money related to the patents.

And hence the name – Hamilton Money.

It made sense why everyone thinks that she is entitled to those billions. But her grandpa gave away those patents on his own volition.

On the other hand…

"Mr. Erling," Jerlina spoke politely. Samuel spoke all the while and never once was he disrespectful towards anyone. And he didn't seem to be forcing himself to be nice to her either and that made her like him.

"I will take the patents back," Jerlina said. She could feel Jeremy's hold on her hand loosening a bit before tightening up. She could hear him sigh in relief.

"I know my grandfather willingly parted the patents but I think the recent sufferings I endured in the hands of one of your family member gives me the entitlement to as for that patents as a compensation," she said.

That's right. I can get those patents as a compensation for all the distress this family has caused me and those around me.

Samuel smiled with a slight nod. It was not a haughty smile, but a little confused smile.

"And for the billions I-"

"We can talk about that later," Samuel stood up with a smile and buttoned his suit.

His father tasked him to make her accept what is entitled to her and that's what he will do. He's succeeded with half of it and judging by her character it would seem that making her accept the billions would be difficult.

What a weird one… She seems to be not interested in money… That's some rare kind!

"For now I welcome you and Jeremy to our family," he placed his hand at his wife's back  and smiled.

Portia walked to Jerlina and gave her a hug and kissed her cheeks. "I am glad to meet you here," she smiled with her hand on her shoulder. "Your arrival made us see a new part of the grandsire," she looked at her husband and he nodded.

"That was a surprise."

"Who should I talk to if I want to meet Rose McCarthy?" Jerlina asked.

Both Samuel and Portia got a little nervous.

Portia spoke after looking at her husband, "That would be Gordon. We have no idea why she was kept-"

"It probably was to make Matilda believe that the Grandsire was happy with her until your arrival and for Rose's safety. She was in danger after she tattled on Matilda, after all," Samuel answered. "And what do you think we should do with Matilda?"

Jerlina pressed her lips. It seems like that decision should lie with her. She turned and looked at Jeremy and he nodded with a smile.

"Did Viper get caught?" she wanted to clarify.

"Yes, but he would entertain you tomorrow. He's just the arrow after all," Samuel said and Jerlina took a deep breath.

"I don't want her dead…" she said and Samuel widened his eyes. Jeremy bowed his head shaking his head.

What a mushy-heart she has!

But Jerlina continued. "I want her to live with nothing. I want her to panic knowing she has nothing to her name and wonder where her next meal is going to come from. She should wonder how she will afford a casket for her son and where she will stay for the night. I want her to feel what abandonment feels like… And I want her to experience what it feels like to live life knowing that there is danger lurking around her that might get her any time…"

"Done," Samuel seemed impressed.

He thought she's a stupid after she refused money but it seems like she is not that stupid.

Portia held Jerlina's hand. "Is that how you felt?" Portia's eyes clouded a bit even though Jerlina didn't answer her. "Poor you…" she patted Jerlina's arm for comfort.

Samuel placed his hand on Portia's back realizing Jerlina doesn't want to talk about it to them and Portia nodded at him. They seemed to be a couple with good understanding and Jerlina found it nice to watch them. Without speaking much, they could understand each other.

"Honey, one thing," Portia stepped closer to Jerlina. "It's not wrong to think of what you are entitled to as a 'compensation' but you should think this through…." Her voice was soft. "Even I was surprised to know that the Grandsire kept billions away from the Erling money without using it for any personal purpose. Maybe he always had plans to return it to the rightful owner – your grandpa… Maybe it was his pride that stopped him or some other…"

"But my grandpa gave it up willingly," Jerlina told Portia.

"And?" Portia smiled. "Honey, now the grandsire wants to give it to you, willingly. What's stopping you from granting the wish of that old man?"

Jerlina sighed.. What she says makes sense. But how will she accept the money earned by someone who killed her grandma?