The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Kari was a bundle of nerves, her hands tightly clutching a beautifully wrapped gift on her lap as they drove through the town. Her mind was miles away, lost in a whirlwind of what-ifs and maybes. Ronald noticed her unease and pulled over at a quiet street corner.

"Still nervous?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Trying her best to appear calm, Kari couldn't help but voice her fears, "Ronald, do you think the Malones will oppose us being together?"

Ronald rolled down the window, handing her a bottle of water with a sigh, "Kari, the Malones are definitely not going to be on board with this."

Her hands froze on the water bottle. So, it was true the Malones really wouldn't approve.

Taking the bottle from her, Ronald opened it and handed it back, "But you know what? I don't care about the Malones' opinion."

Kari's eyes fluttered in disbelief, "What?"

"Whether the Malones approve or not doesn't concern me," Ronald spoke his truth, "I'm bringing you home to tell them that I've found the person I want to spend my life with."

"And if they can't accept that, then I guess I'll have to step away from the Malone legacy."

Kari was stunned. Ronald had everything planned, even contemplating leaving his inheritance behind for a life with her!

"Ronald, are you sure about this? You won't regret it?" she whispered.

The Malones were influential, and Ronald was set to inherit it all. To forsake that for their relationship was unthinkable.

Leaning in, Ronald kissed her softly, a gesture filled with tender warmth rather than passion, "Kari, nothing is more precious to me than you."

He was a businessman at heart, always chasing profits. But Kari, she was beyond any material wealth.

He had worked his way up, enduring countless trials just to stand where he was today-all to protect Kari and give her the best life possible. If he were to choose wealth over Kari, all his efforts would be meaningless. Feeling reassured, Kari's restless heart calmed down as she gripped Ronald's hand, "I understand."

As expected, their arrival at the Malones' was met with a chilly reception.

Mrs. Malone was surprisingly welcoming, seeing Kari's modest background as a benefit. Without a powerful family to back Ronald, Mrs. Malone found Kari quite to her liking. NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

However, Old Mr. Malone was utterly indifferent, barely acknowledging Kari's presence.

Feeling awkward, Ronald frowned disapprovingly, "Grandpa, I brought Kari home for two reasons."

"First, Kari and I are together."

"Second, we plan to get engaged."

Old Mr. Malone slammed his cane down, "Nonsense! How long have you two been together that you're already talking about engagement?"

He knew Ronald had taken a liking

to Kari, unable to see what she had

over the well-bred heiresses he preferred. Yet, he understood foo much interference might push Ronald away.

In his eyes, Ronald's affection for Kari might not be as deep as it seemed. If he stayed out of it, hoping the relationship would fizzle out on its own, that was one thing. But Ronald's declaration of engagement was too much for him tobear.

Unmoved, Ronald stood firm, "Grandpa, Kari and I have known each other for years. I want to marry her. I came here to inform you, not to seek your approval." After a tense moment, Old Mr. Malone appeared to relent, "This is too sudden. At least give it six months."

He was waiting, hoping the initial passion would cool off, and when the relationship hit its inevitable rough patch, it would end on its own-without his intervention. Ronald, understanding his grandfather's thoughts, was confident in his and Kari's future together.

"Grandpa, we're just getting engaged," Ronald countered, "If you can't accept that, then I guess you won't be at the engagement party. Please take care of yourself." "Kari, let's go."

As they left, Old Mr. Malone stood seething, his cane smashing down on the coffee table, splitting it in anger, "The audacity!"