Prosperous Marriage: Married to My Brother-in-law

She didn't think she was in the wrong, but in Glades Horne's heart, she was.

With Glades about to explode, she could only thicken her skin and act coquettishly.

Listening to her own tender and delicate voice, Julia Bluen was covered in goosebumps; a shiver made her feel as if they were scattering all over the floor.

Several dark lines crossed Glades Horne's handsome face. He wanted to be angry but couldn't summon the rage. He wanted to laugh but couldn't manage to. In a word, he was at his wit's end.

This woman had now mastered his weaknesses. She knew how to attack where he was vulnerable, making him feel a mix of love, pity, annoyance, and helplessness towards her.

She truly was a cunning one!

"Let me count the dark lines on your face—one, two, three... Glades, isn't that a bit much? Such a dark face, like a thundercloud! I don't like it. Glades, how about a smile? When you smile, the whole sky pales in comparison. It's as warm as a gentle spring breeze, as captivating as sunlight—utterly enchanting. Everyone loves it; even flowers bloom at the sight! But if you frown, the sky turns dark, and the sun flees. Then sandstorms will rage, winds will howl, torrential rain will pour, and snowstorms will whirl. The biting cold will be deadly, and hailstorms will come, crushing people without a second thought."

Julia Bluen's pretty almond-shaped eyes were already tinged with mirth. She was so amused by her own nonsensical rambles that she almost burst out laughing. She truly didn't know how else she could stop Glades from blaming her at this moment.

A few muffled laughs sounded in the car; the Bodyguards couldn't help but chuckle first.

A sharp glance from Glades Horne silenced the Bodyguards, who almost hurt themselves trying to hold back their laughter. Glades himself finally relaxed his expression and started to chuckle quietly.

"Julia, you're getting more and more like a little fox. In the future business world, I'm afraid you'll have your place too." He hugged Julia Bluen dotingly, his deep voice filled with affection for her.

Although she was spouting utter nonsense, he liked this side of her; it was the first time she had shown it to him.

He knew she was actually quite shrewd and versatile. The side she usually showed was just her ordinary one. Her adorably playful, comedic, and sly facets were still unknown to others.

Everyone knew her as an approachable heiress from a wealthy family who didn't flaunt her status and liked to be free-spirited and unconventional.

"I can't help it. Who told you to always kiss me?" Julia Bluen blinked her almond-shaped eyes, speaking suggestively.

They say one takes on the color of one's company. Whatever kind of person he was, she, as his wife, would naturally be influenced.

"So, it's my fault again?" Glades Horne chuckled with affection and playfully flicked her nose.

"I certainly didn't say that. You admitted it yourself; it has nothing to do with me." Julia Bluen smiled cunningly. Her gaze shifted towards the window, curious about what Hansen Ruiz would do, but Glades wouldn't let her look.

"Ruiz will handle it well." Glades Horne soothingly stroked his beloved wife's pretty face, reassuring her not to worry about Rachel Bailey. "Mrs. Ruiz seeking out Rachel Bailey signifies that the Ruiz Family has noticed Hansen's unusual behavior towards her. Hansen's assertiveness is no less than mine. If he can't even handle this, he shouldn't tell anyone he's the Assistant to the CEO at Valence Group."

"When did they develop to this stage?" Julia Bluen asked curiously.

"It's none of our business." Glades Horne didn't want others intruding on their private time together.

He pulled Julia Bluen tightly into his embrace, then looked up at the Bodyguards and ordered in a stern voice, "Drive! To Grand Garden Estate."

"Hold on," Julia Bluen quickly interjected. She struggled free from Glades Horne's embrace and reminded him, "Glades, didn't you say you came here to meet a high-profile client? You haven't seen them yet, have you? Aren't you going to meet them? For the CEO of Valence Group to come in person, the client must be incredibly important—a major client for Valence Group. Losing them could cost the company dearly."

Glades Horne pursed his lips, saying nothing.

After a moment, he opened the car door, took Julia Bluen by the hand, and headed into the hotel.

He was meeting a client even as the workday was ending because this client was indeed very important to Valence Group. He didn't want to stand them up.

Hansen Ruiz, his mother, and Rachel Bailey were no longer where they had been. The area in front of the hotel had already returned to calm. Julia Bluen had wanted to check on her friend, but finding her gone, she chose to trust Hansen Ruiz. She calmly accompanied Glades Horne into the hotel to meet that important, high-profile client.

Mrs. Ruiz couldn't afford to lose face. As soon as Glades Horne had ushered Julia Bluen into the car, she turned and headed back into the hotel. Floyd Thomas, his face swollen from being slapped, naturally followed her.

Rachel Bailey turned to leave but was stopped by Hansen Ruiz.

"Mr. Ruiz, please let go," Rachel Bailey said coldly. She tried hard to shake off the large hand Hansen Ruiz used to grab her, but she couldn't break free. Hansen Ruiz didn't immediately explain anything; instead, he forcefully led her back into the hotel.

Now that his mother had arrived, if he didn't make his stance clear, who knew what methods she would use against Rachel Bailey next time.

Fortunately, Julia Bluen had been present this time, so Rachel Bailey was safe. If Julia hadn't been there, Hansen Ruiz was certain he would have had to use his entire network to search the world over to find Rachel again.

He knew his mother's tricks all too well.

His maternal grandfather had been a notorious figure in the underworld. His mother, having grown up in such an environment, also possessed a ruthless side. If he didn't make his position clear, Rachel Bailey might one day disappear from the face of the earth. If that happened, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

From the moment he developed feelings and interest in Rachel Bailey, as he meticulously planned each step to draw her into his world, he knew his family would intervene sooner or later. Rachel Bailey was of humble birth, an unsuitable match for their prestigious family. However, he hadn't expected his mother to act so quickly. Rachel hadn't even agreed to be with him yet; it was still just his own unrequited hope. After his mother's interference, Rachel would likely want to draw even clearer boundaries between them.

For the past few days, Rachel Bailey had been ignoring him, and he didn't want to pressure her. Yet, even when he was busy, his thoughts invariably drifted to her.

He was utterly bewitched, and he willingly surrendered to it.