Marrying the secret divine healer turned Billionaire

Chapter Six

The drive to her grandfather’s estate was taking so long.

Evelyn sat stiffly in the back seat, her fingers gripping the hem of her dress as she occasionally glanced at Damien. He was calm as ever, leaning back in his seat, his eyes focused on the rolling scenery outside.

“Why did you agree to come?” she finally asked, it was ridiculous since she was the one who invited him but she didn’t think he would agree to it.

He smirked faintly, not shifting his gaze from where he was staring at, “Why wouldn’t I? Your grandfather seems like an interesting man and I want to meet him.

She pursed her lips, unsure if she should be grateful or annoyed by his casual demeanor. Most people quaked at the thought of meeting Richard Sterling, but Damien seemed utterly unfazed which bothered her for some reason.

When they arrived at the sprawling estate, the butler greeted them and ushered them into the grand sitting room. Richard Sterling sat in his usual armchair by the fireplace, a cup of tea resting on the table beside him. His eyes landed on Damien, and time stalled.

“Grandfather,” Evelyn said as she walked over to kiss his cheek. “This is Damien Cross.”

Richard’s gaze shifted to Damien, his expression unreadable. “So, this is the man my granddaughter has decided to marry.”

Damien stepped forward and extended his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sterling.”

Richard studied him for a moment before shaking his hand firmly. “The pleasure is mine, Mr. Cross. Evelyn, leave us. I’d like to have a word with your husband alone.”

Evelyn hesitated, her eyes darting between them. “Grandfather, I don’t think—”

“Go, Evelyn,” he said firmly. “I won’t keep him long.”

With a reluctant glance at Damien, Evelyn nodded and left the room.

Once the doors closed, Richard gestured for Damien to sit. Damien complied.

“I’ll get straight to the point,” Richard began, “I have spoken to you on the phone and from what my granddaughter’s assistant has told me about you, I can sense that you have good values, and you would be respectable of her wishes. Evelyn is my only grandchild, and despite her stubbornness, she means the world to me. I need to know what kind of man you are, Mr. Cross.”

“I understand,” Damien replied calmly.

Richard leaned forward, resting his hands on his cane. “This marriage, it started as an arrangement. But arrangements often evolve. If you plan to be a permanent part of her life, I need your word that you’ll protect her, not just physically, but emotionally. She is strong but only when it comes to business, she is clueless in other areas of her life.

Damien met his gaze without flinching, “I understand you feel the need to protect her. This is an arrangement as you said, we have set up rules that would work in both our favors. I would take care of her and look out for her. You have my word.”

Richard’s eyes softened slightly. “Good. She’s not an easy woman to deal with, but she’s worth the effort.”

Damien allowed himself a small smile. “I’ve noticed.”

For the first time, Richard chuckled. “You’ll fit in well enough.”

When Evelyn returned, she found Damien and her grandfather seated in a comfortable silence. The sight was so unexpected it left her momentarily stunned.

“What did you two talk about?” she asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

Richard smiled but said nothing, sipping his tea. Damien mirrored the expression, his silence just as maddening.

“Are you serious?” Evelyn demanded, crossing her arms.

“It’s between me and Damien,” Richard said simply. “Now, let’s talk about something else.”

Evelyn scowled but knew better than to push her grandfather. He was even more stubborn than she was. It’s why they always go toe to toe with each other.

Richard set his cup down and looked at Damien. “That reminds me, I’ve been considering making a donation to the hospital where you work. I hear it could use some funding.”

Damien’s brows rose in surprise. “That’s generous of you, Mr. Sterling, but you don’t have to—”

“I want to,” Richard interrupted. “Good work deserves support.”

Evelyn stared at her grandfather as if he’d just grown another head. “You’re donating to a hospital? Grandfather, aren’t you worried about the optics?”

“Optics?” Richard’s tone turned amused. “Evelyn, what nonsense is this?”

“I mean…” She hesitated, glancing at Damien before continuing. “Wouldn’t it look better if Damien quit and joined the family business or found something more… respectable?”

Richard let out a hearty laughter that caught both Damien and Evelyn off guard. “Quit his job? Why would I want him to do that? The man clearly enjoys what he does.”

Evelyn’s cheeks flushed. “But... my friends—”

“Your friends?” Richard interrupted, for the first time, he was not proud of the words that just left Evelyn’s mouth. “If your friends judge him for the work he loves, they’re not worth keeping. Damien is a good man, and I won’t hear another word about changing him.”

Damien cleared his throat, feeling the need to intervene. “I appreciate your support, Mr. Sterling, but Evelyn’s concerns aren’t entirely unfounded. I know my career choice might raise some eyebrows. It has proven to be a flaw these days in the society.”

“Let them raise all the eyebrows they want,” Richard said dismissively. “A man’s worth isn’t determined by how society views him but by how he carries himself. You carry yourself well, Mr. Cross. You should be proud of what you do.”

Evelyn bit her lip, torn between arguing with her grandfather and just keeping quiet. She thought he of all people would be able to convince Damien to change careers. “Fine,” she said finally. “I guess I can drop it. If you are happy doing what you do then I won’t hinder you.”

Damien smiled at her, a warmth in his expression that made her stomach flip. “Thank you,” he said softly.

Richard grinned. “Now that’s the spirit, Evelyn. Stick by your husband, and everything else will fall into place. It’s time for me to retire to bed.”

They left the estate and Evelyn felt better than before, this was the last test for him. If her grandfather accepted him then there was nothing else left to say. Richard Sterling never likes anyone but he adores Damien.

That was enough for her.

“You’re really not going to tell me what you and my grandfather talked about?” she asked, breaking the silence.

“Nope,” Damien replied.