Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 163

Sean's face alternated between red and pale as he ran the numbers over and over in his mind.

"Twenty-five percent, Sunny. That's the most I can do—I'll transfer twenty-five percent of the shares to you. That'll leave me with just thirty-four percent."

He tried to console himself: thirty-four percent still made him the company's largest shareholder. And since Sunny was his daughter, the other shareholders wouldn't see much cause for concern. The transfer wouldn't really shake anything up.

Sunny had expected as much—a quarter of the shares. That was all she needed.

"Fine. Let's get it done today. Dad, as soon as the paperwork's finished, I'll go get the marriage license."

Without another word, Sunny turned on her heel and strode out of the room.

Only then did Sean realize just how much his daughter took after him.

Cold-blooded. Ruthless. Calculating. Just like her father.

He sat on the couch for a long time, wrestling with the decision. If you're not willing to bet your own child, you'll never catch the wolf.

But what good were shares, anyway? If the company couldn't get a cash injection soon, it would be teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. One little favor from Lawson Corporation—barely a drop in the bucket for them—would be enough to keep Carrington Technologies afloat for a whole year.

Sunny had barely pulled up to the intersection when her phone chimed with a message from Sean.

[I'll start the transfer this afternoon. We'll need a board meeting—soonest I can do is the day after tomorrow. Is that okay?]

She gave a short, knowing laugh. See? You have to be ruthless if you want to get what you want.

[That works.]

From that moment on, Sunny no longer thought of Sean as her father.

[Stellan, I'm fine. I just wanted to ask—what time are we meeting at city hall tomorrow?]

Stellan stared at his phone, thoughtful. His long fingers tapped the screen. "Eight-thirty. We'll be there as soon as they open. We'll be the first couple to get our marriage license."

—

At eight-thirty sharp the next morning, Sunny arrived at city hall, dressed in a crisp white blouse and light makeup, right on time.

A man in a matching white shirt stood waiting with one hand tucked in his pocket. She had no idea how long he'd been there.

Stellan took two quick steps towards her, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "You're here."

She couldn't help but notice that the hand in his pocket was trembling slightly.

Sunny smiled back. "Let's go in."

They filled out forms, took their photos, and before she knew it, Sunny was holding a burgundy marriage certificate, still in disbelief.

Was she really married now? It all felt a little too rushed.

By the window, Stellan pulled out his phone and snapped a quick picture. Then he slipped the certificate into his jacket pocket and strode over to her. "Come on, let's head to the oath table."

Sunny hadn't checked the process beforehand; she wasn't aware this part wasn't strictly required.

Stellan took her gently by the wrist and led her to the front. He switched his phone to video mode and looked warmly at the clerk. "Would you mind recording this for us?"

He pulled a thick wad of bills from his wallet and offered them politely.

The clerk's eyes widened. "Oh, no need for that, really! You're too kind."

"Thank you. Just a small token of appreciation."

Small? A thousand in cash was anything but small. The clerk nodded eagerly. "Of course, I'll make sure to get you some great footage!"

Sunny stared at Stellan in surprise as he confidently picked up a printed copy of the vows. "Let's recite them together."

She hesitated, then nodded. "Alright," and reached for the other copy on the table.

Stellan's gaze softened, voice warm. "You don't need to hold it. Just repeat after me. I'll read a line, you follow, okay?"

"Congratulations! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!"

"You two are such a handsome couple. A match made in heaven!"

Stellan slipped an extra envelope to the woman who offered the blessing.

At last, the whirlwind was over. Sunny walked out of city hall a little dazed.

She looked at Stellan, half-amused, half-bewildered. "You even prepared wedding favors?"

Was that really part of the process?

No one had ever told her that.

Stellan was completely serious. "Of course. Everyone does this. If you don't believe me, ask around."

Sunny stifled a laugh. Who was she supposed to ask? She didn't know anyone else getting married. What, wait until Tristan tied the knot and ask him?

"Alright, if you say so."

Stellan took her hand, slipped a ring onto her finger, then handed her his.

"Put mine on for me?"

Sunny hesitated. "...Okay."

Wasn't this supposed to be a business arrangement? Why did he have to make it feel so ceremonial?

Her hands trembled as she slid the band onto his finger, her palm growing damp with nerves.

Stellan laced his fingers through hers, lifted their joined hands, and snapped a photo.

"All set. Let's go home, Mrs. Lawson. Time to help you move."