CHAPTER 901. RULE #1. A Smart Girl."Alright, alright!" Leon exclaimed, because if he was honest, he didn’t have much time to start interviewing candidates, and Mariel Keller had almost everything he was looking for in a wife—at least the most important things. "If you can help me with this, I’ll be in your debt for life… though you’re already a millionaire, so I’m not really sure how I’d pay you back.""I didn’t know friends had to charge each other," Mariel smiled at him with a sweetness that would be the worst punishment for the Count of Rosthchild—though he didn’t know it yet. "But I’ll think of something."Leon wasn’t sure if he was sighing out of relief or nerves. He needed a marriage that looked real to his family in order to secure the title. He had discussed it with Dandara because he trusted her straightforward nature and carefree attitude… but Mariel? The girl seemed like a porcelain doll—fragile and delicate. Yet here she was, standing in front of him with an oddly determi

CHAPTER 903. RULE #1.Welcome to the Himalayas!The ceremony was so quick that when Mariel looked at the ring on her finger, she could barely believe she was officially Mrs. Leon Rosthchild. There were no special guests, no choirs, no flowers, and certainly not the dreamy white dress most brides imagine. Mariel had insisted that there was no need for all that pomp—she might seem naive, but she knew very well that if that man saw her getting too excited, he’d bolt in the opposite direction faster than any of his Ferraris.So she just put on a simple pink dress she found in her closet, one that accentuated her delicate figure and, if possible, made her look even sweeter.Dandara, who had been by her side the entire time, gave her a tight hug before they said their goodbyes at the courthouse door. However, as soon as she let go, her hand landed firmly on Leon’s chest, not caring if she was wrinkling his suit, and she gave him a direct warning.“You’d better take care of her, Leon,” Dandar

CHAPTER 905. RULE #1. A Bad JokeMariel looked at herself in the mirror and spun around one last time, making sure her dress was in perfect condition. She had chosen something simple yet elegant, with lace details that added a touch of sophistication without losing the sweetness that always seemed to accompany her. She took a deep breath, gave her reflection one last smile, and stepped out of the dressing room, ready to meet her father-in-law.Leon was waiting outside, his expression a mix of pride and nervousness."You look perfect. Very modest, just the way my parents like it. Ready?" he asked, offering his arm."Of course not, and neither are you," she replied, taking his arm firmly. "Any advice?""Just… take a deep breath," he joked, "and don’t pay attention to anything they say. They have no filter, no tact, nothing.""Got it."With a knowing smile, Mariel nodded, and together they walked toward the main dining room, where the double doors were already open. As they entered, her

CHAPTER 907. RULE #1. CHAPTER 8. An Inadequate WomanLeon burst out laughing when the bedroom door closed behind his mother’s haughty figure as she left, looking as if she had been chased away by a pack of wild dogs. It was evident that she wouldn’t be repeating her "morning visit" anytime soon, lest her dear daughter-in-law turn her into a voyeur.Mariel placed a hand on her forehead, composing herself, and let out a resigned sigh—though there was a hint of humor in it.Still laughing, Leon stepped closer and, in a completely spontaneous gesture, ruffled her hair with one hand."Sorry about the scare. My mother is unbearable." He hesitated for a moment, then glanced down at the rather obvious tent in his pants. "And, well… also sorry for the ‘other’ inconvenience. Morning things, you know."Mariel raised an eyebrow, assessing the situation with feigned seriousness, then flashed a mischievous smile."Oh, don’t worry!" she replied, flipping her hair out of her face with a playful flick

CHAPTER 909. RULE #1 The Brotherhood of the Tight-FistedLeon had to turn around, take a deep breath, and run out of there, because even with Mariel’s sweetness, he believed she was perfectly capable of throwing some bills at him to make him dance. So, he went to pay an obscene amount of money, then took her out to eat, and by nighttime, their return to the castle was triumphant.Mariel was loaded with bags—it was her personal parade, after all—one that crossed the main hall just so the countess could see it properly.Lady Freda shot her a look that could have frozen hell itself, and Mariel stopped right in front of the door, displaying her purchases."Good evening, dear mother-in-law," she said with an angelic smile, and Freda’s teacup trembled slightly on its saucer."What is the meaning of this?" the countess demanded, rising from her chair with exasperating dignity. "How dare you make my son waste his money on such… frivolities?!"Mariel blinked, feigning surprise."Frivolities?"