The third point of view:

He knew it! George said it! Father and daughter together were no good and now they've finally proved him right.

​​

"I will not stand this!" George bellowed.

"What can't you stand? We all are here to ensure a fair and good conclusion," Although Niklaus said that, there was a sly smirk on his face. He has finally played his trump card, the chances of him winning this battle rose significantly - thanks to his daughter. Maybe Isabella's shrewdness was a good thing after all.

"You are trying to trick your way out of your responsibility," No one knew if that comment was directed at Isabella or her father, Niklaus.

However, Isabella made it personal by answering, "It is not trickery, it's called being smart. Moreover, weren't you confident all along, why so scared all of a sudden?" She taunted him.

"The girl's right," Emerald supported her and Isabella decided that moment she had found her new favorite person.

"Everyone was given the opportunity to speak out to make a fair judgment, it's right she presented her strong argument,"

George didn't say anything, he grumbled irritably instead.

"I think we have to look into Isabella's strong fact," Reina brought up the issue, "Now that I think about it, my daughter is right, I had not been married to her father when I made the promise to George," she chuckled, "Which means that my word was not -"

"Reliable," Julie acknowledged with a smile, "Reina was an Armani then, not a Spencer, and had no right over Isabella Spencer - note her surname. In one word, Niklaus gave no consent to the engagement," his gaze shifted over to his grandfather's distraught look. His great plan has been ruined.

Anabelle gasped," The engagement is invalid? It's Invalid!" The girl wanted to fly, she was so excited. Julie wasn't going to marry Isabella anymore. God, it was a miracle!

So excited was Anabelle that she threw herself on Isabella who hadn't seen her attack coming nor had she time to brace herself, sending the both of them to the ground.

"Seriously, get off me, I'm not your boyfriend! Go rub yourself over him!" Isabella complained, trying to free herself from her cousin but Anabelle only wrapped her tighter. She gave up.

However, amid this celebration, Niklaus' gaze swept over a saddened old man. His brows furrowed in contemplation, scrutinizing the man with each passing second. Something wasn't right! He could feel it.

George loved his grandson with all his heart and for him to insist on pairing Isabella, his daughter with his grandson Julie meant he had a plan - a plan he just ruined.

Amid his gloomy state George sensed someone's intent gaze and glanced up only for his gaze to connect with Niklaus. They stared at each other for almost a minute and then, it was decided - there was more to the engagement than everyone knew.

"Oldman, would you mind having a drink with me in my office?" Niklaus said to George, stunning everyone.

They had been rejoicing at the likelihood of the engagement being canceled only for Niklaus to arrange a private meeting with the foxy old man who had orchestrated the engagement in the first place. Moreover, the both of them had been at loggerheads earlier, what was the possibility they weren't about to kill each other inside.

That was what Reina must have been thinking as well because she tried to say, "I don't think that's a good -"

George raised his hand, stopping her, "It's no problem," he faced Niklaus, "Lead the way,"

One of the military personnel stationed in the room tried to follow but the old man motioned him to stop as well.

"I'm in safe hands," He said.

Really? Everyone was as puzzled as the military. Why hire them if he was in safe hands? The confrontation earlier, what was it for then?

Yet, George gave them no further explanation, following after Niklaus to his study with everyone's gaze trained on him.

Once inside his study, Niklaus produced two tumblers and a bottle of whiskey, pouring a drink for the both of them. Clicking their glasses, both men gulped the whole thing down, setting the glass back down on the table.

Niklaus poured another round.

They finished.

He poured another drink.

They finished.

The routine continued until the drink in the bottle was almost exhausted when Niklaus finally asked, "So what's the catch? Why Isabella?"

George poured himself a drink, the liquid scorching down his throat before he said, "Isabella has protection and Influence and courage,"

Niklaus rubbed his jaw, thinking hard, "You want your son to be protected. Isabella has me, then support from Reina's side and her growing forces in the future and by marrying her, Julie is entitled to the same benefit. But the question is why," His gaze bore into George's eyes, "You've been doing a good job of protecting him all this while except....." it finally dawned on him.

Niklaus's eyes widened slightly, taking in the man with a tinge of compassion, "You're dying, aren't you?"

George chuckled as if death was something to be laughed at, "I see who Isabella completely took over," He sighed, "It has been a huge privilege having lived this long. When my son died from my carelessness, I had numerous thoughts I would join him soon but I guess, taking care of his son was my redemption,"

He went on, "I don't have much power as before but Julie is bright and I see him reviving the glory of our family. However, it's like leaving a lamb amid wolves, he has so many enemies and no helpful relative on his side,"

Niklaus finally understood the old man's plot, Isabelle would have been his grandson's armor. After all, they ruled the city plus the fact he was in-law with Sakuzi, no gang would dare to attempt an attack on them. No one wanted a fate worse than death.

Sakuzi was not a merciful clan, once stirred, they hunted even to the last descendant. A whole generation wiped out from the surface of the earth. Who would want that?

"I don't have many years left, you have to agree to the engagement,"