Chapter 447 - Where’s Human Rights?!

There was a moment of silence as soon as Zoey laid the truth on the table. Carter, most especially, just stared at her in absolute shock, blinking his eyes many times at how she bluffed and how she ratted herself out almost immediately.

Soon, Zoey realized her answer that made her gasp in horror. She turned her eyes which were full of disbelief at Matthew who wasn't surprised, and then to Carter whose eyes began to show dismay. "I… I mean, you know, what's important is the moral lesson, right?" 

Upon hearing her awkward reasoning, a faint chuckle slipped past Matthew's lips. "You're really…" He shook his head to the side, his fingers brushed his lower lip as he had already expected such a reasoning from her.

What's there to be surprised about? Zoey would do anything to execute her plans. Moreover, she had a point. What was important was that the perspective of the three squad captains had broadened. It wouldn't happen if the results were different. 

If ever Ryan won, which was impossible because Owen surely had other plans; if ever he didn't make an alliance with Carter, things would change. On the other hand, if Owen won, it would be a little harder to convince everyone to not change how they viewed the man.

Therefore, it was called a gamble, and Zoey wouldn't want a gamble where she knew she wouldn't win. Not to mention, it would certainly split the unified people of Matthew. 

In other words, if everyone would look at the bigger picture, everything narrowed down to benefit Matthew. From changing the naive perspective of his people, opening their eyes to the harsh reality of a real battlefield to a new way to sharpen everyone's skills, it all led to Matthew's benefits.

After all, these are his people. They were here to serve his will and protect him from harm. 

Realizing this, Matthew turned to Zoey as the side of his lips tilted into a meek smile. "Indeed, that's what's important." He said, patting her head lightly.

Without further ado, Matthew turned to Carter. "Let this pass today. You'll still take her in your training." In a matter-of-fact tone, Matthew affirmed as his decision wouldn't change. 

Whether or not Carter was against it, they didn't have any other choice. After all, Matthew had already decided. Therefore, even the end of the world wouldn't change his mind. By that, it also meant that Zoey wouldn't change his mind.

A glint of reluctance flickered across Carter's eyes, still he bowed his head and said, "Yes, Master." His tone was stern, obviously not happy that she outsmarted him. Yet, he couldn't disobey the order from the man who had given him a second chance at life.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Just then, Zoey finally found the voice to speak for herself. "Who said I want to train?" She asked, casting Matthew an eye full of dismay.

Without batting an eye, Matthew answered. "Me."

"How about my consent?" She gasped, peering at him from head to toe. "Shouldn't you ask or discuss it with me first?! I have a company to run! I have projects that need to be finished! How about my dreams?! I have an ambition to dominate the world!" She argued, prattling nonsense nonstop which made Carter knit his brows.

There had been no one who could complain like this in front of Matthew. Or rather, no one had the nerve to do so. Yet, this lady was being annoying. Owen couldn't even compare to her!

For a moment, Matthew remained silent as if he was considering some of her arguments. "Taking over the XI Corporation is close to having the world in your hands." He spoke his words without much change in his ever unchanging front. 

Zoey nearly choked by his response, causing her face to distort. "Gosh! I can't do that!" She hollered, shaking her head to the side. "Mister, I appreciate your efforts and good intentions for my well-being. However, I have other priorities. My employees and their families rely on me. So…" Zoey trailed off as her brows twitched uncontrollably.

Matthew's expression screamed, 'By sticking with me, your employees and their families wouldn't worry about tomorrow'. Thus, Zoey realized that she needed a more solid excuse for this selfish Matthew who only thought of himself and his decision mattered to understand.

"Hmm?" Matthew tilted his head a little to the side, humming in a low tune as he noticed that she realized his train of thoughts too soon.

'Uhm…" Zoey pondered, pursing her lips in a thin line and cleared her throat. "Traveling from here to my office will be a hassle. Hehe." Left with no other choice, Zoey awkwardly uttered the lamest excuse she had ever made.

"Paul, buy the nearest building in the area. Make sure they will move out in three days." Without averting his gaze from her, Matthew ordered Paul who was standing not far away.

"Wait, why are you buying a building?!" Although the answer was obvious, Zoey still asked out of habit. 

"The nearest building here takes an hour drive. But if you go by the chopper, it'll take you much faster." In a matter-of-fact tone, Matthew shrugged his shoulders as he gave her the obvious answer she should have figured out herself.

Her expression was aghast as she darted her shocked eyes from Matthew's indifferent front to Paul who bowed his head. "No, no, no, no!" Panicking, Zoey waved her hand profusely as she skipped towards Matthew.

"You can't do that!" She hollered, perking up to him. "Where's human rights?! Democracy? Freedom to live life?!" 

"You're standing in my property, what rules are you talking about?" Cold and stern, displeased and amused at how she was struggling, Matthew arched his right brow. "Do you understand now?" Matthew leaned down, narrowing his eyes while Zoey was rendered speechless.

Indeed, Matthew wouldn't take her in here if he had plans on letting her go. He knew what he wanted, and he had embraced his selfishness. He was interested in her. But above all that, Matthew found a way to find the answers that were crowding his head for a while now.

Slowly, Matthew leaned in front of her ear, whispering words that made her shoulders shudder.. "I was not kidding when I said I wanted to know if you'll be my wife or not."