Chapter 20%
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I had spent the last few days trying to get away from my parents‘ estate to come find Virginia.
Every attempt–my assistant’s car, my own, even booking a flight–was blocked.”
This morning, I had just stepped into the company lobby, not even through the glass doors yet, when the driver appeared and stopped me. “Sir Slade, today is Sir Garrett’s birthday. Your presence is expected.“}
“I don’t have time,” I said flatly.
“Sir Garrett gave strict orders,” the driver whispered. “If you skip it, you’ll be replaced as CEO by tomorrow.”
I shut my eyes for a moment, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles turned white.“}]
Then I turned and ordered, “Tell my secretary to prepare a gift.“}
Grandpa’s 90th birthday party was a grand affair. The entire Slades showed up in full force. Politicians, businessmen, socialites- everyone was there. It was the event of the season.
But I felt nothing.
Grandpa sat at the head table and motioned me over. “Come here, Slade. Sit.”
I stood, walked over, and greeted him in a low voice. “Grandpa.”}
The old man studied me. “Why’ve you lost so much weight lately?”
When I didn’t explain, he set his wine down. And when he spoke again, his voice grew heavy. “The only thing I fear at this age is leaving this family with no heir. You understand what I’m saying, right?”
A tightness gripped my throat.
“This woman–she’s the reason you’ve been so out of control lately, isn’t she?” Grandpa continued.
My brows drew together. “She’s my wife.“}
“You’re not even married yet,” Grandpa snapped. “When you give me a son–an heir–then you can talk like that.“}
I clenched my jaw. A vein throbbed at my temple. “I will not marry Millicent.”
“You don’t get to decide that,” Grandpa growled, slamming his cane against the floor. “That baby she’s carrying is my only grandchild. Once it’s born, the estate will be divided how I see fit.“0
“You want me to spend my life with a woman I don’t love?”
“You want to destroy our family? Throw away everything your grandfather built with his bare hands?“>
Qur eyes locked. The tension was fire in the air.
Then, Grandpa turned to the guests and smiled as if nothing had happened, like our fierce argument was just another family joke.”
I stood there frozen, my eyes glassy, my jaw tight.”
didn’t leave. I didn’t fight back… because I knew… ‘At this point, I’m not even in control of anything anymore.’”
“Sir,” Rhett whispered. “Ma’am Millicent has arrived.”}
I looked up, and there she really was.
Millicent walked in with Mom on her arm, looking every bit the future matriarch. Her custom designer gown was flawless. Her baby bump showed softly under the silk. Her face was calm, poised, and glowing.”
But i just turned away coldly, my fists clenched until my nails dug into my palm.
I had never hated anyone more. Never regretted anything more than letting Millicent stay—and driving Virginia away.
As the party reached its peak, the host took the stage and raised a glass. Everyone followed suit.&
Grandpa beamed. “I’m grateful for each one of you here tonight. And for the efforts of the next generation-”
His gaze swept from me to Millicent. There was meaning in that look.
Millicent bowed her head, smiling shyly, playing the part to perfection.
Guests toasted. Laughter rose. The air buzzed with celebration }
Then–chaos.
A scream pierced the air from upstairs.
“What the-?!”
“Look! The ceiling!”
A bundle of photographs floated down from above.
Dozens of hands reached up, catching them as they fell.
There was a beat of silence. Then gasps. One after another.N
“Wait, Is this Miss Millicent?!“#
“These are from Italy! Look how she’s dressed-”
“She was pregnant and still… with someone else?”
She’s supposed to be Slade’s wife! How could she…”
