Chapter 4

“No need.” I forced every last ounce of strength into my legs to stay upright. “If word gets out, Delgado Group's stock will tank.”

“You're insane!” Victoria's eyes burned with fury. “You're always calculating for your precious Delgado empire!”

“Back when Carter had that allergic reaction and his face swelled up, you locked him in the stockroom so you could finish negotiating with a supplier. All for your perfect performance numbers!”

She was panting with rage. “You've never had real feelings. All you know is what benefits you!”

She turned and left, taking the others with her.

Althea shook her head with a cold laugh. “William, you're just gambling that Barbara will feel sorry for you, aren't you? You could cripple yourself and she still wouldn't look back.”

I ignored her and limped toward the end of the corridor.

Wind poured in through the windows.

I leaned against the cold wall, pain throbbing through my left shoulder in waves.

But I didn't lift a hand to brace it.

The last thread snapped.

At one in the morning, I made it back to the Delgado villa.

My mother, Maura, sat in the unlit study. The ember of her cigarette flared and dimmed.

“I already know what happened tonight.” She crushed the cigarette out. “Barbara can't protect your position.”

I stood in the dark and said nothing.

“Your grandmother will see the briefing tomorrow morning. Your marriage can't wait three days.”

“I already broke it off with Barbara, just like you wanted.” My voice was raw. “What more do you want from me?”

She raised her head, her gaze sharp and merciless. “I want to see you marry someone ‘suitable.’”

“Three days. Before your grandmother returns, I want a signed engagement.”

That word, “suitable,” meant exile.

She wanted me to marry someone who posed zero threat to the Delgado inheritance.

Barbara's worst rival, maybe. Or some down-on-her-luck heiress living overseas.

The moment I was married, even if Grandmother wanted to hand me the Delgado Group, she'd have no legitimate grounds.

Barbara held enormous power in the capital. Without her approval, no one would dare accept my engagement.

Six a.m. The emergency wing of the Delgado family's private hospital.

I had just walked out after getting my dislocated shoulder set when I ran into them in the corridor.

Barbara was helping Carter out of the car. A strip of gauze was taped around his ankle.

He walked unsteadily, brow tight with pain.

Lorraine, Victoria, and Althea trailed behind, arms loaded with high-end supplements.

“William?” Carter's eyes went red the second he spotted me.

His gaze dropped to the sling strapped across my chest. “What happened to you? Is it because I took the pocket watch last night? Are you upset about that?”

Barbara looked up, and the instant her eyes hit the sling, her pupils contracted.

Victoria stood next to Carter, her face ashen.

Althea leaned against the nurses' station, arms folded.

“Getting a wound treated.” I stepped aside, ready to leave.

“William.” Carter called after me. “I heard Mother already picked a wife for you? In three days?”

The air in the corridor went still.

Barbara's expression darkened instantly. “Three days?”

She strode up to me. “William, are you done playing games? When did I ever say I was having a wedding in three days?”

I stared at the floor tiles and said nothing.

Less than five hours had passed since the conversation in the study.

Carter hadn't just gotten hold of the information—he'd dropped it right in front of Barbara, perfectly timed.

“Barbara……”

Tears spilled down Carter's face. “If you really are going to marry William, I'll be happy for you. It just feels so sudden……”

Something wild flickered through Barbara's eyes.

She turned to Lorraine. “Take him inside for the exam first. Don't let his wound reopen.”