Chapter 9
“SLAP!”
I smacked Henry across the face and said furiously.
“Henry, he’s your brother–how can you say such things about him?”
“I’ve already accepted Julian’s proposal. Whatever flaws he has, I’ll stand by him.“[]
I looked at Henry with disdain.[]
“I’m not like you–making promises you’ll never keep, being faithless.”
Henry’s face flushed red with embarrassment.]
“Vivian, I know I disappointed you. But you can’t throw away your entire future just to spite me.”
e.“)
“You clearly like me. We could be happy together, as long as you don’t care about legal status and labels.”
He stepped closer, his voice pleading.
“Are you really that vain? So obsessed with status that you’d marry Julian–a man who can’t give you a sex life?“]
“You don’t value our relationship at all. You know once you marry Julian, there’ll never be another chance for us. Won’t you regret it?“]]
I stared coldly at the frantic, furious Henry.
“Regret? My biggest regret is choosing you over Julian. When Grandpa asked my opinion back then, I was scared because Julian always seemed so distant and unapproachable, so I chose you.“]]
“Now I realize you’re just a worthless coward who isn’t even fit to shine Julian’s shoes.”
Then I suddenly drove my knee into his groin. Henry screamed in pain, doubled over, and collapsed to the floor.
I didn’t spare him another glance and turned to leave.
“Henry, if you keep talking like this, I’ll have Julian destroy you completely.”
Behind me, Henry’s voice came out pained and desperate:[]
“Vivian, fine–you want a title? I’ll go back and tell Mom to hold our wedding. Stop being stubborn.”
I didn’t even turn my head.]
I heard that after Henry went back, he pestered Anne to cancel the wedding with Sekar and promised to love me properly from now on.
But I could already imagine Anne’s reaction.]
She’d finally seen hope for Julian’s future marriage–she’d never let anyone ruin that.
Julian’s future wasn’t just a family matter.
Anne was furious. She raged at Henry:[]
“Julian has been supporting the Carter family for years. He’s finally found a girl he likes, and you, as his brother, want to steal Vivian from him?”]
“I’m warning you–if you try to sabotage Vivian and Julian’s relationship, your father and I will send you to Africa to handle that market expansion project.”
“You’re lucky Julian is willing to pay for your failures, or the Blake family would have already ended our alliance.“[]
“Do you think Vivian is a toy? Pick her up, put her down, pick her up again? Grow up!“]
No matter how Henry begged or pleaded, Anne wouldn’t agree.
Instead, Anne doubled down–publicly announcing my engagement to Julian and launching full preparations for a grand engagement party.
Julian was powerful, serious, and formidable. Many elite families had tried to curry favor with him, but none succeeded.[]
Now that the engagement news was out, they turned their attention to me.[]
The Blake family estate was flooded with visitors offering congratulations and lavish gifts.[]
My sister and I spent an entire week handling the stream of guests.[]
Many girls from Manhattan old money families, clearly pushed by their parents, began inviting me out every other day–brunches at private clubs, spa appointments, and carefully planned wellness retreats.[]
That afternoon, I was having coffee with other family heiresses when Sekar appeared.]
This time, her usual arrogance was gone.
Her eyes were red and swollen, her voice trembling.[]
“Vivian, are you proud of yourself? Having both Carter sons wrapped around your finger?”
“Now Henry tells me he doesn’t want to marry me anymore. He says you’re the one he loves, and I was just a momentary impulse.“[]
I blinked, confused.]]
“Proud of what? I never cared about you and Henry.“|
“Besides, Julian is the one who’s supported me all these years. Henry was just a mistake–I’ve corrected that mistake.”
“Since you’re already with Henry, wait for him to marry you, but don’t spread lies and cause misunderstandings.“]
“Whatever your real identity is, if you truly marry into the Carter family, remember–I’m Julian’s wife. Know your place and respect me.”
Sekar staggered, gripping the coffee table, trembling.]
…..“)
“But Henry doesn’t want to marry me now…”
“I broke royal tradition for him, but now he thinks I’m too willful, not dignified enough for the Carter family.”
“He used to like my boldness and vivacity. Now suddenly I’m ‘too much? What right does he have not to marry me?”
e.0
Then malice flashed in her eyes as she swung her hand to slap me.
“You bitch! First seducing Henry, now
kill you!”
Before her slap could land, a tall figure flashed over and kicked her hard, sending her flying.
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“O
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