Chapter 14 She Has To Be My Bride!
The car rolled away from Faye’s house as I rested my head against the window
Her face still flashing in my mind when I said I wanted to marry her. She laughed like I was insane. Maybe I am.
Marcus, my assistant, cleared his throat from the driver’s seat. “Boss….cun I ask you something?”
I didn’t respond night away. I just stared out at the streetlights blurring past. Finally, I said, “Go on.”
“Why her?” he asked. “Of all the women out there… Why Faye Berkeley? She saw what’s in the restricted wing at Blackwell Industries. You always said anyone who gets that close doesn’t walk out alive. So what makes her different?”
I didn’t answer at first. I could still see her standing there in that garden, eyes wide, heart racing, but still standing. Still speaking She didn’t run.
“She’s not like the others. I said quietly
Marcus scoffed. “That’s what they all say before they fall.”
“She’s smart. Sharp. And despite how terrified she was, she still stood her ground. Most people would’ve fainted. Screamed. She didn’t. She didn’t even tell anyone.
“You’re sure about that?” he asked
“Positive,” I said. “If she had, the news
vs would’ve leaked, or at least reached our mole in the police. But everything’s been quiet. That’s how I know I can trust her.“%
Marcus went silent for a beat. Then, “So, what? You think she’s just gonna wake up tomorrow and say yes to marrying a man who’s part of an underground operation?“8
“I don’t want just any woman to stand beside me.” I replied. “My grandfather’s dying wish is that I get married. If I show up with Faye Berkeley heiress – he’ll know I’m serious. She’s not after my money. She’s not going to beg for shares or access. She has her own power” “You could’ve picked someone easier, he muttered.!
I know she can handle the
I smiled faintly. “That’s the point. Faye isn’t easy. And because she saw what she saw and kept it to herself, I k dark. I don’t need someone who’s scared of my world. I need someone who can walk into it and not crumble.“) Marcus clicked his tongue. “So what’s the plan now? She turned you down tonight. Made it very clear she wants nothing to do with you or your mamage proposal.”
I stared ahead, jaw tight. “I know. And I didn’t expect her to say yes right away. She’s been through a lot. Gerald wrecked her. He played with her heart and walked away like it meant nothing.”
“She’s not the only one he ruined,” Marcus said, glancing at me. “You sure you’re not just projecting?”
My voice came out like ice. “He’s the reason my sister’s in a coma. He promised her a future. Then dumped her when she got pregnant and left her to bleed alone in a hospital bed. She tried to take her own life. That bastard didn’t even look back.
her own
The image of Hailey, pale and lifeless in that hospital bed, flashed in my mind. My chest tightened.
“This isn’t just about revenge,” I multered. “It’s about justice. And Faye deserves that too. Gerald used her like he used Hailey. Lied. Manipulated. Broke her. And yet.. she’s still standing “&”
Marcus sighed. “So now what? You gonna wait around, hoping she changes her mind?”
“No,” I said. “We don’t have time for that. My grandfather’s health is fading. He wants to see me married before he passes. And I need to make Faye understand that we’re on the same side. That we need each other.”
Marcus gave me a sideways glance. “She told you to leave. Said she’s not interested. Sounds pretty clear to me.”
I smirked “Everyone has a price. Everyone has a breaking point
“You plan on breaking her?”
“No.” I said. “But I need her to see that being alone, trying to fight back without any power, is a losing game. And if that means pushing her a little, so be it.“.
Marcus’s grip on the wheel tightened. “What are you saying?”
I turned to him slowly. “We cripple her company. Not destroy. Just shake it. Cut off a few investors. Delay a few contracts. Pull a few strings”
Marcus blinked “You want her to come crawling to you?
“I want her to need me,” I said, my voice steady. “Right now, she thinks she’s free. That she can survive on her own. But when her company starts bleeding and no one wants to help her, be the one standing there with a bandage.“%
“You’re senous
“Tve never been more serious,” I said.
Marcus sighed and rubbed his temples. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Hunter”
“Talways have“:
Silence fell between us again
“You’re not doing this for love, are y
you?” Marcus
a asked
I didn’t answer night away
“No” I finally said. “Love’s not something I have time for”
#:12 AM c
“But revenge?”
“That,” I said with a slow smile, “I have all the time in the world for.”
Marcus glanced back. “So, when do we start the takedown?“\
I looked out at the city lights glowing in the distance.
“Tonight” I said. “We hit the weakest link first. Her newest investor – Alan Greene, Pull him out quietly. Then we follow up with her logistics team. Delay their shipment. Let her stan feeling the cracks ”
“And if she still doesn’t come running to you?
I smiled coldly “Then we widen the cracks.“_
The car sped up, and I leaned back into the seat..
Faye Berkeley didn’t want my hand.
But when the world started pulling hers apart, she’d have no choice but to take it
She just didn’t know it yet
–
