Chapter 57
“Pathetic!” Frederick coughed violently, his finger jabbing toward Vanessa with venomous disdain. “What have you ever done for this family since you got involved with Sebastian? Years of struggle, and what do we have to show for it? Not a single share of the Blackwood fortune, not even their favor! Do you really think Sebastian loves you? Raising a daughter was nothing but a waste—utterly worthless!”
Vanessa’s eyes burned crimson with suppressed fury. Frederick had always prized sons over daughters. He had even forced Seraphina to abort her when they discovered she was carrying a girl. The doctors had warned that another pregnancy might be impossible afterward. Vanessa had only survived because of her mother’s desperate pleas.
Seraphina never conceived again, deepening Frederick’s contempt for her. Vanessa grew up in the shadow of her older brother, Raphael, clawing for scraps of attention by currying favor with Isabella. She lost her innocence early, mastering manipulation to secure her future and earn her father’s approval—anything to become the perfect, polished woman.
Sebastian had been her first experiment at eight years old. At first, she despised him—an illegitimate heir, unworthy of her time. Her sights had been set on the legitimate Blackwood heir. But Isabella had whispered in her ear: Use him. Even if he’s nothing now, having a Blackwood at your beck and call will be invaluable.
So Vanessa became Sebastian’s savior, the light in his bleak world. And in doing so, she bound him to her in obsession.
Yet despite everything she had done for the Delacroix family, Frederick still saw her as nothing more than a bargaining chip. One misstep, and she was disposable.
A dark thought coiled in her mind. She had no intention of helping Raphael. Let that worthless fool rot in prison. Then the Delacroix name would be hers—even if it was nothing more than a hollow shell.
“Enough!” Seraphina rushed forward, pulling Vanessa into a protective embrace as she glared at Frederick. “What more can she do if Sebastian refuses to help? This is your fault! If you hadn’t spoiled Raphael rotten, he wouldn’t be in this mess! The men in this family are useless—all you do is take your failures out on us!”
Frederick’s face purpled with rage, but he bit back his fury. Seraphina’s sister was married to Alistair Blackwood. He couldn’t afford to lose his temper—not yet.
“What matters now is salvaging our reputation and speeding up Vanessa’s marriage to Sebastian.” Seraphina’s voice turned icy as she thought of how Sebastian had abandoned her son. “If necessary, we’ll force their relationship into a point of no return. Once she’s tied to him, the Blackwoods will never be rid of her.”
“Mother!” Vanessa gasped, pressing a hand to her stomach in alarm.
Seraphina’s gaze flickered to the faint stretch marks still visible despite multiple treatments. She sighed in irritation. “If they don’t fade in time, get a tattoo to cover them. It’s the quickest solution.”
Vanessa recoiled. The idea repulsed her. She had spent years cultivating her image as the epitome of purity and grace. A tattoo would ruin that. But if the marks remained by the wedding, she might have no choice.
Just then, the staff descended the stairs, carrying several ornate boxes.
“Madam, everything is packed.”
Vanessa’s eyes widened. “Those are my jewelry cases! Mother, what are you doing with them?”
“Selling them.”
“What? You can’t! Those are mine!” She lunged forward, snatching the most valuable box—the one containing gifts from Sebastian. Inside lay the Crimson Heart, a ruby pendant he had given her when he was still generous.
“The company needs funds. Selling these, along with my own pieces, will keep us afloat for now.” Seraphina’s tone brooked no argument. “Besides, there’s a charity auction in two weeks. We must attend—to repair our family’s image. And Archibald Blackwood’s birthday is approaching. Whatever we buy can double as his gift. Two birds, one stone.”
She softened slightly, cupping Vanessa’s face. “Once you’re Mrs. Blackwood, Sebastian will drown you in jewels. Don’t cling to scraps when a fortune awaits. Raphael is hopeless. You’re our only chance now.”
