At Theo’s outburst, the other businessmen in the room shot to their feet in reverence.
Mark Roosevsalt, was a powerful heir from the capital. A man whose influence far outstripped that of anyone present in this room. I didn’t need an introduction. I had already figured out his identity the moment he walked in.
“Looking at the situation, you must be the one pulling Theo’s strings,” I said coolly.
Mark didn’t deny it. He strolled over and took a seat directly across from me, his posture relaxed, exuding the arrogance of someone used to having the world at his feet. “You guessed right. Theo works for me. And since the Harper Family wants to expand into the capital, they’ll need my support.”. He spoke as if he owned the Harpers, as if he controlled their fate.
I merely glanced at him, uninterested in his posturing. “I assume you’re here for my wife.”
Mark chuckled. “Sharp and to the point. I like that.” He flicked open a cigarette case, pulling one out and lighting it lazily. “Mr. Rudy, as I understand it, you and Miss Harper have been married for three years and yet, from what I hear, you haven’t even held her hand.”
The room filled with quiet laughter, mocking murmurs among the gathered businessmen. Mark exhaled a slow stream of smoke, smirking. “That’s a shame, truly. But don’t worry—after tonight, your wife will be my woman.”
His words were meant to provoke me, to get a reaction. But instead of rage, I simply smiled. “Oh? Is that how it is?” I said nonchalantly. “Well, if you’re so interested in my wife, you’re welcome to have her.”
Mark’s smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied me. He had expected fury, resistance—anything but my complete indifference.
Now, things were about to get interesting.
"Isn't Mr. Rudy angry at all?", he smiled.
I waved my hand dismissively, a faint smile playing on my lips. "Why should I be angry?"
I leaned back slightly, my tone casual yet laced with warning. "In fact, I should be thanking you, Mark. If not for your interference, I wouldn't have had such a convenient excuse to finally have a real conversation with the Harper Family."
I paused, letting my words sink in before adding, "That being said, you should remember one thing—whoever crosses me never meets a good end."
Mark's smirk faltered for just a second, his arrogance briefly shaken before he scoffed. He hadn't expected me to be even more unfazed than he was and it visibly irritated him. His face darkened with fury and he immediately snapped his fingers. "Theo! What are you waiting for? Do it!"
As soon as the order left his lips, Theo grabbed a bottle from the table and swung it viciously toward my head. The impact sent me crashing to the ground.
Before I could react, he was on me, raining down punches and kicks with a fervor that screamed desperation to impress his master. The blows came relentlessly, each one fueled by his pathetic need for validation.
Pain spread across my body like wildfire, but I clenched my jaw, refusing to let them hear a single cry of agony.
"That's enough. Don't kill him," Mark finally spoke, stepping forward.
He crouched beside me, his expression smug as he patted my cheek condescendingly. "Consider this a lesson, kid. Next time, don’t try to act tough in front of me. Or I might just decide to end you."
Gritting my teeth, I struggled to sit up, my gaze locking onto his without an ounce of fear. Despite the blood trickling down my face, my voice remained steady. "The Roosevsalt Family of New York… is that all you amount to? Pathetic."
Mark's smirk disappeared instantly, his face twisting with rage. Without hesitation, he grabbed a chair and lifted it high, ready to smash it down on me.
But then— A sharp gasp echoed through the room.
"Mr. Harper, what brings you here?!".
