Keeping his voice steady, Connor warned Nicole, "Join the Reed family, and you'd better brace yourself to bleed. As my wife, you should equip yourself with a strong mind and the right skills to withstand what's coming. Think about it carefully."
A subtle, unhurried smile curved Nicole's lips as she answered, "If you doubt me, you can release the promised money to my family in ten separate installments. Once you feel I've proven myself, you can settle the remaining balance at your own pace."
Despite the ease in her voice, every word had been weighed and rehearsed the night before, polished until nothing sounded forced. Her opening move against her uncle required leverage she could keep firmly in hand, and the substantial sum promised by the Reed family for this marriage was the most effective bait she had.
Unaware that Connor merely pretended blindness, she believed she had everything mapped out, yet the unease flickering in her eyes and the tight strain around her mouth had already been seen—every last detail caught by him.
Remembering the years she had survived under her uncle's roof, Connor immediately saw through the careful phrasing of her offer and let out a low, mocking laugh.
Misreading the sound entirely, Nicole assumed he was ridiculing her—as though she truly were nothing more than a negotiable asset—and her chin dipped with quiet humiliation.
Without lifting his gaze, he regarded the untouched breakfast, clearly unwilling to be indebted to her kindness, and replied in an even voice, "That arrangement makes sense."
Not long after, Samuel stepped inside and delivered a five-million-dollar check into Nicole's hands. "Ms. Perry, this represents one-tenth of the settlement," he said in a controlled, professional tone. "Please keep it secure."
Nicole had always been aware of just how deep the Reed family's pockets ran, yet the sight of the check still left her momentarily stunned. She folded it away with deliberate care and, before stepping out, turned back to offer Connor a solemn goodbye, slipping him her number and telling him to reach out anytime he needed her.
Once the door closed behind her, Connor pushed himself up from the wheelchair and walked to the window, his tall frame still as he watched her full figure shrink into the distance.
Samuel stood by his side and spoke quietly, curiosity edging his voice. "Five million isn't pocket change for someone like her. Do you really think she'll show up again?"
Connor gave no answer, his expression unreadable.
...
Laughter and celebration filled the Perry residence. Phillip Perry, Nicole's uncle, had ordered the housekeeper to lay out an extravagant feast, openly toasting the fact that Nicole had been sold at a handsome price.
Across the table, his wife, Martha Perry, beamed at their daughter. "Erika, sweetheart, you can finally relax now, can't you? With that money, you can bankroll Jerald's startup, make sure his heart stays firmly with you, and you've cleared away an annoyance at the same time. All that's left is for you and Jerald to hurry up, get married, and give me a couple of grandchildren to spoil."
Nicole's cousin, Erika Perry, lifted her glass and asked casually, "Has the Reed family transferred the money yet?"
Chuckling, Phillip waved it off. "It'll arrive any moment. The Reeds value their name—they won't go back on their word."
A genuine glow spread across Erika's face. For years, Nicole had eclipsed her in everything, stealing attention without even trying. Now that Nicole had nothing, Erika felt an itch of triumph she could no longer contain.
"That pathetic girl," Erika huffed with a curl of her lips, her tone sharp with malice. "If she ever found out her father was literally driven to his death by rage, I wonder how she'd react. Do you think she'd be so broken that she'd jump off a building as well?"
Phillip's face hardened instantly as he snapped, "Why did you drag that up again?"
With a petulant shrug, Erika muttered, "What's there to panic over? I never said who caused it."
These three assumed Nicole was clueless, yet every ugly truth had long since settled in her mind.
At that moment, the door swung open, and Nicole stepped inside, cutting straight through their laughter and celebration.
Standing there, Nicole looked as plain and harmless as ever, yet a glacial detachment lingered in her eyes as she spoke in a steady tone. "I'm back."
Martha made no effort to mask the contempt curling her lips as she sneered, "Why did you come back?"
A thin, almost lazy smile touched Nicole's mouth. "I came to hand over the money. Or is that suddenly not something you want?"
The room stiffened at once, faces shifting in quick succession. So the money was handed over by Nicole? But how the Reed family handled things was their prerogative.
Martha let out a huff and barked impatiently, "Then what are you just standing there for? Hurry up and give us the money!"
Ignoring Martha and Erika altogether, Nicole walked over and settled into the chair across from Phillip. "Uncle Phillip," she said coolly, folding her hands. "You promised my mother a proper burial—something respectful, something dignified. Once that's been carried out, and after you and your family personally pay your respects at her grave, I'll give you the money."
The intensity of Nicole's stare made Erika shift uneasily in her chair. How had Nicole become this frightening just because her mother was gone? That gaze felt sharp and deeply unsettling.
Erika smirked. "Your mother was nothing but trash, and you expect us to pay respects?" Her irritation spilled over as she added harshly, "Do you honestly think she's worthy of that?"
At that, Nicole's gaze hardened, the last trace of softness vanishing without warning. In the next heartbeat, her hand flashed out, landing a crisp slap across Erika's face with ruthless precision.
