Erika froze for a heartbeat, shock flashing across her face.
With icy composure, Nicole asked smoothly, her tone detached, "So, do you still want the money?"
Phillip hesitated, the fury in his eyes cooling as reason crept back in.
Unable to restrain herself, Erika snapped, surging forward at Nicole with reckless intent.
Rather than retreat, Nicole stood her ground, gaze sharp and unblinking. "I'm part of the Reed family now," she said evenly. "If you raise a hand to me, what do you think the Reeds will react? Maybe simply sever your hand to feed the dogs—or toss you straight into a pack of mastiffs?"
Fingers clamping around Erika's wrist, Nicole tightened her grip just enough to draw a strangled gasp, pain twisting Erika's features. A moment later, Nicole released her, and Erika pitched forward, collapsing onto her knees in a posture stripped of all dignity.
At that instant, the door swung open, and Samuel appeared, wheeling Connor into the room.
Reclining casually in the wheelchair, Connor took in the scene, a mischievous curve tugging at his lips as he silently noted how fast Nicole had learned to leverage her position, wielding it with a confidence that looked almost innate.
His unhurried gaze drifted to Nicole's softly rounded face, catching the way her eyes instinctively slid aside, and he lingered there, savoring her unease, before finally breaking the silence. "My wife is only paying a visit to her family," he drawled lightly. "Is all this ceremony really necessary?"
At the sight of him, confusion and unease flickered across Nicole's features. What in the world was Connor doing here?
Erika lifted her head, visibly shrinking under the presence of the imposing, striking man before her.
Recovering quickly, Nicole smoothed her expression and slipped seamlessly back into her role as Mrs. Reed. Crossing the room, she thanked Samuel with a polite nod before placing her hands on the wheelchair handles, standing squarely behind Connor. "What made you come all this way?" she inquired softly, her expression gentle yet concerned. "It's not easy for you to be out. You shouldn't have troubled yourself."
Without a word, Connor lifted a check and placed it into her hand. "You left this behind."
Phillip rushed forward to steady Erika, his gaze flicking between Connor's face and the check, unable to hide the greed flashing in his eyes.
"So you're Nicole's husband?" Phillip questioned, forcing a cordial smile. "She didn't mention you'd be visiting. Please—come inside and have a seat."
Behind him, Erika went still, staring in disbelief. Was this really Connor? The infamous Reed family's illegitimate son—rumored to be disfigured, crippled, even to have driven women to their deaths? No one had ever said he was this devastatingly good-looking!
Bitterness flared as Erika shot Nicole a vicious glare, her jaw tightening with barely contained jealousy.
Connor regarded Phillip with detached calm. "You're Nicole's uncle?"
Phillip immediately bobbed his head, his ingratiating smile snapping back into place.
Without any change in tone, Connor continued, "Nicole told me you were shrewd and greedy. I once assumed she was exaggerating out of immaturity, but after meeting you today, I can see she is actually right."
A surge of irritation welled up inside Phillip, who couldn't help thinking that Connor's sharp tongue lived up to every rumor. Still, with the check on the line, he forced himself to swallow the anger and endure it.
Nicole briefly lowered her gaze to the check before lifting her eyes to Connor's face, a quiet, deliberate look passing between them. After a pause, she extended her hand and placed the check into Phillip's grasp.
The moment Phillip saw the amount written on it, the smile on his face collapsed without warning. "Only two thousand?"
Connor leaned back slightly and replied coolly, "It's a token for stopping by. What kind of figure were you expecting?"
Unable to restrain himself, Phillip snapped, "Shouldn't you give us the money agreed upon for this marriage?"
A faint sneer tugged at Connor's lips as he added, "That sum is meant for Nicole. Are you planning to dip your hands into that? If you're that desperate for money, march to Reed Manor and demand it yourself—assuming you have the guts."
Phillip fumbled for a retort, the room sinking into a brittle, humiliating silence. After everything, all he had gained was a pathetic two thousand and the complete stripping of his pride!
Fury contorted Phillip's features. He had never expected that Nicole would survive her wedding night. Now, even with ten times the nerve, he wouldn't dare demand a cent from the Reed family.
Connor was here for one reason only—to make it clear Nicole was under his protection. With that message delivered, there was no reason for him to stay, and he signaled Samuel to wheel him out. Nicole followed behind them.
The door shut with a dull thud, sealing the humiliation inside the room. Erika clutched her swollen cheek, tears spilling as she shouted, "Dad, you're really letting them walk away like this? You didn't even defend me!"
Phillip's jaw tightened as he struggled to force his rage down his throat. Still, what choice did he have? Connor might not be favored, but he remained a member of the Reed family. Who in their right mind would dare provoke the Reed family?
Grinding his teeth, Phillip finally spat, "This isn't over! I'll make damn sure Nicole pays double for today's disgrace!"
