These words were like a bucket of ice water poured over his head, nearly suffocating Kaeya. Her already pale face instantly lost the last trace of color. This was neither a favor nor a temporary expedient, but a blatant transaction. And she is the item that was sold at a marked price and handed over to her.
"What...... Fifty million dollars? Her voice was as delicate as a thread.
A low, utterly amused laugh escaped Duncan's lips. He skillfully and silently operated the wheelchair, bringing the two closer together. As he drew nearer, the pure presence radiating from him turned into a suffocating pressure.
He threw a folder with a leather cover onto the discerning desk and pushed it toward her. "Linwood Power's loan agreement. That is, your purchase price. ”
Kaeya stared intently at the document. On it was the name of her father's company—the one forcibly taken from his hands—and below was Richard Linwood's powerful signature. The world seemed to tilt at that moment, the words on the paper twisted into meaningless blocks of color, and her mind went blank.
Duncan seemed to enjoy her breakdown, watching her like a predator scrutinizing a trapped beast. "I need a wife to comfort my grandmother. She was ill, and her only wish before passing was to see me start a family. The Linwood family needed an investment to avoid bankruptcy. A fair deal, isn't it? He paused, his cold gaze pinning her in place, "As for why you're the one standing here, and not the lovely Olivia Linwood...... I think probably no one really wants to marry a disabled person. ”
He raised a long, elegant finger and gently tapped his own thigh. The crisp knocking sounded especially harsh in the deathly silent room. This gesture carried a cold, piercing self-mockery, making Kaeya shiver uncontrollably.
The wave of shock faded, replaced by a raging rage burning in his chest. "That's a lie. I'm leaving. ”
She spun around abruptly, but Duncan's voice made her stop abruptly. His tone was very light, as if they were chatting, but carried a weight like iron chains: "Leave?" You can give it a try. He let the silence float in the air for a moment before adding in a calm and resolute tone, "The moment you step out of this estate, the Linwood family's credit line will be cut off." Tomorrow morning, they will go bankrupt. And you—penniless, with nowhere to go—will never get the money to redeem those 'emotional old belongings' of your grandfather. ”
Kaeya froze in place, his hand still hanging on the doorknob. He knew those books were her only weakness, and the only bargaining chip they used to threaten her. The terrifying nature of this trap was finally fully clear.
"Your duty is simple," Duncan continued, pulling her back from the edge of the abyss, "playing Mrs. Norton." Considerate and obedient, until my grandmother passed away. After that, you get a sum of money, the contract ends, and you completely disappear from my life. A cruel glint flashed in his eyes, "Of course, the premise is that you must maintain ...... Obedient. ”
Kaeya slowly turned around and faced him again. Burning tears welled up deep in her eyes, but she gritted her teeth, determined not to let them fall. She won't let him get his way.
Her mind raced, piecing together all the clues: Olivia's fear, the driver's pity, Melinda's crocodile tears...... A brand-new and terrifying thought took shape in his mind like shards of glass—cold and sharp. The Linwood family was not just afraid of her marrying a disabled man; they simply hoped she would die here. The Norton family is a vast dynasty, making a trivial and annoying orphan disappear silently is a piece of cake. In this way, the Linwood family gets the money, Olivia can break free from the engagement, and Kaeya—the living proof of their theft—will disappear forever. It was a perfect, bloodless murder.
The fear in his veins hadn't faded, but it had already condensed into something else—the will to survive.
The despair in her eyes faded, replaced by calmness and caution. She looked at Duncan Norton, and for the first time truly examined this man. He is a monster, a prisoner, but at the same time, he is her only hope. She had to stay. She must use the title "Mrs. Norton" as a shield and a foundation for her standing. She had to find a way to survive.
She took a deep breath, forcing down the storm inside her. When she spoke again, her voice miraculously calmed down: "I understand." ”
She instantly transforms from a panicked prey into a calm participant, which seems to surprise Duncan. One of his thick eyebrows raised slightly.
Kaeya met his gaze, chin lifted high: "Where is my room?" ”
Duncan stared at her for a while, his blue eyes searching her face, trying to find a crack in her disguised composure. But he found nothing. He pressed a small button on the table, and moments later, Gable appeared at the door.
"Take Miss Harper to the suite in the West Wing." Duncan ordered, deliberately and insultingly emphasizing the pronunciations of "Miss" and "Harper." This was the final reminder of her true place in this mansion.
