artbeat, shock flash

smoothly, her tone detached, "S

ury in his eyes cooling

ika snapped, surging forward a

family now," she said evenly. "If you raise a hand to me, what do you think the Reeds will reac

strangled gasp, pain twisting Erika's features. A moment later, Nicole released her, an

g open, and Samuel appeared, w

curve tugging at his lips as he silently noted how fast Nicole had learned to

slid aside, and he lingered there, savoring her unease, before finally breaking the silence. "My wif

se flickered across Nicole's features.

inking under the presence of the i

Samuel with a polite nod before placing her hands on the wheelchair handles, standing squarely behind Connor. "What made you come all th

a check and placed it into her

e flicking between Connor's face and the check,

forcing a cordial smile. "She didn't mention you'd

us Reed family's illegitimate son-rumored to be disfigured, crippled, even to have dri

ole a vicious glare, her jaw tighte

p with detached calm.

is head, his ingratiating sm

e shrewd and greedy. I once assumed she was exaggerating out of immat

ng that Connor's sharp tongue lived up to every rumor. Still, with the c

Connor's face, a quiet, deliberate look passing between them. After a

en on it, the smile on his face collaps

coolly, "It's a token for stopping by.

snapped, "Shouldn't you give us the

le. Are you planning to dip your hands into that? If you're that desperate for

humiliating silence. After everything, all he had gained was a

icole would survive her wedding night. Now, even with ten times

protection. With that message delivered, there was no reason for him to st

Erika clutched her swollen cheek, tears spilling as she shouted, "Dad, yo

, what choice did he have? Connor might not be favored, but he remained a member

, "This isn't over! I'll make damn sure