The groom’s name was Robert Dawson.
A man in his fifties who had clawed his way to wealth through shady dealings—known throughout elite circles for his twisted abuse of women. His two previous wives, one had gone insane, the other had died.
“Sign it.” My mother threw a pen in front of me.
My heart turned to ice.
“Why?”
My voice cracked.
“Why?”
She chuckled as if I had told the funniest joke.
“Mr. Dawson’s projects will pave the way for Sophie’s future company. You marrying him is your final contribution to this family, to your sister. You should feel honored.”
For Sophie, I was to sacrifice my entire life.
So this was my biological mother.
“I won’t sign.”
Each word ground out between my teeth.
Her face instantly darkened.
At that moment, the old butler, Mark Thompson, walked past carrying a tea tray.
Mark!
He had known me since I was a child. Surely, he would help me.
I cast him a desperate look for help.
But my father caught it, sneering.
“Mark, I heard your grandson is applying to one of the top schools owned by our group.”
Mark’s body trembled. The color drained from his face.
“Sir, Madam—I saw nothing.”
His hands shook so badly he almost dropped the tray.
“I’ll be going now.” He turned and fled.