Chapter 3

The next day, in the council hall of the North family manor.

The core family members and directors from major branch companies gathered. The atmosphere was tense.

Ethan strode to the center of the hall in a sharp suit, full of confidence, leading the elaborately dressed Vanessa by the hand.

"Everyone, Emily Sterling is consumed by jealousy. I have officially terminated our engagement. Vanessa Reed is gentle and virtuous, and she carries the North family heir. Today, I will take her as my wife."

The room erupted.

The Sterling and North families were old allies. My father controlled half the world's port shipping operations.

Ethan's actions amounted to burning bridges, but he didn't care at all.

Damien had been bedridden for years. The North family was already his domain.

Vanessa lowered her head, unable to hide the wild joy at the corners of her mouth.

Just then, from the main seat that had always sat empty, came a light, cold snort.

"Did you ask my permission before terminating this engagement?"

The voice wasn't loud, but it struck like thunder. The hall fell instantly silent.

Ethan froze for a moment, then perfunctorily bowed toward the main seat:

"Damien, you've been unwell. I didn't dare disturb you with private matters. Besides, Emily—"

"How dare you."

The coffee cup from the main seat was hurled violently at Ethan's feet. Shattered porcelain flew up, cutting Vanessa's cheek. She screamed and collapsed to the ground.

Ethan stumbled back a step. "Damien, please calm down."

"Mutual affection?" Damien's voice carried bone-chilling mockery. "What wonderful mutual affection."

The screen was slowly pushed aside.

Damien wasn't wearing casual clothes, but a somber black custom-tailored suit.

What made everyone's eyes nearly pop from their sockets—there was a woman standing beside him.

A dark red gown. Around her neck, the pigeon blood ruby necklace passed down through generations of North family matriarchs.

It was me.

I looked down at the two people in the hall as if they were insects.

Ethan's head snapped up. The moment he recognized me, his features twisted with extreme shock.

"Emily?! Are you insane?! Get down here right now!"

He roared instinctively, forgetting who sat in the main seat.

Damien's eyes darkened. His large hand gripped my waist and pressed me firmly against him.

"You insolent fool. Is this how you speak to Emily?"

*Boom*—those words struck like lightning.

Ethan froze in place, his lips trembling violently, unable to utter a single word.

Vanessa forgot to cry, collapsing like mud on the ground.

Damien surveyed the room, his authority crushing as a mountain: "Emily is my wife. From today forward, she will manage all family affairs."

His gaze coiled around Ethan like a venomous snake, his lips curling into a cruel arc.

"Ethan, come here and greet Emily."

Ethan stared at me, his eyes full of humiliation and resentment.

Vanessa was already terrified out of her wits. She scrambled to her feet and bowed: "Hello, Emily! Hello, Emily!"

I didn't look at her. I only stared quietly at Ethan.

"What's the matter? Have you forgotten even the most basic manners?" My voice was soft, but each word cut deep.

Ethan's fists clenched tight, his nails piercing his palms. Blood dripped to the floor.

Under Damien's gaze that looked ready to devour him alive, he finally bent his proud spine.

"Emily."

Each word sounded like he was chewing up flesh and blood and spitting it out. I watched his humble posture, my lips slowly curving upward.

Ethan North, the gates of hell have only just opened.