Chapter 2

The note read, "Thank you for last night. This pendant is my way of repaying you. I hope it brings you peace and safety for the rest of your life. If you want me to take responsibility, bring this pendant and find me. "If you already have someone in your heart, forget everything that happened last night." Tristan instantly crumpled the note in his hand, and he let out a cold laugh. This audacious woman—what did she take him for? "Mr. Burtman, there's also a pendant here," Ethan cautiously reminded him after seeing his dark expression. Tristan grabbed the pendant and raised his hand as if to throw it away. However, his handsome brows furrowed slightly when he noticed the shape of the pendant. The pendant should have been a pair—what he was holding now was a semicircle, likely just one-half of it. What puzzled him more was that the pendant looked oddly familiar, though he couldn't recall where or when he had seen it. His gaze shifted to the faint red stain on the sheets, and his expression darkened. He closed his hand around the pendant and said to Ethan, "Find the woman who entered this room last night." Tristan was a man who despised being manipulated. Since Lillian had gone to such lengths to push Marlee onto him, even setting him up, he had made sure to end her schemes once and for all. He would marry the woman from last night! "As if half a pendant could sever our connection—what a joke," Tristan scoffed internally. Tristan smiled as he looked at the pendant in his hand. The sight sent chills down Ethan's spine. Upon remembering something, Ethan hesitated before saying, "Mr. Burtman, Mrs. Burtman Senior asked you to return home. She's arranged a marriage for Mr. Quinton, saying it's to bring him good fortune." Tristan adjusted his cufflinks, his expression cold. "Which family is this woman from? She had better not have any ulterior motives, especially considering Uncle Quinton's current state." "Well... according to Mrs. Burtman Senior, it's Mr. Gadot's daughter. You know, the one whose negligence caused the construction accident." Tristan's gaze turned deadly, his whole body radiating menace. "How dare they offer their daughter! Aren't they afraid I'll destroy her?" "Mrs. Burtman Senior intends to have her care for Mr. Quinton as atonement." "Heh... Aside from Uncle Quinton, what about the seven lives? Do you think their family can afford to redeem them?" Ethan wisely fell silent under his ominous glare. … "You said you were going to fight for justice for your father. Look at the marks all over you—what were you doing last night? Sleeping with a man? How shameless can you be?" Genevieve, naturally reserved, stayed silent even as she was slapped. "Fortunately, the marriage I arranged for you is with a vegetative patient. Otherwise, with those marks on your body..." "Mom..." Genevieve stared at Miriam Porter, shocked. "What did you just say?" Knowing Genevieve's strong-willed nature, Miriam softened her tone. "Genny, listen to me. I've arranged a marriage for you. The groom may be a vegetable, but he's from a wealthy family." "I won't marry him!" Miriam's expression darkened. "Do you think you can just refuse? Someone has to pay for your father's crimes. "His negligence caused the construction accident, resulting in seven deaths and one injury. That injury left a man a vegetable, and now his family is demanding one of ours marry him. What choice do I have?" "Dad was framed!" Genevieve gritted her teeth. "And who would believe that? Do you think your word alone changes anything? You're marrying him, no matter what. I've already signed the agreement." Upon seeing Genevieve's defiance, Miriam switched tactics, and tears began streaming down her face. "You think I want to marry you off to someone like that? I have no choice. Do you want Hannah, who is still in school, to take your place? "And Harry? He's been bullied at school because of your father. He has such a short temper, so he ends up fighting classmates. He's now in detention, and the injured kid's family wants to sue him and demand compensation. "Where should I get the money to pay them or get him out? I barely make enough as a housekeeper at the Taylor residence to cover our living expenses. If you marry him, they've promised a wedding gift of one million dollars. We can use that money to save Harry." The fall weather felt exceptionally cold, with a steady drizzle weaving through the day. Genevieve stared at the gloomy sky, her chest heavy with despair. … The fall rain softly fell on Tristan's shoulders at the Burtman residence, deepening the chill already etched into his aloof expression. He strode into the house, and Lillian quickly approached, dragging Marlee with her. "Tristan, you're back late. How was last night? Marlee was worn out, you know." Marlee blushed and played along, looking shy. He shot them a disgusted glance, his voice cold. "She's tired? What does that have to do with me?" "Tristan, are you trying to deny what happened?" He let out a cold chuckle. "Aunt Lillian, do you really think I was so out of it that I couldn't recognize who the woman was last night? And as for the drink you handed me… Shall we lay everything bare here and now, or would you prefer to save yourself the embarrassment? Get out!" "You... I'm still your elder!" "Act like one then," Jennifer Garcia said as she descended the stairs, her tone stern. "Everyone out. I need to speak with Tristan." "Mom..." Lillian began. "Out!" Reluctantly, Lillian dragged Marlee away. Jennifer gently pulled Tristan down to sit on the couch. She studied him, whose strikingly handsome features paired with his ever-serious, frosty demeanor. Silently, she sighed. It was no wonder it was hard for any woman to like him genuinely. She began, "Tristan, Quinton's wedding is tomorrow. His bride is—" "I won't allow it!" "Why not?" "Her father ruined Uncle Quinton's life. If she comes, I might not be able to stop myself from killing her!" "Can you stop being so violent?" Jennifer smacked his arm in exasperation. "It's not her fault what her father did." "If it's not her fault, why is she atoning for her family's sins? Aren't you contradicting yourself?" Speechless, Jennifer finally handed him a photo. "This is the woman. You'll go to the courthouse tomorrow on his behalf. Don't forget his photo and documents." She climbed the stairs, throwing a parting reminder. "9:00 am sharp. Don't be late." Once upstairs, her eyes gleamed with determination. Bernard hesitated. "Will this really work?" "It's the only way. If I don't push him, he'll be single forever." "But what if he finds out later..." "Don't worry. He may be harsh, but he won't hurt an innocent woman. Besides, she saved my life once. She's a good person, and I won't let him miss out on someone like her." "Haha! No wonder you changed your mind when you saw that woman's photo." At first, Jennifer had indeed planned for the lady from the Gadot family to marry Quinton to bring him good fortune. But when she saw the woman's photo, she immediately changed her decision and decided the woman should marry Tristan instead. Meanwhile, Tristan cast a cold glance at the photo with an indifferent expression. Without a second thought, he tossed the picture into the trash can. … The next morning at the courthouse, Miriam had urged Genevieve to arrive at 8:00 am. She said she didn't know the other person, but Miriam reassured her that the person had her photo, so she needn't worry. With a heavy heart, she quietly waited outside. Couples walked past her one after another, making her feel even more lonely. Her figure appeared particularly pitiful against the chilly fall breeze. At exactly 9:00 am, a black business car stopped before her. Genevieve's whole body shivered when she saw the man stepping out of the car.