Chapter 3

Zelda's expression remained calm as she glanced at Faye. She wondered if there could be something more behind this whole situation. Faye's smile grew even more smug as she said, "Cantrell Group is in a financial crisis. The Valdez family did provide some money, but it's not nearly enough. Osbert from Ferguson Group recently lost his wife, and due to pressure from the outside world, he has to remarry. "He told Dad that if he could marry a daughter from the Cantrell family, he'd help Cantrell Group through this tough time." Faye continued, "When Virgil found out about this, he was afraid I'd be sent off to the Fergusons. That's why he immediately broke off his engagement to you and decided to marry me instead. It was all to make sure you'd be the one marrying Osbert." As Faye's words sank in, Zelda's face drained of color. She had considered many reasons for their breakup and thought that maybe Virgil had just grown tired of her. But it never crossed her mind that Virgil ended their engagement so that she could marry Osbert in Faye's place. A year's worth of feelings felt like a cruel joke. Thinking back on the past year and Virgil's supposed kindness toward her, Zelda could only find it laughable—bordering on disgusting. Seeing Zelda's pale face, Faye looked even more triumphant. She raised her chin and smirked. "Zelda, you'd better sit tight at home and wait for Osbert to come by tomorrow with his proposal." With a smug look of victory, she turned and left the room, shutting the door behind her. Zelda slumped onto the bed, her eyes cloudy as her heart ached painfully. It was hard to breathe as her chest tightened with frustration and hurt. She clenched her fists and bit her lip in anger. She realized just how despicable people could be. Taking a deep breath, her gaze grew sharp with resolve. She thought, "Marry Osbert? Over my dead body." The next morning came too quickly. Before Zelda could even wake up properly, several people barged into her room and dragged her out of bed. Belinda barked orders at the maids, "Make sure she's dressed up nicely. Mr. Ferguson will be here soon." Zelda was forced into a chair in front of the vanity, where they styled her hair, applied makeup, and dressed her in an elegant cobalt blue gown. As Belinda looked at the dressed-up Zelda, a flicker of hatred crossed her eyes. Despite being sent off to the countryside for years, she had still grown up to be so beautiful. Her skin was flawless, her lips red, and her teeth white. Even with minimal effort, she looked like an angel descended from heaven. She was exactly like her wretched mother. Belinda suppressed her anger. No matter how stunning Zelda was, it wouldn't matter. Once she was married off to Osbert, life would become unbearable for her. "Now that you're all dressed up, go downstairs. Mr. Ferguson will be here soon, and you'll be his wife soon enough." Belinda tugged at Zelda, her tone leaving no room for argument. Zelda frowned, clearly unwilling. Belinda's voice dropped to a low, threatening whisper. "Don't forget about your grandfather's situation." Left with no choice, Zelda reluctantly followed her downstairs. Harlan was gravely ill due to organ failure. Despite her advanced medical skills, there was nothing she could do for him. The machines were all that kept him alive. Over the years, she had dedicated herself to her medical research and made great achievements in the field. However, she didn't have much money to show for it. When Harlan fell seriously ill, the person he still cared about was Edric. That was the reason she returned to Phoypolis with Harlan. She just never expected that Edric and Belinda would use Harlan's illness to manipulate her now. Zelda clenched her fists tightly. Though she felt repulsed, she complied with Belinda's demands and made her way downstairs. In the living room, Edric was chatting warmly with a man who, despite being in his 40s, appeared even older at first glance. He looked well into his 50s with his balding head, greasy complexion, and large belly. A thick gold chain hung around his neck, and a costly watch adorned his wrist. The man exuded the vibe of a wealthy but tasteless nouveau riche. Edric was exceedingly polite to him. He maintained a constant smile as he flattered him throughout the conversation. "Mr. Ferguson, rest assured. I'm sure you'll be satisfied this time." Just as he finished speaking, he heard footsteps and turned to see Zelda coming down the stairs. The moment Edric laid eyes on her, his face lit up. He stood quickly and pulled her over, eager to introduce her. "Mr. Ferguson, this is my daughter, Zelda Cantrell." Osbert's beady eyes swept toward her. His gaze landed on Zelda, and his eyes widened in surprise. His predatory stare crawled over Zelda's body, making her stomach churn with disgust. The nauseating feeling only worsened under his lecherous scrutiny. Edric noticed Osbert's lingering gaze on Zelda. He smiled and pulled her over to sit next to Osbert. Osbert nodded in satisfaction, his eyes reluctantly leaving Zelda's form. He cleared his throat and said, "I'm very pleased with Zelda. If possible, let's get the marriage certificate next week. Since this is my second marriage, we'll keep the wedding simple—a casual meal will suffice." Edric readily agreed, "Indeed, a grand wedding would be a waste of money. Saving is a virtue." Hearing Edric's flattery, Osbert smiled even more broadly. "Don't worry, Mr. Cantrell. Once Zelda and I are married, you'll be my father-in-law. I won't turn a blind eye to Cantrell Group's troubles. As soon as we have the marriage certificate, I'll invest in Cantrell Group." Upon hearing this, Edric's smile widened into a beaming grin. "Great, great. I'll have Zelda cooperate with you to get the marriage certificate as soon as possible." Edric and Osbert proceeded without asking Zelda's opinion, treating her like an item to be exchanged. After speaking, Osbert gestured for someone to bring in the betrothal gifts and set them on the table. "These betrothal gifts are valued at one million dollars. I'll have the jewelry delivered tomorrow. Rest assured, once you're with me, you won't be lacking in anything financially." The more Osbert looked at Zelda, the more satisfied he became. She was a beauty, her gaze enchanting. She sat gracefully on the couch in a stunning cobalt blue gown. She looked like a delicate porcelain doll, with every inch of her skin appearing flawless. Zelda didn't even glance at those betrothal gifts. Once they had discussed and settled all the details, she said in a cold tone, "I'm not marrying." Her voice was firm and resolute. Edric's previously friendly demeanor instantly turned sour. With gritted teeth and a cold tone, he warned, "Zelda, don't say foolish things! This marriage is not up to you to decide." Zelda looked up, her clear gaze filled with icy resolve. "I'm already married." Her calm words were like a bombshell, instantly causing waves of shock and disbelief among those present. "What nonsense are you spouting!" Edric leaped to his feet, his face flushing with anger. "Zelda, as your father, these are the arrangements I've made for you. You have no right to argue. The marriage is set, and you can't back out now. Isn't it laughable that you're coming up with such flimsy excuses?" After all, she had just been jilted by Virgil two days ago. No one would believe that she was already married now. However, she did have a marriage certificate with Damian. Osbert's expression darkened slightly at the side. Seeing this, Edric hurried to reassure him, "Mr. Ferguson, don't listen to her nonsense. How could she possibly be married? Rest assured, next week, I'll make sure Zelda accompanies you to get the marriage certificate." Just as he finished speaking, a deep, resonant voice came from the doorway. "What are you planning to do with my wife?"