Chapter 855
Johanna’s eyes turned cold in an instant. Her voice carried a forcefulness and dominance she had never
shown before.
“Victoria, spread the word for me. Thomas is mine. Without my permission, no one is allowed to even
think about him.”
Victoria froze, taken aback. “Johanna, are you serious?”
She had always thought Johanna only treated Thomas as a casual challenge-a fleeting diversion, nothing more. After all, his looks alone were enough to make even a brief entanglement worthwhile.
For someone like Johanna, it was hardly unusual: with the poor, she spoke of feelings; with the wealthy,
she spoke of profit.
She quickly tried to dissuade her. “Johanna, your brother will never agree to this.”
A strange smile curved across Johanna’s lips, her tone steeped in confidence. “No. He will agree.”
Victoria frowned. “Johanna, even if Thomas has some family background, to the Walton family, ordinary
aristocrats are still far from enough.”
Johanna turned her head, her lips curling into an enigmatic smile. “Who said he comes from an ordinary
family?”
Victoria’s eyes flickered. “You’ve already uncovered his identity?”
“No. I had intended to take my time, but Kelly couldn’t hold out. She spilled everything herself.”
A shiver ran through Victoria’s heart: She whispered, “What is his identity?”
For Johanna to say he was truly worthy of her, he had to belong to one of the most powerful families.
Johanna fixed her gaze on Victoria. “Victoria, have you ever met the mysterious head of the Ferrero
family?”
Victoria stiffened in shock, her voice rising despite herself. “The Ferrero family? The richest in the world?
H
Among the great families, some wielded power, some influence, some commanded vast networks, while others monopolized rare medical resources. But the Ferreros-if they lacked anything, it wasn’t money. Their wealth alone placed them beyond the reach of even families like the Kalens.
And yet, the Ferrero family was cloaked in secrecy. Generation after generation, its family heads died young, their untimely ends feeding endless rumors and a shroud of misfortune. 1
While families like the Kalens, Waltons, Malcolms, Westins, and the Blakely family joined forces to
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maximize their interests, the Ferreros rarely took part. The current head of the family had never even
shown his face.
Some whispered he was disfigured. Others said he was crippled. Still others claimed he suffered from split personalities. Whatever the truth, one fact remained: few families were willing to work with the
Ferreros. (1
Johanna nodded, her lips lifting into a faint smile. “That’s right. It’s him.”
Victoria recalled the rumors surrounding the Ferrero family, then thought of Thomas’s demeanor and actions. Doubt crept into her voice.
“But… he doesn’t resemble the guy in those stories at all.”
“Baseless gossip,” Johanna replied smoothly. “It’s like my brother-outsiders say he’s a merciless demon, but look how well he treats you. He’s simply someone who never lets a grudge go unpaid. 2
“Thomas is the head of the Ferrero family. His identity and status are more than a match for mine. With the fortune of the world’s wealthiest family, he can provide my brother with greater support. My brother
won’t refuse.”
Victoria fell silent for a long moment before finally murmuring, “Johanna, your judgment is… impeccable.”
Sensing the unusual weight in Victoria’s silence, Johanna’s lips curved into an awkward half-smile.
“Victoria, you were the one who gave me this chance… You’re not regretting it now, are you?” 1
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