Charlotte’s POV:

My sudden movement startled the poor servant. “His, his bedroom, I think,” he stammered.

“Where is his bedroom?” I asked urgently.

He pointed toward a long hallway, and I immediately headed in that direction, my high heels making angry clicking sounds on the polished hardwood floor.

As I turned the corner, I nearly collided with an elegant woman in her forties. Her hair was immaculately coiled at the back of her head, her makeup as flawless as a painting, and every accessory she wore silently proclaimed its value. I immediately recognized her as Victoria, James Kingsley’s wife and my sister-in-law. Her composed demeanor formed a stark contrast to my anxious hurry.

Victoria looked me up and down as if examining a criminal, with contempt in her gaze that was almost tangible. She casually waved her hand, dismissing the servant with a gesture that exuded innate nobility, leaving me alone to face her scrutinizing gaze.

She stepped closer, and the scent of expensive perfume washed over me, making me involuntarily wrinkle my nose. Her red lips parted slightly, and her voice carried undisguised disdain, every word conveying a sense of superiority.

“What do you need to see father about?” she asked.

“He didn’t keep his promise to me,” I answered briefly.

Victoria continued to examine me with a critical eye, full of disapproval.

“Clearly from a modest background, without any sense of propriety,” she remarked.

I wanted to strike back, but I knew that arguing with her now would only make things more complicated.

Seeing that I remained silent, she looked past me at Alexander, who had appeared behind me. Her eyes darted between us, and her lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Shouldn’t newly married couples be in their room, lost in each other’s embraces and planning their honeymoon? Wasn’t getting all the attention during the day enough? Are you now parading around to make sure everyone recognizes you?”

Her criticism was directed at both of us, but the condescending tone was aimed at me, as if reminding me that marrying into the family didn’t mean I would truly become part of it.

“Victoria, this is none of your business,” Alexander’s cold, hard voice rang out, direct and sharp.

Victoria hadn’t expected Alexander to dismiss her so bluntly, contradicting her right in front of me. Her face tensed at being so directly rebuked, the mask of elegance showing a slight crack. She gave a soft snort and stormed off angrily.

I continued along the hallway, recalling the servant’s directions. Finally, I reached Richard’s door and saw Morris, the Kingsley family’s long-serving butler. He appeared surprised to see Alexander and me approaching together.

“Mr. Alexander, Mrs. Charlotte, shouldn’t you be in your room? Why are you here?” he asked.

“I need to see Richard,” I said firmly, my voice carrying a hint of accusation. “He broke his word.”

“Mr. Richard has retired for the night. Perhaps this matter could wait until morning?” Morris suggested in a calm tone.

Just then, Richard’s voice came from inside the room. “Morris, take them to the study.”

Five minutes later, Richard, wearing a robe over his pajamas, entered his book-filled study. Alexander and I sat at opposite ends of a leather sofa, keeping as much distance from each other as possible.

I was seething with anger, my lips pressed into a tight line, while Alexander seemed surprisingly calm, studying me through narrowed eyes. I could sense his confusion at my first reaction being to run to his father.

“What’s going on here?” Richard asked, his voice tired but full of authority.

I took a deep breath and stood up to face him. “Richard, you promised me that the Kingsley family would never target Cole Technologies.”

Richard glanced at his son, who was lounging casually on the sofa, as if he had already guessed what had happened. I saw a flash of resignation in his eyes.

“Charlotte, please wait outside. I need to speak with Alexander alone,” he said in a tone that brooked no argument, which only irritated me further.

I couldn’t believe it. I had come to confront him, and he was dismissing me before I could even fully explain the situation! But I had to defend my family.

“Richard, if you don’t honor your agreement, I won’t fulfill mine either,” concerned he might not want to address the issue, I began to negotiate with him, my tone filled with determination.

“Out!” Richard roared. My words had angered him, perhaps because he felt his authority challenged by someone so junior. His calm mask cracked to reveal his fury beneath, allowing me to fully experience the intimidating power of the Kingsley family patriarch. I involuntarily flinched.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. Knowing this wasn’t the time for a confrontation, I took a deep breath, turned, and walked out without a word.

I didn’t go far, just stayed outside the door. Although I knew eavesdropping was improper, I couldn’t care less at this moment. I bent down, pressing my ear against the door, trying hard to make out the conversation inside.

“Rescind that order. Leave Cole Technologies alone,” came Richard’s irrefutable command from inside.

“Father, what leverage does she have over you?” Alexander asked, sounding confused, his tone full of contempt and reluctance.

Richard’s voice grew harder, low, and dangerous. “Alexander, don’t make me repeat myself. If I find you targeting the Cole family again, you will regret it.”

I heard Alexander give a soft laugh, tinged with sarcasm.”What’s unique about her? Why specifically her and no one else?”

His voice carried a probing quality, as if he had discovered an intriguing puzzle. “I’m becoming increasingly curious about what secret exists between you two.”

Then Alexander’s cold words came through clearly:

“Don’t imagine I’ll be kind to her. She doesn’t deserve it.”

My hands clenched into fists at my sides. Doesn’t deserve it? I was also forced to marry this arrogant man. Without their family’s threats, I would never have wanted any connection with him. If anyone doesn’t deserve something, it’s he who doesn’t deserve my sacrifice.

The door suddenly opened, and Alexander emerged, his brows furrowed. Our eyes met immediately. I didn’t hide the anger burning in my heart. He gave me a cold glance, then strode away.