Samuel Adams, Connor's assistant, approached him from behind and placed a slim dossier about Nicole into his hand, the faint rustle of paper breaking the silence.

With a detached flick of his fingers, Connor skimmed the contents, his expression barely shifting as he turned each page. The file painted a thin, unremarkable life, devoid of privilege or polish, leaving little to hold his attention.

"So she barely knows how the world works," Connor said aloofly. "Where did she summon the nerve to marry me?" After a brief pause, his tone sharpened. "What had she gone through before this marriage?"

Samuel had anticipated the question and answered without hesitation, "Her mother passed away."

Connor's brows knit slightly. "And that's all?"

Samuel continued, "Her father died years ago, and her mother had been chronically ill ever since. Her former boyfriend, Jerald Nash, was her mother's attending physician." He hesitated, rubbing the bridge of his nose before adding, "A few days ago, her mother died because treatment was delayed. At the time, there were rumors Jerald was in bed with her cousin instead of rushing to the hospital—and that he chose not to answer the emergency call."

One corner of Connor's mouth lifted, a low, amused sound escaping him.

Sensing Connor's interest in Nicole—pitiful as her situation was—Samuel couldn't help asking, "Mr. Reed, do you plan to keep her around?"

A detached composure settled over Connor's tone. "Keeping her is safer than letting the Reed family's eyes track me every hour. Besides, it's not as if she's particularly sharp."

Samuel's gaze slid to the gun resting on the table, his brow tightening. "You call that not particularly sharp? Who brings a gun the first time they meet someone?"

Lifting his eyes, Connor studied Samuel for a beat before changing the subject. "You look worn out. Didn't sleep at all last night?"

With rigid seriousness, Samuel answered, "My job is to keep you safe—every minute of the day."

Connor waved it off with lazy indifference. "Go take a break and have a smoke. I'd hate it if you work yourself into an early grave." As he spoke, he extended a cigarette toward Samuel.

Samuel wavered, temptation flickering across his face. Working at Connor's side was no different from serving time—rules everywhere, and smoking was practically forbidden. With the chance placed directly in his hand, he finally gave in and took it.

Connor lifted the toy gun, thumbed it once, and with a crisp click, sparked Samuel's cigarette to life.

For a heartbeat, Samuel stared, stunned into silence. Damn it! This supposed gun was nothing more than a lighter? It had fooled him completely!

Samuel drew in a slow breath of smoke and then let it drift out with a crooked laugh when Connor queried flatly, "Enjoying it?"

"Quite a lot."

"Congratulations. You just burned your year-end bonus."

Samuel hastily crushed the cigarette against the ashtray, his voice tight with protest. "Mr. Reed, you were the one who handed it to me!"

Connor's expression barely shifted as he replied, "I never said there wouldn't be consequences."

Grumbling in silence, Samuel accepted the familiar sting of regret. Once again, he'd walked straight into Connor's trap, getting played day after day without ever learning his lesson.

By the time Nicole arrived with breakfast, Samuel had already slipped out, taking with him the lingering stench of smoke Connor couldn't tolerate.

Pausing beside the table, Nicole said in a low voice, "I didn't know your preferences, and there wasn't much to work with, so I made this." She set the tray down with quiet deference. "Try it and see if it suits your taste."

While she spoke, she carefully arranged the utensils within his reach.

Connor's gaze drifted downward, catching on her hands—reddened, slightly chapped, far too rough for a young woman her age. For all the Perry family's glossy reputation and publicly traded empire, the way she'd been treated at home was written plainly in those scars.

Without shifting an inch, he remarked, "You didn't need to do this. I don't usually bother with breakfast."

A quiet stubbornness settled into Nicole's expression as she replied, "Skipping meals ruins your stomach. Those processed things you eat aren't food. I'll cook something proper for you."

She took the seat opposite him and sampled her own portion. She added after a beat, "Since we're married now, taking care of you is part of the deal."

In a world obsessed with status and appearances, most people wrapped their weaknesses in layers of caution, terrified of being looked down on. Nicole, however, seemed oddly untouched by that instinct, her straightforward sincerity standing out like something out of place.

Connor, regrettably, felt no warmth from it. Before she could continue, his voice cut in coolly, "Consider the price before you put any effort into this—don't expect gratitude from me."

A flicker of quiet pity crossed Nicole's gaze as she looked at him. The thought struck her unbidden—this man couldn't even accept kindness without bracing for a trap, and whatever he'd endured must have been brutal.

Noting her expression and reading her mind, Connor's lips twitched slightly, but he said nothing.

Nicole finished her meal and noticed Connor hadn't touched his. She asked cautiously, "Is it not to your taste?"

Taking food from her felt like a risk he refused to take lightly. With practiced nonchalance, he replied, "I've never had anything this good before. I'm not used to it."

A dull ache tightened in Nicole's chest, and she said gently, "Then I'll make it for you every day, if that's okay."

Meeting her open, earnest gaze, Connor felt something inside him stir, as if he was a helpless stray who finally received a warm hand.

Keeping his voice steady, Connor warned Nicole, "Join the Reed family, and you'd better brace yourself to bleed. As my wife, you should equip yourself with a strong mind and the right skills to withstand what's coming. Think about it carefully."

A subtle, unhurried smile curved Nicole's lips as she answered, "If you doubt me, you can release the promised money to my family in ten separate installments. Once you feel I've proven myself, you can settle the remaining balance at your own pace."

Despite the ease in her voice, every word had been weighed and rehearsed the night before, polished until nothing sounded forced. Her opening move against her uncle required leverage she could keep firmly in hand, and the substantial sum promised by the Reed family for this marriage was the most effective bait she had.

Unaware that Connor merely pretended blindness, she believed she had everything mapped out, yet the unease flickering in her eyes and the tight strain around her mouth had already been seen—every last detail caught by him.

Remembering the years she had survived under her uncle's roof, Connor immediately saw through the careful phrasing of her offer and let out a low, mocking laugh.

Misreading the sound entirely, Nicole assumed he was ridiculing her—as though she truly were nothing more than a negotiable asset—and her chin dipped with quiet humiliation.

Without lifting his gaze, he regarded the untouched breakfast, clearly unwilling to be indebted to her kindness, and replied in an even voice, "That arrangement makes sense."

Not long after, Samuel stepped inside and delivered a five-million-dollar check into Nicole's hands. "Ms. Perry, this represents one-tenth of the settlement," he said in a controlled, professional tone. "Please keep it secure."

Nicole had always been aware of just how deep the Reed family's pockets ran, yet the sight of the check still left her momentarily stunned. She folded it away with deliberate care and, before stepping out, turned back to offer Connor a solemn goodbye, slipping him her number and telling him to reach out anytime he needed her.

Once the door closed behind her, Connor pushed himself up from the wheelchair and walked to the window, his tall frame still as he watched her full figure shrink into the distance.

Samuel stood by his side and spoke quietly, curiosity edging his voice. "Five million isn't pocket change for someone like her. Do you really think she'll show up again?"

Connor gave no answer, his expression unreadable.

...

Laughter and celebration filled the Perry residence. Phillip Perry, Nicole's uncle, had ordered the housekeeper to lay out an extravagant feast, openly toasting the fact that Nicole had been sold at a handsome price.

Across the table, his wife, Martha Perry, beamed at their daughter. "Erika, sweetheart, you can finally relax now, can't you? With that money, you can bankroll Jerald's startup, make sure his heart stays firmly with you, and you've cleared away an annoyance at the same time. All that's left is for you and Jerald to hurry up, get married, and give me a couple of grandchildren to spoil."

Nicole's cousin, Erika Perry, lifted her glass and asked casually, "Has the Reed family transferred the money yet?"

Chuckling, Phillip waved it off. "It'll arrive any moment. The Reeds value their name—they won't go back on their word."

A genuine glow spread across Erika's face. For years, Nicole had eclipsed her in everything, stealing attention without even trying. Now that Nicole had nothing, Erika felt an itch of triumph she could no longer contain.

"That pathetic girl," Erika huffed with a curl of her lips, her tone sharp with malice. "If she ever found out her father was literally driven to his death by rage, I wonder how she'd react. Do you think she'd be so broken that she'd jump off a building as well?"

Phillip's face hardened instantly as he snapped, "Why did you drag that up again?"

With a petulant shrug, Erika muttered, "What's there to panic over? I never said who caused it."

These three assumed Nicole was clueless, yet every ugly truth had long since settled in her mind.

At that moment, the door swung open, and Nicole stepped inside, cutting straight through their laughter and celebration.

Standing there, Nicole looked as plain and harmless as ever, yet a glacial detachment lingered in her eyes as she spoke in a steady tone. "I'm back."

Martha made no effort to mask the contempt curling her lips as she sneered, "Why did you come back?"

A thin, almost lazy smile touched Nicole's mouth. "I came to hand over the money. Or is that suddenly not something you want?"

The room stiffened at once, faces shifting in quick succession. So the money was handed over by Nicole? But how the Reed family handled things was their prerogative.

Martha let out a huff and barked impatiently, "Then what are you just standing there for? Hurry up and give us the money!"

Ignoring Martha and Erika altogether, Nicole walked over and settled into the chair across from Phillip. "Uncle Phillip," she said coolly, folding her hands. "You promised my mother a proper burial—something respectful, something dignified. Once that's been carried out, and after you and your family personally pay your respects at her grave, I'll give you the money."

The intensity of Nicole's stare made Erika shift uneasily in her chair. How had Nicole become this frightening just because her mother was gone? That gaze felt sharp and deeply unsettling.

Erika smirked. "Your mother was nothing but trash, and you expect us to pay respects?" Her irritation spilled over as she added harshly, "Do you honestly think she's worthy of that?"

At that, Nicole's gaze hardened, the last trace of softness vanishing without warning. In the next heartbeat, her hand flashed out, landing a crisp slap across Erika's face with ruthless precision.

Erika froze for a heartbeat, shock flashing across her face.

With icy composure, Nicole asked smoothly, her tone detached, "So, do you still want the money?"

Phillip hesitated, the fury in his eyes cooling as reason crept back in.

Unable to restrain herself, Erika snapped, surging forward at Nicole with reckless intent.

Rather than retreat, Nicole stood her ground, gaze sharp and unblinking. "I'm part of the Reed family now," she said evenly. "If you raise a hand to me, what do you think the Reeds will react? Maybe simply sever your hand to feed the dogs—or toss you straight into a pack of mastiffs?"

Fingers clamping around Erika's wrist, Nicole tightened her grip just enough to draw a strangled gasp, pain twisting Erika's features. A moment later, Nicole released her, and Erika pitched forward, collapsing onto her knees in a posture stripped of all dignity.

At that instant, the door swung open, and Samuel appeared, wheeling Connor into the room.

Reclining casually in the wheelchair, Connor took in the scene, a mischievous curve tugging at his lips as he silently noted how fast Nicole had learned to leverage her position, wielding it with a confidence that looked almost innate.

His unhurried gaze drifted to Nicole's softly rounded face, catching the way her eyes instinctively slid aside, and he lingered there, savoring her unease, before finally breaking the silence. "My wife is only paying a visit to her family," he drawled lightly. "Is all this ceremony really necessary?"

At the sight of him, confusion and unease flickered across Nicole's features. What in the world was Connor doing here?

Erika lifted her head, visibly shrinking under the presence of the imposing, striking man before her.

Recovering quickly, Nicole smoothed her expression and slipped seamlessly back into her role as Mrs. Reed. Crossing the room, she thanked Samuel with a polite nod before placing her hands on the wheelchair handles, standing squarely behind Connor. "What made you come all this way?" she inquired softly, her expression gentle yet concerned. "It's not easy for you to be out. You shouldn't have troubled yourself."

Without a word, Connor lifted a check and placed it into her hand. "You left this behind."

Phillip rushed forward to steady Erika, his gaze flicking between Connor's face and the check, unable to hide the greed flashing in his eyes.

"So you're Nicole's husband?" Phillip questioned, forcing a cordial smile. "She didn't mention you'd be visiting. Please—come inside and have a seat."

Behind him, Erika went still, staring in disbelief. Was this really Connor? The infamous Reed family's illegitimate son—rumored to be disfigured, crippled, even to have driven women to their deaths? No one had ever said he was this devastatingly good-looking!

Bitterness flared as Erika shot Nicole a vicious glare, her jaw tightening with barely contained jealousy.

Connor regarded Phillip with detached calm. "You're Nicole's uncle?"

Phillip immediately bobbed his head, his ingratiating smile snapping back into place.

Without any change in tone, Connor continued, "Nicole told me you were shrewd and greedy. I once assumed she was exaggerating out of immaturity, but after meeting you today, I can see she is actually right."

A surge of irritation welled up inside Phillip, who couldn't help thinking that Connor's sharp tongue lived up to every rumor. Still, with the check on the line, he forced himself to swallow the anger and endure it.

Nicole briefly lowered her gaze to the check before lifting her eyes to Connor's face, a quiet, deliberate look passing between them. After a pause, she extended her hand and placed the check into Phillip's grasp.

The moment Phillip saw the amount written on it, the smile on his face collapsed without warning. "Only two thousand?"

Connor leaned back slightly and replied coolly, "It's a token for stopping by. What kind of figure were you expecting?"

Unable to restrain himself, Phillip snapped, "Shouldn't you give us the money agreed upon for this marriage?"

A faint sneer tugged at Connor's lips as he added, "That sum is meant for Nicole. Are you planning to dip your hands into that? If you're that desperate for money, march to Reed Manor and demand it yourself—assuming you have the guts."

Phillip fumbled for a retort, the room sinking into a brittle, humiliating silence. After everything, all he had gained was a pathetic two thousand and the complete stripping of his pride!

Fury contorted Phillip's features. He had never expected that Nicole would survive her wedding night. Now, even with ten times the nerve, he wouldn't dare demand a cent from the Reed family.

Connor was here for one reason only—to make it clear Nicole was under his protection. With that message delivered, there was no reason for him to stay, and he signaled Samuel to wheel him out. Nicole followed behind them.

The door shut with a dull thud, sealing the humiliation inside the room. Erika clutched her swollen cheek, tears spilling as she shouted, "Dad, you're really letting them walk away like this? You didn't even defend me!"

Phillip's jaw tightened as he struggled to force his rage down his throat. Still, what choice did he have? Connor might not be favored, but he remained a member of the Reed family. Who in their right mind would dare provoke the Reed family?

Grinding his teeth, Phillip finally spat, "This isn't over! I'll make damn sure Nicole pays double for today's disgrace!"