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!"

Along the way out, Nicole stayed close to Connor. Other obligations tugged at her attention, so she didn't plan to leave with him. After settling him into the car, she let out a light, amused laugh and said, "Thanks for showing up today, Connor. I honestly didn't expect it—and seeing Erika and the others so completely crushed was… new for me."

From his seat, Connor tilted his head and studied her expression. That smile of hers carried an easy, disarming warmth. With a lazy curve to his lips, he drawled, "Next time, don't act so cocky just because you think someone's got your back."

Heat crept up Nicole's neck, and she lowered her gaze, a trace of embarrassment tightening her fingers.

...

Outside the Perry residence, Nicole crossed paths with Jerald, who had arrived to pick up Erika, the car slowing as it pulled alongside her.

The window glided down, exposing a face unchanged by time—the very likeness of the man Nicole had once loved more than anyone. Despite the numbness she'd wrapped around herself, a faint ripple still moved through her chest.

Still burning from her recent humiliation and nursing her grudge, Erika pressed herself into Jerald's embrace, angling for a kiss with deliberate sweetness in Nicole's presence.

It had been a while since Jerald last saw Nicole. Their previous encounter at the hotel had ended badly, after which she vanished from his world without a word. Plagued by a sensitive stomach, he remembered how Nicole used to quietly cook light, careful meals just for him. Even while juggling work and tending to her mother, she had always carved out time to see him, currying favor with everyone around him for the chance of a single glance at him.

More than once, his friends had commented that she outshone Erika by far.

But proud of his principles, Jerald believed himself unwavering in his love for Erika and harbored a particular contempt for Nicole, resenting her for knowingly clinging to her cousin's boyfriend. Even so, a strange unease had lingered during Nicole's absence, leaving him unsettled in ways he couldn't explain.

He didn't pull away when Erika kissed him, yet his eyes betrayed him, drifting toward Nicole involuntarily. Standing off to the side, quiet and forlorn, Nicole stirred something tight and uncomfortable in his chest. The ache caught him off guard, and he couldn't pinpoint where it had come from.

Heavy clouds pressed low overhead, the air thick with the promise of rain. Putting on a show of concern, Erika insisted, "Jerald, Nicole's heading out too. It looks like it might rain—why don't we give her a ride?"

Under normal circumstances, Jerald would have shut the idea down immediately. But Erika had misjudged his soft spot; with the weather turning, he relented and allowed Nicole into the car.

The moment Nicole started climbing into the backseat, irritation flickered across Erika's face. Nicole struggled to settle in, and the car rocked more than once before finally going still.

With a sharp, mocking laugh, Erika glanced at Jerald and remarked, "You really should've chosen a more spacious one. Look how hard Nicole's trying just to sit down."

Crowding herself into the seat, Nicole turned her head toward the passing streetlights, her expression unreadable. Once upon a time, she had loved Jerald deeply, and every reminder of her gained weight used to stab her with quiet humiliation. Now, she felt perhaps this situation was for the best—only by being bruised beyond repair could she finally loosen her grip on the past.

When the vehicle rolled to a stop outside the shopping mall, Nicole pushed the door open and stepped out without offering a single word.

Although she felt Jerald's eyes linger on her back, nothing stirred in her chest. Since his heart had already settled elsewhere, it no longer mattered whether his memories of their shared past ever returned. He was preparing to marry her cousin, while she was already bound to someone else. Whatever they once shared had ended completely.

...

Nicole walked into the shopping mall and purchased a smartphone designed specifically for users with visual impairments. Some of the accessibility functions felt clunky and overly sensitive, but Connor was only twenty-six—sharp-minded and adaptable—so picking it up shouldn't take him long.

Even so, she saved her number as an emergency contact, unwilling to leave anything to chance.

After stopping by the market for fresh ingredients, she returned home and went straight to look for Connor, only to freeze when the door opened on the cold barrel of a gun aimed at her.

Stunned into silence, she watched as Connor lounged in his wheelchair, casually lowering the gun and spinning it around his long fingers with lazy, unnerving ease.

Recognition hit her instantly—it was her own self-defense device! Unease crept up her spine as she queried, "How did you get that?"

Any instinct to defend herself died on the spot, and after biting her lower lip, she chose the truth. "It's not a real gun. It just shoots fire. I carry it to protect myself."

With deliberate provocation, Connor tilted his head and pressed on. "You remembered to bring it with you when you came here, yet forgot to take it when you left. So tell me, Nicole, who exactly were you planning to protect yourself from?"

Tension tightened her throat as she blurted out, "I stay on guard around everyone. It isn't something I do just to you."

Only then did Connor take in her damp hair and the cling of wet fabric against her skin. Any trace of playfulness faded from his face as he lowered his hand and set the toy gun aside. "You don't need to do this again. No man in their right mind would start trouble with someone who's clearly stronger than they are."