Crown of Wrath

Amelia Hopewell was found by her biological father and brought home. That same day, she discovered a bodyguard, Edmund Nash, barely clinging to life after being tormented by the false heiress. She used half her blood to save him.

Later, when Amelia's father fell gravely ill, all the family's assets were secretly frozen by a notorious crime lord.

In desperation, Amelia sought Edmund's help. Instead, she witnessed the crime lord's second-in-command standing respectfully before him.

"Mr. Nash, if Miss Hopewell's father doesn't get surgery within three hours, he won't survive," the man said.

"The company's success owes much to the money Miss Hopewell gave you. Are you sure you won't reveal your true identity to her?" he asked.

Edmund toyed with an expensive sapphire necklace, his eyes cold and detached.

"For the next three hours, ensure Amelia Hopewell doesn't borrow a single penny," he ordered. "Rosalyn said if Amelia's father gets the surgery, she won't let me step foot in her room again. What a vengeful little girl."

Amelia realized the crime lord who had been crushing her family's business for three years was none other than her beloved fiancé, Edmund Nash.

...

"Rosalyn still refuses to eat?" Edmund asked. "Send her this necklace. I remember how much she loves sapphires," he instructed, handing a ruby necklace to a subordinate.

His friend frowned. "I thought you kept Rosalyn confined to get revenge. Turns out you're treating her like a pampered pet. That spoiled heiress nearly killed you multiple times, yet you don't seem to hate her at all. Now you're letting Amelia, the woman who saved your life, watch her father die just to please Rosalyn. Aren't you worried about the fallout? Your wedding is next Monday."

At the mention of Amelia, Edmund's smile faded. He pulled a plain silver necklace from his pocket.

"I'll make it up to Amelia in other ways. Even if she learns the truth, she won't leave me. Want to bet she'll treasure this silver necklace I gave her?" he said confidently. "Rosalyn's different. She may be the false heiress cast out by the Hopewells, but she still carries that innate elegance Amelia will never have."

After a pause, he added, "That's what draws me to her most."

His friend gasped. "So you're admitting you've fallen for Rosalyn? If so, why not come clean to Amelia and call off the wedding?" he pressed.

Edmund propped his chin on one hand, the other gently tracing a photo of Rosalyn he kept hidden in his pocket. His eyes softened, unguarded. "I want Rosalyn to feel a bit of pressure. How else will I tame that proud little wildcat?"

His words wrapped around Amelia's heart like a tightening net, the pain so intense she could barely breathe.

She gripped the wall, her nails digging into the paint, barely keeping herself upright.

On her way back to the hospital, Amelia called every friend and relative she knew to borrow money. Some claimed they were short on funds; others didn't answer. It was clearly Edmund's doing.

When Amelia returned to the hospital room, her father was down to his final breaths.

"Amelia, it's my fault you suffered so much, lost in the world while my enemy's daughter lived in luxury as you," he said weakly. "My greatest worry is you. Promise me you won't delay your wedding to Edmund because of my death. The Hopewell family is being targeted. I need someone to protect you."

Amelia, who had once eagerly planned her wedding to Edmund, fell silent.

She didn't tell her father that the man he trusted to protect her had pushed them into ruin.

To ease her father's passing, Amelia nodded in agreement.

As her father's hand fell limp, Amelia closed her eyes in agony, tears streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I won't marry Edmund," she whispered.

"Everything he took from me, I'll make him pay back," she vowed. "For this betrayal, I won't rest until justice is served."

She pulled out her phone and dialed a former subordinate. "Within three days, I want Edmund Nash bankrupt."