Chapter 4 My Fiancé Will Escort Me

Two guards burst through the doorway and seized Sabrina by the arms, pinning her in place.

From behind them, the butler stepped forward, a coil of rope draped over his hands, prepared to bind her.

Yet Sabrina showed no trace of fear. She fought against their grip, her voice rising with fury. "Do you even know how you're going to explain this to Theo when he finds out?"

Terry scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer, "You think too highly of yourself. Theo respects Vernon's mother, and he won't risk staining his family's name over you. I can easily smooth things over with him."

Before the echo of his words could fade, the sharp trill of his phone cut through the tension.

His eyes flicked to the screen, and in an instant, the color drained from his face.

He raised a hand for silence. The butler immediately pressed his palm against Sabrina's mouth to stifle her protests.

"Hello, Mr. Marshall," Terry said quickly into the receiver. "Sabrina lost her temper and spoke out of turn just now. I hope you won't take it to heart-"

But Theo's voice came steady and unhurried over the line. "Regarding the Serenity Heights project, you'll need to resubmit the contract."

Relief washed over Terry, and his voice trembled with excitement. "Then you've decided to let my company handle it?"

Theo's reply carried a languid edge. "You'll be my father-in-law soon. You're different from other businessmen. See to it properly."

The call ended with a sharp click, leaving the room in tense silence.

Terry's gaze shifted toward Sabrina, still held in the guards' grip. His eyes carried a storm of conflict he could not mask.

The Serenity Heights project was a lifeline, one that could pull the Foster Group back from the edge of ruin.

Never in his wildest thoughts had he imagined Theo, a man known for being distant and uncompromising, would bend for Sabrina's sake.

Sabrina's lips curved into a small, knowing smile. She had only sent Theo a single message secretly, and as always, he had not let her down.

After weighing his options, Terry lifted his hand, signaling the butler to free Sabrina.

When he finally spoke, his voice lacked its usual bite. "Bree, the jewelry your mom left will be returned to you. Joslyn will see to it. As for the shares in the Foster Group, they must remain untouched for now. Once the company rises again, you'll have your portion."

Lynda stamped her heel against the floor, her anger spilling over. "Dad, those rightfully belong to me!"

"Shut up!" Terry exclaimed, his voice cutting through the air like ice.

Joslyn caught hold of Lynda's arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze. With an overly gracious smile, she added, "Bree, I'll make sure your wedding is nothing short of spectacular."

Everything about their sudden shift traced back to that single phone call.

Though Sabrina hadn't caught Theo's exact words, she knew his influence was enough to shake her entire household. Having his support was a shield she could finally lean on.

The company shares could wait. She had no need to rush. Her focus was on the truth behind her mother's death, a truth clouded by secrets.

Terry and Joslyn both reeked of suspicion, and sooner or later, she would bring them down, one at a time.

And Vernon-he had been the architect of her ruin in another life. This time, she would not grant him forgiveness.

After finally resting well, Sabrina woke late the next day and didn't stir from bed until noon. By the time she ate and prepared herself, half the day had already slipped by.

Her closet once brimmed with the bright dresses Vernon preferred, every shade chosen to please his shallow taste.

That was over. She was to marry Theo now, and as his partner, she would wear clothing that commanded dignity, not whimsy.

Keys in hand, she headed for the door, only to find her path blocked.

Standing there was Vernon. His tall frame filled the space, his tailored gray suit fitting perfectly over broad shoulders. Refined features and aristocratic polish gave him the air of nobility.

With one hand lazily tucked into his pocket, he regarded her from above, impatience etched across his face. "Why wasn't the breakfast delivered this morning? Don't tell me even something that trivial is beyond you."

Sabrina almost burst out laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of it all.

He hadn't even realized she was about to marry Theo, yet here he was scolding her.

Her lips curled into a mocking smile, her voice laced with contempt. "You sneak around with your secretary at the office and still expect me to fetch your breakfast? Tell me, Vernon, who exactly gave you that kind of authority over me?"

The sudden bite in her tone made him falter.

Rumors had already reached his ears that the marriage discussion hadn't gone smoothly. And because she had never once missed bringing him meals morning and noon, today's absence had convinced him she was sulking over yesterday.

His ego insisted that by showing up in person, she ought to bow her head and accept his scolding. When had she grown bold enough to snap back at him?

His uncle's instructions from earlier that day echoed in his memory-telling the butler to begin preparations for the wedding. That reminder forced him to swallow his anger.

"You're making this harder than it needs to be," he explained through clenched teeth. "I already told you my side, so don't twist things. No matter who else I'm with, you'll still be my wife. And since you've been nagging to attend the company's elite banquet, I'll take you there myself."

He spoke as if he were bestowing a blessing, and the arrogance of it made Sabrina itch to strike him.

The Marshall Group's upcoming banquet was no small gathering-it would draw the city's top investors, dignitaries, and the most influential families into one glittering hall.

In the past, Sabrina's insistence on attending had nothing to do with the event itself. What she had wanted was recognition: to appear at Vernon's side, to be introduced to his circle, and to have their relationship sealed under the gaze of high society.

That motive no longer mattered.

Her lips curved into a cold smirk. "You flatter yourself, Vernon. If I wish to attend, my fiancé will escort me. I don't need you."

His brows snapped together, irritation flashing in his eyes. "Stop spouting nonsense. Everyone already knows you're promised to me. Who else could possibly claim you?"

But when his gaze locked onto hers, he froze. Her stare was steady, her red lips parted with calm certainty, and her voice fell like a blade. "Your uncle. Theo."