Chapter 2 The Engagement Gift
Violet was too ashamed to meet Edie’s gaze. “Eliza has suffered so much. Why can’t you help? Besides, Carl is a prominent figure in Clerlun…”
Though she spoke with a tone of righteousness, her hesitant voice betrayed a lack of
conviction.
However, having Edie marry in Eliza’s place was indeed the best option for their family at the moment.
Edie slightly lifted her eyelids to look at Violet. “I have a boyfriend. Since Carl is such a prominent figure, why don’t you let Eliza marry him and enjoy the wealth?”
Eliza was on the verge of tears. “Edie… the idea of you marrying in my place was actually from Sebastian. Besides, since you two aren’t public about your relationship, no one will know you have a boyfriend.”
Sebastian Vasquez, Edie’s boyfriend.
Coincidentally, Eliza had once saved Sebastian’s life, and that was how they met, forming a close bond. Sebastian even played a part in Eliza’s successful return to her biological parents.
At that time, Sebastian and Eliza were having a meal together when Violet accidentally saw them. She noticed how much Eliza resembled her and secretly conducted a paternity test, which led to the revelation of the hospital’s baby–switching incident.
Edie responded coldly, “He really said that?”
Eliza quickly nodded. “Yes, he said that since you’re just marrying Carl to bring his change of luck, if Carl wakes up and wants a divorce, you can still be with him.”
Eliza, fearful that Edie would refuse, added, “Sebastian will compensate you.”
Edie paused for a moment before speaking. “No need for compensation. I’ll just break up with him. I can take over the engagement with the Brooks family, but I want to know what happened to my kid.”
She and Sebastian had been together for over a year, and despite having feelings for him, she was disappointed that he would give her up for Eliza.
The kid and the mysterious man from the past remained a thorn in Edie’s heart.
If it weren’t for being drugged, she wouldn’t have….
Upon hearing Edie’s request, Clay slammed the table in anger. “She is dead! With that huge fire, how could she have survived?”
Clay’s outburst was quite intimidating, even startling Violet.
Yet, Edie didn’t flinch. Her tone was calm but tinged with threat as she said, “Either tell me the truth about that year, or let Eliza marry into the Brooks family, or face bankruptcy.”
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Chapter 2 The Engagement Gift
Edie placed the Thornton family’s villa key on the coffee table and, facing the furious Clay, maintained an attitude of polite decorum. “I’ll go pack my things. It’ll take about half an hour. I hope you’ve made a decision by the time I leave.”
With that, she turned to walk upstairs, pausing briefly beside Eliza, who was holding a
knife to her neck.
Edie then extended her slender, long finger and lightly pointed to a spot on Eliza’s neck. She warned, “The carotid artery is here. Cutting here will kill you quickly. The area you‘ re pressing is the trachea. The usual cause of death if you cut there is suffocation due to blocked respiratory tracts or pulmonary congestion, which is more painful.”
She seemed genuinely concerned for Eliza.
Edie’s grace and composure were exceptional, even in this situation, making Eliza, who grew up in the bustling city, feel inferior and deeply embarrassed.
Half an hour later, Edie came downstairs with her belongings packed.
Unable to bear it any longer, Clay told Edie, “The kid is truly dead. With that massive fire at the hospital, how could anyone survive?”
“The Thorntons are clear–headed enough at this critical moment. They have no reason to hide anything from me. It seems they really don’t know anything,” Edie thought, preparing herself mentally.
She stated, “I can marry in Eliza’s place, but I want half of the 30 million dollars from the Brooks family.”
Clay had an unhappy look. “You’re asking for too much!”
Edie replied nonchalantly, “Then choose between bankruptcy and Eliza marrying a vegetable.”
With that, she picked up her suitcase and prepared to leave.
“Wait!” Clay suddenly called out to her, his face dark with anger. “Fine, I’ll give you half.”
Edie gave a cold smile. “Alright.”
