Chapter 2

The moment I finished speaking, Theodore trembled uncontrollably. "Dakota, how dare you threaten me?" he snapped.

I sat calmly on the couch, watching the scene unfold like a detached observer.

"On our very first day as a married couple, you went behind my back with your ex. How could my father possibly turn a blind eye to this?

"Do you honestly think Wetherby Group's board would approve transferring tens of billions to a partner who doesn't even have basic decency?"

Every word I said hit Theodore like a punch, sinking straight into his chest. The fire in his eyes slowly died, replaced by a flicker of panic. He wasn't foolish, and he knew I was right.

Aldridge Group might look impressive on the surface, but it had been battling through a rough transformation in recent years.

Everything Theodore's father had was tied up in this new energy project. This venture was also the deciding factor in whether Theodore could ultimately claim control of the company.

Sofia clearly understood what was happening as well. Her face went pale, and she desperately shook Theodore's arm.

"Theo, no, Ms. Wetherby's got it wrong. I... I swear I didn't mean to. Please, you have to explain it to her!"

Theodore's lips parted, but no words came out. Explain? How could he? The facts were undeniable—he had brought Sofia here and turned everything upside down.

In that instant, the door to the villa was kicked open from the outside.

My father and Bennett Wetherby, my brother, stormed into the room. Two bodyguards followed closely, their expressions as hard as stone.

My father had a military background before transitioning into business. Despite being past 50, he still commanded respect with his powerful presence.

His eyes immediately fell on the disheveled Sofia on the bed. Theodore stood in front of her, acting as her shield.

"Well, well, the Aldridges certainly know how to make an impression," my father teased.

He laughed bitterly before jabbing a finger toward Theodore's nose. "My daughter has been raised with nothing but the utmost care and respect for over 20 years.

"She didn't marry you to face this kind of humiliation. Theodore, you've truly outdone yourself this time!"

Just then, Theodore's parents arrived, having caught wind of the commotion. Witnessing the scene, his mother, Velda McKinney, went pale. "Mr. Wetherby, please, let us explain. I'm sure we can resolve this misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?" Bennett chimed in, letting out a cold, humorless laugh. He walked over to my side and gave my shoulder a pat. His eyes betrayed a storm of anger and heartache.

"And what kind of misunderstanding are we even talking about? The moment Dakota and Theodore got legally married, he went and brought his ex into their home!

"Go ahead and ask around, Mrs. Aldridge. Does anyone act this way? Theodore is essentially dragging my family's name through the dirt!"

Theodore's father, Frank Aldridge, was livid. Without warning, he kicked Theodore hard in the leg. "You brat! You'd better kneel and apologize to Mr. Wetherby and Dakota right this instant!"

Theodore staggered from the blow. Still, he held his head high, stubbornly shielding Sofia behind him.

"Dad, this has nothing to do with Sofia! She's not in any condition—"

"Enough!" My father roared, his voice shaking the entire living room. He stepped up to Frank, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

"It seems this marriage was always one-sided on my family's part. Since your son's heart belongs to someone else, we will no longer force this union."

Frank's eyes widened. "Mr. Wetherby, what do you mean by this?

"Theodore just lost his head for a moment. How can we allow our families' partnership to be put at risk—"

"Partnership?" My father interrupted, his voice firm and unwavering. "This marriage was intended as the foundation of our cooperation. With that gone, the partnership is effectively over."

"Dad, wait—" I stepped in, continuing my father's words. My eyes swept across each member of the Aldridge family in the room.

"We are not unreasonable people. It was explicitly stated in the original agreement that our families would be joined through this marriage.

"But let's not forget, Theodore isn't the Aldridge family's only heir."

Everyone froze. Theodore stared at me, disbelief written across his face. "Dakota… What… what are you saying?"

I stood and walked over to my father. After repeating my words, I turned to face Theodore.

"This alliance can continue, but I am not marrying you.

"I'm going to marry someone else."