Chapter 2

Miriam looked at Cedric standing next to her and said with quiet resolve, "I understand the responsibilities that come with being the heir to Wiley Group.

"But I believe running this conglomerate effectively requires competence and savvy, not leveraging on a spouse's connections. I intend to earn the status I want on my own merits, and not through anyone else."

With these words, the banquet hall fell into a brief, dead silence.

Fabian's face turned ashen, a vein throbbing visibly at his temple.

I lowered my head and fiddled with my fingers, the corner of my mouth curling into a faint smile.

Miriam was truly as proud and unyielding to the bone as ever.

Unfortunately, she'd forgotten that when Wiley Group was in crisis years ago, it was precisely because my family extended a helping hand that Fabian was able to turn things around.

After that, Fabian made a verbal agreement with my father, Bruno Keller, that Miriam would marry me.

"Fine, very well." Fabian, furious to the extreme, slammed the table with a sharp bang. "Since you're so capable, I'll grant your wish. We'll just see how long you can hold out!"

With that, he stormed off. Verna also hurriedly rose to follow him.

Miriam fell into Cedric's arms and promised solemnly, "Don't worry. The position as my family's son-in-law will always be yours. No one can ever take it from you!"

Watching the two of them lost in each other's affection, I was just about to leave when Miriam softly called out, "Wait a moment."

Pushing aside Cedric's supportive hand, she stumbled slightly but caught herself and came after me alone.

She leaned close to my ear and said in a voice only the two of us could hear, "Quintin, have you also been reborn with your memories? I suppose you've learned better this time—you don't stand in Cedric's way again.

"If it weren't for you meddling in our previous lives, causing me to lose Cedric, I wouldn't have been so ruthless toward you. As long as you stay in your place in this life, I can spare you and your family.

"But if you insist on staying by my side, I'll be blunt—I won't give you any title or status."

I raised an eyebrow slightly, feigning confusion. "Ms. Wiley, what are you talking about? Though my family may not be some distinguished clan, we still have our pride. There's no such thing as me being your 'kept man' in our principles."

I looked up, meeting her gaze straight on. I didn't want her to learn more, nor did I want the bloody grudges of our past loves to bring disaster upon my family once again.

Glancing down, I caught sight of her still-blackened arm and laughed inwardly.

Did she think a few pleasant words could erase the blood debt from our past lives?

Miriam must have underestimated me.

As soon as the poison took hold in her right arm, she would be fighting for her very life.

Not wanting to engage any further, I scoffed and mercilessly shook off her hand.

"Ms. Wiley, did you wake up on the crazy side of the bed today? You're making zero sense."

With that, I stepped around her and walked briskly away.

Miriam rushed to catch me. Then, to my surprise, she lost her balance and fell.

Cedric let out a terrified shout, "Miriam!"

I straightened my cuff without so much as looking back.

Heaven had granted me a new life, and I would never let anyone harm my family or me again.

Early the next morning, I heard the frantic shouts of household staff downstairs, warning of intruders.

Cedric stormed in, eyes red with fury. He then pointed at me and shouted accusingly, "Quintin Keller, as the heir of a distinguished family, you lack for nothing! So, why must you steal Miriam away from me? Don't you know she was supposed to be mine?"

I sat up straight away, my hair still a mess.

"I think you've got the wrong person. When have I ever competed with you over anything?"

"Why you!" Cedric trembled, eyes becoming even more bloodshot. "Then what did you two talk about yesterday? After Miriam fainted, she kept calling out your name!" he asked resentfully.

I raised an eyebrow, my tone so light it was almost amused. "Didn't she tell you? She's begging to marry me now."