Chapter 32: Scheme

"Where do you think you're going, my special present?" Mr. Scott inquired, his tone sending shivers down my spine.

“What do you mean by 'special present'?” I asked anxiously, struggling to understand his disturbing words.

“Do you think I would easily agree to marry my daughter off to that orphan without receiving something in return? Of course not. It's because, in every agreement, there’s a hidden endowment. And I must confess, I'm delighted that it turned out to be you," he divulged with a malicious glint in his eyes.

I was stunned upon hearing his statement, a sinking feeling gnawing at my gut. Nonetheless, I kept my composure and looked at him straightly in his eyes.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. So please, just let me leave," I uttered firmly, my voice unwavering.

But he continued as though he didn’t hear what I said, "You know, I couldn't help but admire you earlier during dinner because your beauty has this captivating innocence," he stated, his gaze sweeping