HEIR OF PAIN
“As if. Do you really think Ryder would ever love someone like you?”
Jewel’s laughter was low and sharp. “I don’t need him to love me. His family is enough.” She leaned slightly closer, her voice dropping to a confident whisper. “Even if his family won’t bend, tell me—who would they choose between us? The partner who is barren and will never bear a child, ending the Black family legacy, or the partner who is fruitful, who can give them children to carry their name and honor forward?” She laughed softly, almost cruelly.
Arden felt a sting of pain in his chest. He remained motionless, unable to respond. Her words cut deeper than he wanted to admit.