Longing Beneath Blossoms

"I’ve thought it through. I'll marry the Ashford family’s comatose heir."

Rhea Vaughn leaned against the doorway of the Vaughn family’s old residence, her red lips curving into a sharp, mocking smile.

The cigar in Victor Vaughn’s hand nearly slipped and fell onto the priceless Persian carpet. He jerked upright from his leather chair, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes stretching open as his face lit up. "Rhea, you’ve come around? That’s wonderful! The Ashfords have been pressing hard. You’ll need to marry into Harborwyn within two weeks. What style of wedding dress do you like? I will have someone order it for you—"

"That’s it?" Rhea let out a cold laugh. "I’m taking your beloved illegitimate daughter’s place and marrying into that family for you, and you’re not going to show anything in return?"

"I’ve thought it through. I'll marry the Ashford family’s comatose heir."

Rhea Vaughn leaned against the doorway of the Vaughn family’s old residence, her red lips curving into a sharp, mocking smile.

The cigar in Victor Vaughn’s hand nearly slipped and fell onto the priceless Persian carpet. He jerked upright from his leather chair, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out as his face lit up.

"Rhea, you’ve come around? That’s wonderful! The Ashfords have been pressing hard. You’ll need to marry into Harborwyn in the next two weeks. What style of wedding dress do you like? I will have someone order it for you—"

"That’s it?" Rhea let out a cold laugh. "I’m taking your beloved illegitimate daughter, Vera Vaughn’s place and marrying into that family for you, and you’re not going to show anything in return?"

The temperature in the living room dropped instantly.

Victor’s face darkened. "Watch how you speak. What illegitimate daughter? That’s your sister."

"A sister is someone born of the same mother." Rhea chuckled softly, ice sealing over her eyes. "She’s the product of your affair. I will never acknowledge her in this lifetime."

The vein at Victor Vaughn’s temple bulged, fury surging up his face. He forced it down just before it erupted.

He took a deep breath. Ash fell from the tip of his cigar. "What do you want?"

"Ten billion." Her lips parted calmly. "And after I’m married, transfer Wyatt Pierce to protect your precious Vera."

Victor froze. He stared at her as if she had lost her mind. "Are you insane? Ten billion would drain all my liquid assets. And Wyatt is your favorite bodyguard. You used to make a fuss about marrying him. Now you’re getting married, and you’re not even taking him with you?"

"Just answer yes or no." Rhea’s patience snapped. She turned to leave.

"Fine!" Victor slammed his hand on the table. "The day you go to Harborwyn to marry, I’ll have both things done immediately."

He had no interest in thinking deeper. He only wanted to lock this down as fast as possible.

Back then, the Ashfords' only son had been dazzling and untouchable. Victor