Chapter 176
176 Groveling at the Gates
Back then, his mother had believed Scarlett was useless to him in the business world . Under mounting pressure, he’d suffered from insomnia every night. When Scarlett found out, she asked his mother what it would take for her to agree to their relationship. Her answer? Scarlett had to kneel outside their house for an entire night.
He thought Scarlett would see it as an insult and back off.
But she didn’t. She stayed there the whole night.
He’d been so heartbroken at the time. He swore–this life and the next, he would never betray her.
But in the end…
He let out a heavy sigh.
Scarlett was softhearted. If she knew he was suffering, she’d definitely come out to see him.
He walked over and knelt down slowly.
But only half an hour in, and he was already struggling.
The long trip had worn him down. He hadn’t rested well in days, and his head had been filled with worries. Now he was exhausted and drowsy. He hadn’t eaten anything at the banquet either–he’d been too shocked by everything. Now his stomach felt completely hollow.
His knees felt like they didn’t belong to him anymore, and the pain kept climbing, sharp and relentless.
His face had gone pale.
Still, his eyes never left the front of the villa.
He hoped the door would open. Hoped Scarlett would come running out, panicked at the sight of him. That she’d hold him tight, tend to his wounds, and take him back with her.
They’d make up. Start over.
Maybe even walk into the Lane family home together.
Sure, the Lane elders might look down on the Jude family. But if Scarlett was willing, they’d have no choice but to accept him.
Just today, the main branch’s affection for Scarlett had been clear. If she spoke up, they’d support the Jude family out of love for her.
In a few short years, the Jude family could rise to the top in Trenwyn, maybe even establish a foothold in Jalindale.
And he―he could become one of the most outstanding figures of his generation. Perhaps even wield the same kind of power as Owen someday.
Then, at last, the door opened.
His heart soared. He looked up, full of hope.
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176 Groveling at the Gates
That was quick. She couldn’t bear to see him suffer,
He knew it–Scarlett still loved him too much to let him kneel for long. She’d beg him to stand , help him inside herself. Maybe even introduce him to the Lane family personally.
With her support, the elders would have no choice but to accept him.
She was that important to them.
If she wanted it, no one could stop her.
And if the rumors were true–that the old madam had shown Scarlett such rare affection–then it wouldn’t be long before the Lane family carried the Jude family to the top.
He could see it already.
His rise. Their future.
“Here–some water, snacks, and a cushion.”
The voice froze him in place.
He looked up in disbelief.
It wasn’t Scarlett.
It was Aurora.
In one hand, she held a small box of pastries. In the other, a bottle of spring water. A black cushion sat beside her feet.
For a second, she looked confused. “Were you expecting someone else?”
Connor’s throat clenched. The pain, the hunger, the humiliation–all of it boiled under his skin. His already pale face turned a sickly shade of purple.
Aurora saw the look on his face and understood.
Disgust curled in her heart.
At the start of the banquet, this man had looked at her like she was the only wo. moment he realized Scarlett was the real heiress, his entire attitude shifted.
Disgusting.
Good thing she’d never taken him seriously.
He’d always just been a chess piece to her.
A
in the room. Then the
But now–if Connor could delay Scarlett long enough, make her stay behind to sort out whatever lingering emotions remained–then she’d miss the competition.
The Lane family might not care about some award, but Scarlett was representing Trenwyn University . If she missed the event, the school’s reputation would take a hit. And once that word got out, not even the Lane family could protect her. It could jeopardize her entire graduate career.
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176 Groveling at the Gates
When that happened, let’s see how proud Sophia would still be.
Aurora would be the only outstanding young woman in the Lane family. The only one with real promise
And more importantly, the old madam had already promised her a reward–three percent of her shares )
Once she had those, she’d be a true member of the Lane family.
No more whispers behind her back. No more insults about being a parasite or a gold–digger.
The future was hers.
Just the thought of it made even Connor seem tolerable.
Still, she worried he might give up and storm off in frustration.
He needed hope.
She took a deep breath and put on the look of someone righteous, selfless, and full of understanding . “She didn’t refuse to come out,” Aurora said gently. “But Uncle Denton and his wife are holding her back .
She leaned in slightly. “But I heard she’s leaving early tomorrow morning for the Jalindale University competition. If you wait here, you’re bound to see her.”
Hope flickered back into Connor’s eyes.
“Scarlett’s been through so much already,” Aurora added softly. “My aunt really feels for her.”
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