My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash Calicraft) novel Chapter 2264

After that tragic incident, nearly all the members of the Ledger family were killed. The once-powerful Ledger family, a premier family of Gorgeous Country, was no more.

Dahlia was temporarily taken in by Universal Group, as the group had received considerable support from the Ledger family in the past. Some members of the group's council still possessed some conscience and ensured Dahlia's basic needs were met.

However, Dahlia knew that this arrangement would not last forever.

Fortunately, due to Helio's earlier mistake, which led to the loss of many of Universal Group's martial artists, the company was actively recruiting new fighters. Dahlia seized this opportunity and joined the ranks, even though she had no formal training.

The Ledger family once had their own martial artists, but most were either dead or gravely injured, leaving no one to teach her. Luckily, a fellow recruit named Puelo noticed her plight and took pity on her after learning of her tragic past. Secretly, he began helping her with her training.

Years passed, and through sheer determination and relentless effort, Dahlia eventually rose to become one of the Top Seven. However, the deep rift remained between her and Helio.

Both carried guilt during that time. Dahlia knew deep down that her parents' deaths were not entirely Helio's fault, but...

The day after Helio saved Dahlia, the news of her parents' death reached her. In a fit of rage, she threw the bowl of oatmeal Helio had brought her right at him. Overcome by her anger, she lashed out at him, her words fueled by grief and fury.

"You took all my loved ones from me! Are you satisfied now? Murderer! Bastard!"

A torrent of harsh words flowed from her, striking both of them to the core.

"I'd rather be with my parents than have you save me! Get out! Get out!" Dahlia screamed, her voice filled with anguish.

Helio said nothing. He simply lowered his head as he walked out of the hospital ward.

...