Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3620

Charlotte's eyes shifted shiftily, feigning victimization. "What else could we do? If the engagement is totally broken and the Foster family pulls their funding, the losses to the Evert family would be catastrophic. I'm just looking out for our entire family, cleaning up the mess certain people left behind."

Grandpa Evert immediately beamed. "You always know what's best, Charlotte!"

Grandma Evert turned to Phoebe. "What do you think, sweetheart?"

Deep down, Phoebe was somewhat reluctant, but thinking of Carson's strikingly handsome face and his status as the Foster family heir, her resolve wavered. She put on a perfectly submissive, noble act. "If my cousin insists on breaking the engagement, and there's no other option, I can take her place. I've enjoyed everything this family has provided for me since I was a little girl. Without this privileged environment, I wouldn't be who I am today. So, I will respect whatever decisions you and Grandma make!"

Seeing how incredibly sensible Phoebe was, Grandma Evert felt both relieved and heartbroken. She squeezed Phoebe's hand lovingly. "When it really matters, we can always count on our Phoebe."

Charlotte pursed her lips, poorly hiding her absolute smugness.

Grandpa Evert chimed in. "We won't let Phoebe suffer any grievances. When it comes to her wedding settlement, Charlotte, you can prepare whatever you see fit."

Charlotte's face lit up with pure joy. "Dad, do you really mean that?"

"Of course!" Grandpa Evert declared.

Rhiannon and Jude exchanged a heavy glance but stayed silent. After all, they were the ones in the wrong.

*

Marina didn't go to the main house. She headed straight to her own place.

Once inside her room, she slid down against the door, finding the whole situation morbidly hilarious. She tugged at the corner of her lips, but the resulting smile looked worse than sobbing.

She had thought he was just trying to scare her. She never expected things to actually go this far.

He wanted to bankrupt her, and he wanted to marry Phoebe.

He had made good on every single threat.

The butler handed over a sleek velvet box. "Someone delivered this today. They said you ordered it. Since you weren't home, they left it for your inspection and said they'd return if there were any issues."

Carson froze in his tracks. He took the box, popped it open, and stared at the diamond ring inside. A sudden, agonizing ache ripped through his chest.

The massive teardrop diamond sparkled brilliantly in the dim light.

He had held off on officially proposing to Marina because he had been waiting for this exact ring. He had personally selected the raw stone and designed the setting himself, wanting to give her a completely one-of-a-kind proposal.

Now the ring was finally here, but there was no use for it anymore.

Remembering the venomous things Marina had said today, a roaring fire of fury ignited in his gut. Acting? Fake? Even if that was how they had started, after everything they had been through together, how could she still say something so utterly heartless?

Just to shake him off and run back to her first love, she had been shockingly ruthless!