I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C'd His Uncle novel Chapter 173

apter 173

Marcus’s voice was bone chilling.

“You really think you’re still the god of Morgan Group?”

“Why? Why?”

The old man, once a legend, now sat trembling in disbelief.

“Want to know why I could take Morgan Group any time I wanted, yet held back?” Marcus’s gaze dropped to him, eyes filled with scorn.

“Father, I gave you a chance. It was you who pushed me away.”

The patriarch’s pupils constricted. He slumped like a puppet with its strings cut.

All these years, he had watched Marcus like a hawk, terrified his son would repeat his own ruthless path. But in doing so, he had driven Marcus down it himself.

After stepping down, he still thought he ruled the skies of Morgan Group. Whenever Marcus didn’t bend to his will, he’d invoke the family’s “laws.” Watching the man who commanded respect everywhere else bow beneath his authority gave him a twisted sense of triumph.

Now, he finally saw the truth: Marcus hadn’t spared him out of weakness–he’d spared him out of some lingering fantasy of a father.

“Do you know what people will say if you strike me down?” The old man’s voice rasped.

“You think I care about their opinion?” Marcus sneered. “If you’re ruthless, then be utterly ruthless. Not half–hearted like you–wanting it both ways.”

“It was you who killed Grandfather to seize power. It was you who feared being exposed.”

“Father, be grateful I’m smarter than you–by more than just a little.”

The old man shook, true fear flashing in his eyes.

“Marcus…what have you done?”

“Ever heard of the dark web?” Marcus’s tone was like ice.

Before the old man could react, masked men smashed through the windows. Some carried knives, others swords, their mere presence chilling the air.

“I don’t need to dirty my own hands. Pay enough, and they’ll do it for me.”

“Don’t worry–I’ve already arranged for Zack to be outside. He’ll make sure you stay alive. I won’t let you die here…not yet.”

Cold light flickered across Marcus’s sharp features. For the first time, the old man truly felt the lethal aura rolling off his son.

With a dull thud, he collapsed to the floor, barely breathing.

“Use my phone…call Lewis. He’ll tell you where Sophie is.”

Marcus lifted his hand. Instantly, the assassins stilled.

“You’d better not be lying.”

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Chapter 173

Sophie had eaten dinner and was now lying on the bed.

Though she was technically a prisoner, she had been treated with nothing but luxury. Tonight’s meal had been meticulously prepared by nutritionists. If not for Lewis shadowing her every step, she might almost have believed she was on a resort vacation.

Sleep tugged at her, and before long, she drifted off.

When she woke again, it was already midday. Blinking groggily, she saw a shadow by her bed. Assuming it was Lewis, she murmured, “What time is it? Is lunch ready?”

“Looks like you haven’t been suffering too much these past days.”

The familiar voice snapped her awake.

Marcus was seated beside her, exhaustion etched across his face, but his eyes gleamed with relief.

“I got here this morning. Didn’t expect you to sleep straight through until now.”

Still reeling, Sophie barely heard him. “How did you find me?”

“How else? I asked the one who brought you here.”

His tone was casual, his posture lazy as he leaned back. But his tailored suit was rumpled, shirt buttons missing, dark circles under his eyes, and stubble roughening his jaw.

Guilt pricked her–she’d been safe and cared for, while he’d clearly pushed himself to the edge to find her. Her nose stung, eyes reddening.

“Truth is…the old man didn’t really mistreat me. I had food, comfort…you didn’t have to rush like this.”

Marcus sighed softly.

“I know. But until I saw you safe with my own eyes, I couldn’t rest.”

He had guessed the old man’s plan from the start. As long as he wanted leverage, Sophie and the child would be unharmed. But knowing that and feeling reassured were two very different things.

“Marcus…” she whispered.

He half–smiled, his long lashes shadowing his eyes. “Mm?”

“This time…does it count as me relying on you?”

The curve of his lips deepened. “It does.”

“Sophie…”

She arched a brow. “What?”

“I think I’ve been far too much of a gentleman with you.”

She blinked in confusion. “Huh?”

Her wide eyes met his steady gaze, full of something fierce and resolute.

From now on, he would have no more reservations. He would protect her–completely.

They returned to Riverland together on a cruise ship. The moment they disembarked, Ethan and Sherry rushed her to the hospital. After a thorough check–up confirmed she was unharmed, they finally relaxed.

Chapter 173

Back at the Chandler estate, Sherry sat with an uncharacteristically stern look on her baby doll face.

“Time to fess up. When did you know the old man was going to move against you? If you had time to set your phone’s screen lock message, why didn’t you contact us directly? And most important–how did you end up carrying Marcus’s child?”

But

Sophie glanced helplessly at Ethan, silently begging for rescue.

But Ethan’s tone was just as firm. “She’s right. You owe us answers.”

Sophie groaned, rubbing her temples. “I barely made it back alive. Can’t I rest f

I’ll tell

you after Is

I sleep.”

“No way!” Sherry snapped, face fierce. “The doctor just said you’re perfectly healthy. Ove tracker on your phone so you can’t disappear on us again!”

♡ (3)

-nourished, even! You’d better come clean–or I’ll install a