Chapter 21 Edward’s Stand
Edward’s voice cut through the hall, sharp as a crack of thunder. Everyone froze.
The guests just stared, eyes wide, completely stunned.
He’d actually said it. Out loud. For everyone to hear. That the Miller family wasn’t good enough for his
sister.
How fiercely arrogant and domineering!
If anyone else had said that, they’d be called crazy.
Crossing the Millers? That was basically asking for trouble.
But this was Edward. That changed everything. He had the power to mean it.
Though the Tucker family was a newly risen member of the four big families, under Edward’s leadership, it had expanded its power at a frantic pace in recent years.
Nobody said it outright, but everyone in this circle knew that the Tucker family was already the most powerful among the four big families in terms of strength.
“Edward, about this engagement… let’s discuss it properly.” Jose’s parents’ faces were tight, but they didn’t dare challenge Edward directly.
They moved in the same circles. They knew better than anyone just how scary a man had to be to lift a family from nothing to the top of the four big families in barely ten years.
Seeing Edward here now, it hit them. The Tucker family wasn’t the same as before.
They needed this marriage. It was their ticket to getting closer to Edward.
Backing out wasn’t an option.
“Edward,” Jose’s mother said, her voice sweetly persuasive, “since Margaret doesn’t want to marry Jose, how about Clara instead? What do you think?”
Rumors said Edward was cold-blooded and ruthless. Even when Margaret became a laughingstock among the elite, he never once stood up for her.
So they figured she meant nothing to him.
They didn’t think much of her anyway. If she wanted out, fine,
“Jose, get up,” Clara said, rushing over to help him stand
He got to his feet slowly, his legs still aching. Margaret had hit him hard.
Hearing he might be engaged to Clara instead, Jose’s face darkened. “Dad, I…” he started.
He wanted to say something. His eyes kept drifting back to Margaret.
Seeing that, Clara burned with jealousy. She wanted to scratch that pretty face right off.
Jose’s father, Gerald Miller, shot Jose a sharp look. “Jose,” he said, his voice heavy with authority
You
12:39 Thu, Jan 22 GAD
Chapter 21 Edward’s Stand
dare embarrass this family again.”
Jose shut his mouth.
Clara then looked at Edward, her eyes full of fear. She was terrified of him.
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He wasn’t even warm to his own father. To her, just an adopted daughter? She was nothing. She’d lived with the Tuckers for over ten years, and could count their conversations on one hand.
Tears welled in Clara’s eyes. “Edward,” she pleaded, her voice shaking, “I really like Jose. Please, let us be together. Okay?”
One word from him, and she’d be Jose’s fiancée. The future lady of the Miller family.
Her heart raced. Wh
she
anted most was finally within reach.
She told herself that
if he was distant, that was just how he was. He was indifferent to everyone.
And surely, in his heart, she mattered more than Marga et-the girl who kept embarrassing the Tucker family.
As for why Margaret’s brothers always ignored her? Well that had been Clara’s plan all along.
She’d nudged the foolish girl into doing one stupid thing after another-the kind of stuff her brothers
would hate. And it worked perfectly
All year, Margaret had been bullied, again and again. Not one of her brothers ever lifted a finger to help.
So Clara was sure. If she begged now, Edward would agree.
But he didn’t even glance her way. His eyes were locked on Margaret. The sharp angles of his face were hard
In those eyes, deep and frosty like winter, something wild was stirring. Something fierce, just beneath the surface. Regret, sharp and painful.
I’m sorry, Maggie.
In this life, I’ll protect you. I’ll make you the happiest girl in the world!
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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