Saintess's Worthless Husband Turned Dragon Commander novel Chapter 10

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Chapter 10: Deal

“Sit. Down.” Brandon Hartford’s voice carried the weight of a man used to being obeyed. “We need to talk.

Marcus considered refusing. But curiosity won out-what could they possibly want to discuss now that the marriage was effectively over? He sat at the table, noting how Quinn wouldn’t meet his eyes.

“You’ve been causing problems,” Brandon began, his tone severe. “Tonight’s incident at the Hartford family gathering was completely unacceptable. Attacking Alexander Grant, overturning tables, making a

scene-”

“I made a scene?” Marcus interrupted. “Your daughter left me to die in a collapsing building while she saved another man. But sure, I’m the problem.”

“How dare you!” Karen shrieked, slamming her hand on the table. “How dare you question Quinn’s judgment! She’s a Saintess! She has a sacred duty to protect those under her care! Alexander was injured because of your violence-of course she had to prioritize him!”

“She’s my wife,” Marcus said quietly.

“She’s a Saintess first!” Karen’s face flushed red. “You’ve never understood that! You’ve never understood what it means to carry that bloodline, that responsibility! You’re just a common man with a common mind who expects her to coddle you like some helpless child!”

“I expected her to not abandon me to die,” Marcus corrected. “Apparently that was too much to ask.”

“You survived, didn’t you?” Karen’s voice dripped with contempt. “So stop being so dramatic! Quinn had her reasons, and you should respect them instead of throwing tantrums like a spoiled brat!”

Brandon leaned forward. “Here’s what’s going to happen, Marcus. You’re going to apologize to Quinn and Alexander. You’re going to drop this ridiculous divorce talk. And you’re going to start acting like a proper husband-which means supporting Quinn’s career and her obligations without complaint.”

“Or what?” Marcus asked.

“Or I’ll have you thrown in jail,” Brandon said flatly. “Assault charges. Destruction of property. I’ve got witnesses from tonight who’ll testify you attacked Alexander unprovoked. The Hartford family would be happy to press charges. One word from me, and you’ll spend the next five years in prison.”

The threat hung in the air.

Quinn finally spoke, her voice cold and measured. “Let’s talk like adults, Marcus. I know you’re upset about tonight. I understand you feel… neglected. But you need to understand my position.”

“Your position,” Marcus repeated.

“I’m a Saintess,” Quinn continued, her tone emotionless. “I have a one-year healing duty period that I’m currently completing. If I don’t fulfill this duty properly, I won’t be promoted to Senior Saintess. My entire career depends on maintaining my reputation and completing my obligations without controversy.”

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“And I’m a controversy,” Marcus finished.

“A divorce right now would be,” Quinn corrected. “It would raise questions about my judgment, my ability to maintain relationships, my commitment to sacred vows. The Saintess Council would scrutinize everything. My promotion would be delayed or denied.”

Karen jumped in, her voice venomous. “So you see, Marcus, your little tantrum about divorce is actually holding Quinn back! You’re sabotaging her career because your feelings got hurt! How selfish can you possibly be?”

“If you had any decency,” Brandon added, “you’d put Quinn’s needs first for once. But I suppose that’s too much to expect from someone like you.”

Marcus looked at Quinn-really looked at her. She sat there in her elegant clothes, her Saintess aura dim but present, her face a mask of cold indifference. This was the woman he’d married three years ago believing destiny had brought them together.

She didn’t love him. Had probably never loved him. He was just an obligation she’d convinced herself was important until he became inconvenient.

“So what are you proposing?” Marcus asked quietly.

“Wait one year,” Quinn said simply. “Stay married on paper. You can live here or not, I don’t care. Just don’t cause problems. Don’t create scandals. Don’t interfere with my work or my relationships. After my promotion is secured, we can discuss divorce quietly and amicably.”

“You want me to pretend to be your husband while you…” Marcus trailed off.

“While I do my duty,” Quinn finished. “With whoever that duty requires.”

The implication was crystal clear. She wanted him to stay married while she carried on whatever relationship she was developing with Alexander Grant, all to protect her precious career.

“And if I refuse?” Marcus asked.

“Then Father will press charges,” Quinn said without emotion. “You’ll go to jail. Your life will be ruined. And the divorce will happen anyway, except you’ll have nothing-no money, no reputation, no future. Is your pride really worth that?”

Marcus sat in silence for a long moment. The old Marcus Steel-the desperate, powerless man who’d endured three years of humiliation-would have crumbled. Would have accepted these terms because he had no choice, no power, no options.

But Marcus Steel was not that man anymore.

Still, he needed time. Time to build his strength, to understand his dragon powers, to prepare for what was coming. And if Quinn wanted to hand him that time on a silver platter…

“Fine,” Marcus said quietly. “One year. Then we’re done.”

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Relief flashed across Quinn’s face-the first genuine emotion he’d seen from her all night. “Good. I’m glad you’re being reasonable about this.”

“Just stay out of my way,” Karen added viciously. “And don’t you dare question Quinn’s judgment again. You’re lucky she’s even giving you this chance.”

Marcus stood, pushing back from the table. “I’ll get my things. I’ll find somewhere else to stay.”

“Actually,” Quinn said, “it would look better if you stayed here. For appearances.”

Marcus looked at her-at this cold, calculating woman who wanted him to be a convenient prop in her life

-and smiled without humor.

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