The Captain I Married by Chance novel Chapter 223

Mia's nails dug painfully into her palms. Why did Nora get to marry Nolan Devereaux? Why did a miserable medical examiner get to climb the social ladder so effortlessly? Mia was the true heiress of the Hayes Group. She was the one who deserved all the luxury and status. Why was Nora getting all the rewards?

"Dad..." Mia started, desperate to change his mind.

But Leonard had always been a ruthless dictator. The loving father act he put on was entirely conditional, and seeing Mia challenge his authority brought out his true colors. He narrowed his eyes, his voice dripping with quiet menace. "Mia. You have always been my good, obedient daughter, haven't you? Mr. Warren from Triumph Group has taken quite an interest in you. Do you think it's time I formally considered his marriage proposal?"

It felt as though invisible hands had clamped around Mia's throat, choking the air from her lungs. Mr. Warren of Triumph Group was fifty-three years old! The man had beaten his previous wife until she was paralyzed, eventually dumping her in a remote sanatorium to rot. Rumors of his twisted bedroom habits were so vile that even the most desperate gold diggers avoided him like the plague. Her father, the man who claimed to dote on her, was threatening to sell her off as a monster's next trophy wife?

Mia began to tremble uncontrollably. "Dad... I'm sorry. I was wrong."

Leonard's terrifyingly cold expression melted away, instantly replaced by the warm, affectionate mask of a loving father. He reached out and gently patted her hair. "Good girl. I always knew my daughter was smart enough to understand."

A violent shudder wracked Mia's body, her skin erupting in goosebumps. In that horrifyingly clear moment, she finally understood what her mother had meant all those years ago. Grace had always warned her that Leonard only loved himself. Mia had always assumed Grace was just bitter about his endless string of affairs. Now, she grasped the terrifying truth. No wonder Grace Hayes had packed her bags, grabbed Nora, and walked away without looking back. Leonard was a complete psychopath. He would sacrifice anyone and anything to protect his company and his status.

After Leonard walked away, Mia's gaze drifted back toward the buffet line, fixing on Nora.

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