The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 696

Of course I hadn't been part of Maxwell's scam.

Sabrina's conversation with her friend didn't just infuriate Ferris; it enraged me, too.

My anger wasn't because the Hayes family had used me as a pawn.

The truth was, even before Maxwell demanded I marry Ferris, I knew he was going to use me as a tool.

When his pharmaceutical company collapsed, he and Lucille argued constantly. It was back then that he suggested marrying me off to secure a powerful alliance.

And he had already started acting on it. He took me to banquets and networking dinners, introducing me to wealthy, powerful older men who were clearly much older than me.

I understood exactly what he was trying to do.

When my parents died tragically and I miraculously survived, Lucille took me in. The Hayes family hadn't raised me all these years for nothing.

Being used by them was something I was entirely willing to accept.

After all, despite Lucille's constant verbal and physical abuse, and despite Sabrina's total lack of respect for me, Maxwell had treated me decently. He paid for my education, he never raised his voice at me in all those years, and he often stepped in to protect me when Lucille lashed out.

So, if becoming a pawn meant saving Maxwell's company, I had no complaints.

But I only attended two dinners before Lucille and Sabrina derailed the plan. Either Lucille forced me to stay home and do chores, or Sabrina ruined my dress, forcing Maxwell to give up on the idea.

When he later suggested I marry Ferris, I didn't hesitate for a second. Not only would it help the Hayes family, but it would also fulfill my deepest, long-held desire. It didn't feel like I was being used at all; it felt like a miracle from heaven.