The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 429

"I love you too. See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow."

Jasper left the office immediately and drove back to the family estate.

"Jasper, you're home!" Vivian greeted him, her eyes lighting up with surprise.

"Mom, where's Dad?"

"In the study."

"I need to talk to him."

He hurried upstairs, his obvious urgency leaving Vivian feeling a sense of unease.

"Mom, Jasper looks worn out," Amber remarked. "You should make him something nourishing."

"You're right," Vivian said, already moving toward the kitchen. "The poor boy has been so busy lately, he's losing weight."

As she watched her mother bustle away, a cold, predatory glint appeared in Amber's eyes.

Jasper was finally back. Her father's partnership with the Shaws seemed to be falling apart, and if she could just add a little more fuel to the fire, perhaps that engagement to Nicole would finally be called off for good.

Jasper pushed open the study door without waiting for an answer.

Felix and Mark both looked up, startled.

"Dad, what the hell are you doing?" Jasper demanded. "The partnership with the Shaws was working for everyone. This kind of betrayal... It's dishonorable."

The disappointment in Jasper's eyes was unmistakable. "Why? Why would you do this? You've destroyed decades of friendship between our families, and you've put everything between Nicole and me at risk."

Felix gave Mark a sharp wave of his hand. "Leave us."

"Dad, Jasper's right," Mark said, lingering. "This isn't right. It's dirty."

"Get out."

Mark sighed, realizing there was no point in arguing, and walked out.

"Jasper, I know you have a thing for the Shaw girl," Felix said calmly. "And I let you have your way."

Jasper stared at him, a horrific realization beginning to dawn. He shook his head, refusing to believe it.

"It's been three years. You've had her," Felix continued, his expression hardening. "But she isn't right for you, Jasper. A man who wants to achieve greatness doesn't put romance first."

"You never planned on letting me marry her, did you?" Jasper asked. He was reeling—stunned, confused, and utterly heartbroken.

Felix let out a cold, unabashed laugh. "Jasper, you are my proudest achievement, my heir. If you want to lead the Moore family to greater heights, a woman is the last thing you should be worrying about. I'm not saying you can't be with her, but look at the situation now. Even if I gave you my blessing, the Shaws certainly won't."

"You never cared about what I wanted," Jasper said, looking at his father as if he were a complete stranger. "I'm just a pawn to you."

He couldn't believe his father was this depraved, this disgusting. He and Nicole had never even... He had been waiting for her to grow up, waiting until they graduated to finally marry her. He never imagined his father was harboring such a foul agenda.

"Jasper! Once you're the head of the most powerful family in Azure Peak City, you can have any woman you want. Why are you so obsessed with this one girl?"

"I am not like you," Jasper said firmly.

He slammed the door behind him with enough force to shake the walls.

Seeing the fury on his face as he came downstairs, Vivian rushed over, her eyes full of worry. "Jasper, what happened?"

"Mom, I have something I need to take care of. I'm leaving."

"You just got here. You aren't staying the night?" Vivian asked. He had barely been home lately, and she had hoped tonight would be different.

Amber appeared, carrying a bowl of chicken soup. "Wait! Mom made this specifically for you. Have some before you go."

"You eat it. I've lost my appetite."

"But it was made for you," Amber insisted.

Jasper was at his breaking point. "Mom, I'm sorry. I have to go."

"You shouldn't be driving when you're this upset," Vivian pleaded.

"Jasper." Mark had heard the commotion and walked over.

Jasper looked at him, his eyes heavy with disappointment. "You knew all along, didn't you, Mark?"