The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 250

"You slept with Jade, and you are going to take responsibility. Don't even think about playing the victim and walking away from this!" Deanna snaps, her eyes flashing with cold authority.

"Exactly," Jake adds sharply. "Since you've crossed the line, we will announce your relationship to the public and immediately begin discussing the engagement."

To Jake and Deanna, securing an engagement is the only way to salvage their family's dignity and legitimize the scandal.

"Engaged to Jade? No! I have an engagement agreement with Tara! I can't just turn around and marry her sister!" Evan blurts out, rejecting the idea instinctively.

"He's right," Lana chimes in, desperate to avoid this outcome. "We publicly announced his ties to Tara. A sudden switch would look terrible."

While Jade is a perfectly fine socialite, she is a massive downgrade from Tara in every conceivable metric. The ultimate dealbreaker is the equity. Tara controls thirty percent of the Dennis empire. Jade has nothing but her parents' affection. There is zero financial incentive for the Jewell family to accept this marriage.

"I'm so sorry... this is all my fault. I shouldn't have come to check on him," Jade weeps, her voice perfectly timed to interrupt their calculations. "You don't have to marry me, Evan. It's fine. We're adults, I don't need a forced marriage to save my honor."

Knowing her daughter's future is on the line, Deanna plays her final, most devastating card. "And don't worry about her status. Jade's wedding will not be trivial. Charles and I will ensure a list of substantial wedding gifts, including a generous transfer of corporate shares, to secure her position in your family."

Hearing Deanna's promise, a violent thrill of victory surges through Jade's chest. The sheer ecstasy is nearly impossible to hide. She is finally getting the corporate shares she deserves.

Lana is equally stunned by the sudden windfall. She knew Evan had to marry Jade to avoid a corporate war, but Deanna's promise of actual equity changes the math completely. While it won't equal Tara's thirty percent, marrying a beloved daughter with a massive stock of wealth is a spectacular consolation prize.