Reborn From Ashes novel Chapter 457

Hayden's eyes narrowed slightly, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face.

He was well aware of Francis' matchmaking efforts for Julia and Anna. But this was happening earlier than he remembered.

Had his interference caused the timeline to shift?

He slowly lifted his head, his gaze cold and detached as he looked at the people before him.

"So? Then, what?" he asked.

"I'm telling you that this move of Francis' is nothing more than an attempt to sell off Julia and Anna. The Sterling family will finally get a foothold in the capital if this marriage goes through. He's trading their futures for the family's gain!" Charlotte said, her words heavy with meaning.

Her voice carried an undercurrent of anger and sorrow. She was furious—at fate, at Francis, and at the sheer injustice of it all.

Hayden remained impassive, his expression unreadable. His icy gaze shifted to Julia and Anna, waiting to hear what they had to say.

"He promised that if we weren't compatible, we could refuse. But that's not a guarantee. We want freedom. We refuse to live according to someone else's will. That's why we came here," Julia declared, conviction shining in her bright eyes.

A fire burned within them. It was a fire filled with defiance and hope.

Hayden's voice remained steady. "And what exactly do you want me to do?"

"Come back with us. Return to the Sterling family. If you stand with us, Francis will be forced to reconsider, and he won't be able to push this marriage through so easily.

"If he tries to go against you, there's a risk of splitting the family assets. And as the rightful heir, you hold too much power for him to ignore. This is our only chance," Julia explained quickly, her tone softening.