Chapter 9 Bringing the Watson Family to Their Senses

Claire’s POV:

"Dad isn't home!" Hailey's lips curled in smug contentment, "Dad has forgotten he promised to meet you!"

I suddenly stood up, blocking Hailey's path, "But you all promised to compensate me!"

"Compensate?" Hailey's eyebrows lifted as she looked at me, her mouth twisting into a malicious smile, "What compensation? I've never heard of such a thing!"

I was stunned, my heart pounding fiercely. In that moment, all the grievances, unwillingness, and hatred surged to my heart.

I knew I wasn't born into a high status and was branded a bastard as soon as I entered this world. But my birth wasn't something I could choose. Even though I've been in darkness all these years, I've been striving towards the light.

No normal girl would agree to such an absurd demand as a proxy marriage. All I wanted was to save my own mother. Why must they strip me of even this sliver of hope!

With a sneer, Hailey turned to go upstairs, but I grabbed her arm, "Don't you dare leave, explain what you mean!"

"Make myself clear?" Hailey pinched my arm viciously. I winced in pain, stumbling backward, until my head hit the wall with a sudden thud, a buzzing sound ringing in my ears.

When I looked up, I saw Hailey's mocking smile grow colder and more sinister. "You're already someone else's bride! Don't even think about having anything to do with the Watson family from now on!"

"But Dad promised me himself!" I gritted my teeth. "As long as I took your place and married into their family, he would give me a generous settlement to take care of my mom!"

"So your mom could stay in a nice hospital room and take imported medicines?" Hailey burst into derisive laughter. "My foolish little sister, have you forgotten, why Dad kicked you and your mom out in the first place?"

I remained silent, as a chill crept over my heart.

"It was because your mother couldn't control herself, carrying a pair of illegitimate children that enraged Dad! A woman like that deserves hell! Do you really think Dad would save her? He would rather she died out there," Hailey's tone was indifferent and malicious.

"That's not true..." I fought to hold back the tears, but they betrayed me, falling unbidden. "My mother isn't that kind of person, she was framed..." I shook my head desperately.

"Are you suggesting she was framed by my mom?!" Hailey's voice raised an octave, glaring at me fiercely.

I met her gaze with a cool look, remembering my mother's words, about how the most guilty are often the ones who feign strength.

"I didn't say that" I wiped away the tears and spoke calmly, "Truthfully, neither of us really knows what happened with between them. So I would appreciate it if you kept your words in check from now on. If you dare disrespect my mother again, I won't let you off easily!"

"Ha, as if you had the ability!" Hailey sneered, tossing her hair back to reveal her newly bought diamond necklace.

"Isn't it pretty?" she taunted, "This necklace? I just bought it. It wasn't cheap, you know—three hundred thousand dollars!"

I was taken aback. With malicious emphasis, Hailey declared, "And it was bought with what was supposed to be your compensation!"

"You..." I was so furious I wanted to tear the diamonds from her neck.

"Just to tell you the truth, Dad never planned to give you any compensation! Having you as my stand-in was a favor. You better not hunker down here, causing a scene!" Hailey flaunted the diamonds at me.

I bit my lip hard, trembling with anger, yet there was nothing I could do. I was helpless. I saw Hailey's triumphant smile as a servant politely escorted me out. I felt utterly devastated as I walked out of the yard; the sky was overcast, and the air carried the scent of dampness.

In this season, the weather could change on a whim, and a sudden downpour could catch me off guard. I had no choice but to hasten my steps towards the bus station.

Colin's perspective:

"Alpha Colin, Miss Watson has come out."

"Mm." I hear the voice on the other end of the phone, as I remove my gloves, tossing them aside carelessly. Unwrapping the layers of gauze bound around my hands, I ask, "How is she?"

" She doesn't seem too well."

Why isn't she well? Could it really be that she's been bullied by her own family? My brows furrow with concern.

"Miss Watson looks pale; she probably had to endure some unpleasantness at her parental home. There's talk that she inquired about her dowry, but the Watson family's servants say she did not receive it and was even humiliated by her sister, Hailey."

My fists clench, anger churning within me. "I've heard the Watson family agreed to her marriage because of a $300,000 compensation?"

"That's correct $300,000."

"And how much is the land that the Watson family is bidding on worth?"

"One billion dollars."

"Good," I sneer, "We'll use this piece of land to give the dimwitted Watsons a wake-up call!"

Later that day, when I pushed open the door to my home, I see her emerging from the kitchen, carrying two plates of food. Her face, which had been tinged with worry, lights up with a smile upon seeing me. But the smile seems forced.

After washing my hands, I take a seat at the table, ravenous from a day of training. The steaming dishes in front of me, the smell was appetizing. I start eating heartily, while she sits quietly across from me, not moving an inch.

"What's wrong?" I ask, looking up at her. She hesitated, then shakes her head gently.

"Then eat," I urge, placing a piece of meat on her plate. "You can't satisfy your hunger just by looking."

She lowers her head, biting her lip, seemingly with no appetite. Her phone, which was sitting beside her on the table, pings with a text.

Claire’s perspective:

At the sound of my phone I looked at the screen, it was a text message. ‘Claire, when will you bring the money for mom's medical expenses? If we don't get it soon, the doctor will stop her medication!’

It must be my brother, Eddie. Reading the message, I couldn't even finish my meal; my gaze shifted, directly to the drawer of the low cabinet in the bedroom.

"What are you daydreaming about?" A deep voice suddenly breaks into my thoughts.

Regaining my composure, I look up to meet his intense gaze, shuddering slightly. There's something about Colin's presence, an aura that isn't ordinary, that always makes me feel an intense pressure when our eyes meet.

Colin’s perspective:

"Nothing..." she murmurs quietly.

I put down my utensils, sensing her disquiet, and ask, "Is there something you want to tell me?"

She shakes her head quickly. I am patient, watching her for a while before resuming my meal with a soft smile. If she isn't ready to talk, I won't insist. Sooner or later, she won't be able to keep it to herself.