Chapter 974 Selene's Billion-Dollar Inheritance Fantasy
Selene pondered Vincent's question with genuine consideration.
After a long pause, she whispered, "Are you serious or just joking?"
Vincent covered his forehead with his hand. She was actually taking his talk about dying young seriously.
"I'm serious. You see how people try to kill me every day. Who knows when I'll be gone? And all that inheritance..." Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Liquid assets over a hundred billion dollars, properties, investments, funds, trusts..." He looked directly at Selene. "I've never calculated it precisely, but the company shares alone must be worth hundreds of billions."
Selene's mouth fell open, beyond shocked.
She swallowed hard, making no attempt to hide how tempted she was. This was like winning the lottery without buying a ticket. A rich husband destined to die young? She couldn't have dreamed up something so perfect.
"I'm an orphan," Vincent continued, "so you won't have to worry about mother-in-law conflicts. I have no relatives, so you won't need to deal with family politics. Your background won't matter, nor will anyone judge whether we're a suitable match. You won't have to worry about facing judgment from others."
Watching Selene's undisguised interest, he could barely suppress his amusement. He decided to tease her further.
"Marry me—you'll be rich." Vincent's lips twitched with the effort of holding back laughter.
Selene reached over and pinched him. Vincent let out a muffled groan of pain.
"That hurt, didn't it?" Selene asked. Vincent nodded.
Selene patted her own cheeks. "So I'm not dreaming. How can something this good be real? It's too suspicious... what's your real agenda?"
Vincent chuckled. He'd pegged her as an easy mark, but it turned out she was a lot more street-smart than he'd given her credit for.
"My agenda?" Vincent considered. "How about giving me a child, an heir?"
Selene's ears turned red. Of course! Rich men were always scheming. He was trying to trick her into having his baby.
But... Vincent was incredibly wealthy, handsome, with a great body...
Remembering that night, Selene felt her pulse quicken, almost giving her a nosebleed.
A man this perfect must have women lining up to have his children.
Selene eyed Vincent suspiciously. "What about Lily... your girlfriend? Can't she have children?"
Vincent's good mood evaporated at the mention of Lily. After a moment of silence, something occurred to him, and his lips curved upward. "Do you know who Lily really is?"
Selene thought for a moment. "The CEO of the Powell Corporation?"
She and Liam had dealt with the Powell Corporation before. Liam had said Lily was vicious and mean-spirited, but as a CEO, she must be wealthy. Selene figured a woman like that would be a better match for Vincent.
"She used to be an orphan too, with only a grandfather. Her family was so poor they couldn't afford college tuition. She had it ten times worse than you," Vincent said casually.
"What?" Selene perked up, eager for gossip.
"Later, she met a rich man named Xavier who was destined for an early death. After he died, Lily, through the sons she had with Xavier, inherited his fortune—billions in Powell Corporation assets—and transformed into who she is today."
Selene listened intently. This was the ultimate rags-to-riches story: a husband who died young and left behind a massive fortune.
"Good fortune should be shared, not hoarded by one person, right? Besides, I'm much better than Xavier. The Powell family has so many people watching her every move, creating a toxic environment of scheming and backstabbing. Marrying me would be different—my life is uncomplicated, and the few family members I have are already on your side."
Vincent smiled, knowing Liam would certainly be on Selene's side, Ethan went without saying, and Tom... well, that was even more obvious.
Taking a deep breath, Selene scrutinized Vincent and asked inquisitively, "Makes perfect sense! How many children do you want?"
Vincent couldn't hold back anymore and laughed so hard he nearly choked.
"I'm thirsty," he said casually, lounging on the hospital bed.
Selene jumped to her feet, suddenly deferential. "Here's your water, Mr. Hamilton." She even blew on it gently. "Not too hot, not too cold. Just right."
Hundreds of billions of dollars... Was that even a number humans could comprehend?Was that even a number humans could comprehend?
After a lifetime of bad luck, her moment to change her destiny had finally arrived!
Once she had money, the first thing she'd do would be to relocate her parents' graves to a better cemetery.
"What are you daydreaming about? I'm feeling a bit warm," Vincent said, amused by Selene standing there lost in thought.
"You're not thinking about when I'll die, are you?" Vincent asked suspiciously.
"Don't be ridiculous." Selene quickly covered his mouth. "We haven't even gotten our marriage certificate yet. Let's not talk about death until after that's done."
Vincent held back his laughter, enjoying himself immensely.
Selene, playing along perfectly, grabbed a small fan and began fanning him attentively.
Vincent glanced at her. "Take good care of me, and if I'm feeling better when I'm discharged tomorrow, maybe I'll go get that marriage certificate with you."
Selene's eyes lit up with excitement.
Then something occurred to her. "But what about Lily?"
"I already told you, there's nothing between us. She's not my girlfriend," Vincent said, tapping Selene's forehead lightly.
Selene considered this. "Then you and she... could it be that she's in love with you?"
Vincent didn't bother explaining. She wouldn't understand even if he told her. There would be time for that later. Plenty of time.
"Let me through! I need to see him!" An angry, familiar voice came from outside the door.
It was Lily.
Selene felt intimidated and looked toward Vincent, who frowned in displeasure.
Outside, security blocked Lily's path. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hamilton has requested no visitors today. He needs rest."
"I'm his girlfriend! Move aside!" Lily insisted angrily. She had to see Vincent today. They needed to talk.
She needed to know... if he was just using her.
Lily's voice trembled. She was afraid—afraid of being manipulated by Vincent, afraid she couldn't escape being toyed with by men again. She refused to accept that fate.
"Get out of my way!"
As Lily continued causing a scene in the hospital, the security guard had no choice but to enter Vincent's room for instructions.
"Mr. Hamilton... Ms. Taylor is outside..."
Vincent spoke coldly. "Tell her to go home and rest. I'm not seeing anyone today."
"Vincent!" Lily's security team held back Vincent's guards as she burst into the room.
As soon as she entered, Lily's eyes locked with Selene's.
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