"What do you think will happen to Logan Construction's workers now that the company is on the brink of bankruptcy?" The interviewer's voice echoed across the brightly lit studio, her expression serious yet expectant as she waited for a response.
Mary took a steadying breath, adjusting her gaze to meet the camera with a soft, composed smile. Her public face hid the turmoil within, but her voice came out steady.
"I assure you, Logan Construction's employees will be taken care of. None of them will lose their jobs. My foundation, Loven Foundation, has made it a priority to ensure support for Logan Construction and its workers," Mary stated calmly, her voice carrying a promise she wasn't entirely sure she could keep.
She wanted to be the shield her husband, Logan Construction's manager, needed a way to salvage his family's legacy, and perhaps, win just a hint of his love.
The host blinked in surprise but quickly recovered, ending the program with, "Well, there you have it. Logan Construction can expect some relief, courtesy of Mrs. Mary Loven's generous foundation. Thank you, Mrs. Loven."
The applause was polite but brief, and as the cameras cut off, Mary felt the weight of what she'd just promised settle heavily on her shoulders. She hadn't discussed this with her husband, and she knew his mother would not be pleased.
Her husband's family prided themselves on controlling every aspect of their business image. Yet, she had acted impulsively, hoping to protect Logan Construction and the man she had sacrificed everything for.
She had barely left the studio when her bodyguard approached. "Mrs. Loven, your phone's been ringing nonstop. It's your mother-in-law."
Mary's Stomach clenched, and she quickly took the phone from him, stealing herself as she answered. Before she could utter a word, her mother-in-law's voice sliced through the line, sharp and cold.
"How dare you speak for our family business on live television?" her mother-in-law, Margaret Loven, snapped.
"Do you realize what you've done? Have you even thought through how you intend to 'save' Logan Construction? Or was this just another of your attempts to make yourself look good?"
"Mother, I only meant to reassure the public, and " Mary began, but Margaret cut her off.
"Enough! Come home immediately. And let me warn you, this won't be an easy conversation."
The line went dead. Mary clenched her phone tightly, swallowing hard. She had done this for them, for him. But the weight of disapproval from her husband's family felt like a dark cloud suffocating her spirit. As her car navigated through the bustling city streets toward the estate, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into a trap.
When she arrived, Mary barely had time to gather herself before she was ushered into the grand living room where her husband, his mother, and, to her surprise, his younger brother, Jack, were waiting. The air was thick with tension.
Benjamin, her husband, rose from his seat and approached her with a hardened expression.
"Mary, what were you thinking? Why would you go on air and make promises you can't fulfill? Are you that desperate for attention?"
"No, I was only trying to protect the family's image," she said, her voice pleading.
"The foundation could help with funds. I thought it would save us."
Jack scoffed from where he stood beside his mother.
"Your foundation, your name is a nuisance at this point. Do you think you're some sort of hero, Mary? Just because Father gave you the position at Loven Foundation, that doesn't mean you can meddle in everything."
Her heart sank as Benjamin added, "You're forgetting one thing, Mary. The foundation and whatever inheritance you've received from my father it all ties back to his name. Our name. Don't fool yourself into thinking you have some claim to any of it. You're just a placeholder."
Mary blinked, the sting of his words her breathless. The foundation was all she had left of her own identity since she had given up everything to be with Benjamin, to be a Loven. She had left her familleavingy, her name, even her career. And now, all she was to them was a burden.
"I only wanted to help," she whispered.
Margaret's voice sliced through the room.
"Help? Then, Mary, prove it. You said you'd find a way to save Logan Construction. Let's see you put your money where your mouth is. Resign from the foundation and dedicate its resources to us. That's the only way to fix the mess you've made."
Mary opened her mouth to protest, but before she could respond, Jack leaned in with a smirk.
"Better yet, use that secret account in Italy. The one Father entrusted to you."
She felt her blood run cold. She had never mentioned the account to anyone. It had been a gift from her late father-in-law, something he had insisted remain private. But now, it seemed even her last bit of security was slipping through her fingers.
"Why should I give that up? That account was entrusted to me, for the foundation's work " she stammered, struggling to find a foothold.
Benjamin stepped closer, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. His touch, once reassuring, felt like a weight pressing her down.
"Do it for me, Mary. You wouldn't want the family business to fail, would you? After everything I've done for you?"
A lump rose in her throat. She looked into his eyes, searching for the love she had once thought was there, but all she saw was calculation. Even so, she nodded, feeling defeated.
"Fine. I'll withdraw the funds for the company's sake."
Margaret's face twisted into a semblance of satisfaction.
"Good. Then go to Italy tonight and return with the funds. We expect nothing less."
Mary's Spirit was crushed, but she forced herself to remain calm. She would go, she would do as they asked, and perhaps, somehow, this sacrifice would be enough. Perhaps it would finally prove her loyalty, her love.
As she turned to leave, Benjamin's hand slid away from her shoulder, and his gaze followed her coldly. She paused at the doorway, feeling his eyes on her back, but she couldn't bear to look back.
In the dark room in the Loven villa
"Once she gets the money out of the account," a voice was saying in a low voice, "she's done. She shouldn't come back to London alive."