Winter paced the room, her hands clenching into fists.
"How could Grandpa do this to me? How can he arrange my marriage?!"
Fury burned in her chest as she glared at Hayes, demanding answers. She had sworn never to marry, never to put herself through the pain of betrayal again. Eric's decision to choose Agnes over her had shattered any faith she had in love. That was the day she decided she would never rely on a man—not for affection, not for security, not for anything.
Then came Seren. Her daughter became her sole purpose in life. Marriage had never been an option, and it never would be.
Hayes lowered his gaze under Winter's piercing stare. "It's the only way to find out who's behind the attacks."
Winter's brows furrowed. "Attacks? Has Grandpa been attacked before?" Her voice wavered between concern and disbelief.
Bryson had always been there for her, visiting frequently to spend time with his great-granddaughter. But he had never once mentioned being in danger. If there had been threats, why had he hidden them from her?
Hayes hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. He wasn't supposed to disclose such information—Bryson preferred to handle things himself. But this was different. His boss had barely escaped a fatal attack. The truth had to come out.
"I'll tell you everything," Hayes finally relented.
"This is insane! There has to be another way to protect Grandpa!" Winter's voice shook with frustration.
She refused to believe that marriage was the only solution. "And why the hell is he even a target? Who did he cross?" She gritted her teeth, trying to piece together the reasons behind these attacks.
But more than that, she couldn't accept the so-called agreement her grandfather had made in exchange for help. "Did Grandpa tell them I already have a child? Because if he did, they should have rejected me already!" Her voice was laced with bitterness.
Winter knew men like that—they wanted power, perfection, control. Not a woman who came with a child from a past relationship.
"Tell them I refuse. Find someone else. Someone as powerful as them," she insisted.
Hayes sighed, his expression grim. Before he could respond, his phone rang for the third time. He answered reluctantly, his side of the conversation brief and tense. Whoever was on the other end wasn't willing to accept his excuses.
Winter exhaled sharply, knowing she had no choice but to meet this so-called fiancé. If only to reject him herself.
She would find another way to protect Bryson.
What she didn't know was that the man waiting for her had never been one to take no for an answer.
****
[Hotel]
"I'm glad Grandpa's okay. Don't worry, I already spoke to Seren's school about her absence," Gina reassured her over the phone. "Stay as long as you need. I'll join you both soon."
Winter sighed in relief. "I can't thank you enough, Gina."
"Here you go again, sounding like a broken record." Gina teased.
Winter managed a smile despite the weight on her shoulders. "I just wish you were here with me."
She glanced at the clock and her stomach twisted. "Gina, I have to go. I'll talk to you later."
Winter stepped into Seren's room, finding her daughter stretching sleepily. At the sight of her mother, Seren lifted her arms.
Winter scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Star, Mommy will be out for a little while. Will you be okay here?"
Seren frowned. "Will you come back soon?"
"Yes, I promise. Just half an hour. But until then, don't leave the room, okay?"
Seren considered her words before nodding. She hugged her tightly. "Don't keep your star waiting too long," she whispered.
Winter smiled, squeezing her gently. "I won't."
The Platinum Restaurant exuded wealth and power, its golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the lavish interior. Winter sat at her table, stirring the untouched wine in her glass.
It had been an hour.
No sign of Mr. Andreas.
She had used the waiting time to research him, but there was little to be found—except that his family had deep roots in the underworld. That fact alone was enough reason to reject this marriage outright. She would never entangle herself with a mafia boss.
Winter scoffed at the absurdity of the situation. How could an underworld don uncover information faster than official detectives? It was unsettling.
She picked up her glass, taking a slow sip. The wine was exquisite, rich and smooth on her tongue. She considered having another when a deep voice sliced through her thoughts.
"Miss Winter."
Winter froze.
That voice. It was familiar.
Slowly, she turned her head, and her breath caught in her throat.
Those green eyes.
Recognition slammed into her like a freight train.
"YOU!"
Memories of that night—the night she had tried so hard to forget—came flooding back with dizzying clarity. The passion, the heat, the way his lips had claimed hers, the way his hands had worshiped her body.
She had never remembered his face. Until now.
The realization struck her like lightning.
She had slept with an underworld don.
Panic gripped her.
Winter felt fate laughing at her, mocking her choices, unraveling her carefully built walls. This wasn't just any man.
He was Seren's father.
Kalix Andreas smirked, his gaze sharp, unreadable. He took his time circling the table before settling into the seat across from her, exuding the same dominance he had the night they met.
"Long time no see, Angel."
Winter's heart pounded. That name.He had called her that all night.
She had thought she would reject this marriage.
But Kalix Andreas was not a man who allowed rejection.