desperation and decision

Mr. Caldwell watched the news broadcast intently. His face hardened as James confidently addressed the public, proposing his candidacy for leadership of Caldwell Horizon. Though Mr. Caldwell had been sure James was among the robbers at the disastrous party, James denied it to the police, playing the innocent with calculated precision.

The sight of James's smug demeanor stoked a fire within Mr. Caldwell. I won't let that bastard take over my company while I'm still alive. I'll make sure he regrets this betrayal. When I get back on my feet, he'll pay for trying to destroy the man who once lifted him out of obscurity.

Sophia Caldwell arrived at the family house, her steps cautious as she entered. She spotted her mother sitting stiffly on the sofa, her expression unreadable.

"Mom, what is it you wanted to talk about?" Sophia asked, her voice low but firm.

Olivia's gaze sharpened. "Sophia, I called you here to ask if you've made up your mind about what we discussed last night."

Sophia's expression hardened. "Mom, I already told you I can't marry Alex. But that's not why I'm here. I want to know where you got the money to pay the workers' salaries."

Olivia leaned back, her tone growing colder. "I asked Mr. Greyson for help. Yesterday evening, I got word that James was planning a press conference to gain support for a vote to take over Caldwell Horizon. I couldn't let him succeed. Mr. Greyson transferred $4 billion immediately to cover the workers' salaries. And he made it clear—he only did it because of you, Sophia." Olivia's lips curled into a satisfied grin.

Sophia clenched her fists. "Then we'll refund him. I'll make sure of it. But if he thinks this gives him any claim over me, he's wasting his time."

Olivia's grin faded, replaced with an exasperated glare. "Sophia, why are you like this? Even if you don't like Alex, why not just marry him for now? This is the only way to save our family's legacy. If we don't stop James, he'll win, and Caldwell Horizon will be lost forever. Is that what you want?"

Sophia's jaw tightened, her voice firm. "Mom, why are you asking me to destroy my life for this? Do you even care about what I want?" She turned to her sister, Lila, who had been silently observing the argument. "Lila, won't you say something? You know this isn't fair."

Lila shrugged and sighed. "Honestly, I don't see what's wrong with Mom's plan. Mr. Greyson is the only one willing to help us. Everyone else has abandoned us. If I had this opportunity, I wouldn't hesitate to do what's needed to save our family."

Sophia stared at Lila, stunned into silence.

Just then, the door opened, and Mr. Caldwell walked in, supported by David.

"Dad, you didn't tell me you'd be discharged today!" Sophia exclaimed, rushing to his side.

"Honey, are you sure you're okay?" Olivia asked, her tone unusually soft. "The doctor said you wouldn't be released until the weekend."

Mr. Caldwell ignored their concern and fixed Olivia with a steely gaze. "Olivia, what is this I hear about you going to Greyson's house today?"

Olivia straightened, her voice defensive. "I went to secure his help. He gave me the money to pay the workers, and I told him Sophia would marry Alex."

Mr. Caldwell's voice dropped, cold and deliberate. "I won't sell my daughter. Whatever arrangement you made with Greyson, you'll undo it. Sophia is not some pawn to be traded."

Olivia's expression darkened. "And how exactly do you plan to fix this mess? The hospital bills, the workers' salaries, the debts—did you think they would magically disappear? Greyson gave us $4 billion! Without him, we'd be bankrupt by now."

"And you think that justifies forcing our daughter into a loveless marriage?" Mr. Caldwell retorted.

Olivia scoffed. "Don't act like you're so noble. You were happy enough to accept Greyson's expensive gifts before. Now that he's asking for something in return, you're suddenly too proud?"

"Enough!" Mr. Caldwell roared, silencing the room. "If you think this family's survival depends on selling Sophia, then you've lost your way."

Olivia's voice rose in defiance. "Lost my way? Have you even asked Sophia about her pregnancy? She's carrying the child of a bastard!"

The room fell silent. Mr. Caldwell stared at Olivia, his shock evident.

"And even with that, Greyson is still willing to accept her. He's our only chance, and you're too blind to see it," Olivia continued, her voice dripping with contempt.

David stepped forward, his voice shaking with anger. "This isn't Dad's fault. No one could have predicted James's betrayal. He'll pay for what he's done, and we'll fix this."

"Fix this?!" Olivia snapped. "It's Sophia's fault James was even part of this family to begin with. She brought him into our lives. Now she can clean up the mess she made."

Sophia's voice broke as she finally spoke. "Was it really my fault?" She turned and walked to her room, shutting the door behind her.

Sophia collapsed onto her bed, tears streaming down her face. Was it really my fault? Did I bring this on my family?

A soft knock on the door startled her. She wiped her tears quickly. "Come in."

Mr. Caldwell entered, his steps slow and deliberate. He sat beside her on the bed. "Sophia, why didn't you tell me about the pregnancy?"

Sophia's voice quivered. "I didn't want to worry you. You were still recovering. I thought it was best to wait."

Mr. Caldwell sighed, his expression softening. "You've been carrying too much on your shoulders. I'm sorry, Sophia. None of this is your fault."

Sophia nodded, though the weight of her guilt still lingered.