Fate works in mysterious ways

Miss Cross. I see qualities in you that remind me of the daughter I always wished I had. If you accept, I will treat you as my own, as if you were truly my flesh and blood."

Treat her like his real daughter?

That was a powerful statement.

Selena's jealousy burned hotter. If only Patrick had made this offer to her instead.

Patrick Langley was not a man to make decisions without reason. He wasn't just doing this out of sentiment—he was making a calculated move.

He was betting that Elena would become the future Mrs. Blackwell.

If she married Damian Blackwell, aligning with her now would ensure the Langley family's standing remained secure and influential.

Julian Cross was the first to react. "Sis, don't even hesitate! Say yes! With the Langley family backing us, no one will dare touch us anymore!"

And he wasn't wrong.

Even Theodore, who had just disowned Elena, felt a pang of shame.

Vivian avoided eye contact.