Chapter 19: A Father's Ultimate

The pounding on the door echoed through the tiny inn room, shaking Jane to her core.

Jack stood frozen, his muscles taut with tension.

"Jack, open this door. Now."

His father's voice was calm but firm, leaving no room for disobedience.

Jane looked up at Jack, her heart hammering. "Jack… what do we do?"

Jack exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his hair. He had expected his mother to act, but he hadn't expected him.

His father had always been distant, too caught up in business and social standing to involve himself in Jack's affairs. But now, here he was.

That meant Margaret was serious.

Jack turned to Jane. "Stay here. No matter what happens, don't say a word."

Jane grabbed his arm. "Jack, wait—"

But he had already pulled away.

Taking a steadying breath, Jack strode toward the door and yanked it open.

A Father's Warning

Jonathan Lawrence stood tall, his posture commanding as ever. Dressed in a crisp black coat, his silver hair neatly combed back, he looked every bit the powerful businessman he was.

His sharp eyes flickered over Jack before shifting past him, landing on Jane.

Jack immediately stepped in his father's line of sight, shielding Jane.

"Father," Jack greeted, his tone unreadable.

Jonathan's expression remained impassive. "Are you going to invite me in?"

Jack didn't move. "That depends. Are you here to drag me back home?"

A muscle in Jonathan's jaw ticked. "I came to talk."

Jack studied his father carefully before stepping aside. "Then talk."

Jonathan entered the room with slow, deliberate steps, his gaze sweeping over the small, dimly lit space. It was a stark contrast to the lavish estate Jack had grown up in.

Finally, he turned to face his son. "What is this, Jack?"

Jack crossed his arms. "It's exactly what it looks like. I love Jane. I won't let Mother control my life anymore."

Jonathan let out a quiet sigh. "Your mother is angry, yes, but more than that—she's disappointed. She believes you are throwing away everything for a woman who can offer you nothing."

Jack's jaw tightened. "That's her problem, not mine."

Jonathan studied his son carefully. "Are you prepared to lose everything for her?"

Jack didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Jane inhaled sharply, her hands clenching in the blankets.

Jonathan remained silent for a long moment, then he nodded slowly.

"Then you leave me no choice."

Jack tensed. "What do you mean?"

His father's next words sent an icy chill down Jane's spine.

"We have your maid's father."

A Desperate Plea

Jane shot up from the bed. "No!"

Jack whirled around, his eyes flashing. "What the hell does that mean?"

Jonathan remained calm, his hands clasped behind his back. "It means that if Jane wants her father to receive the medical care he so desperately needs, she will return to the estate. Without you."

Jane's heart pounded violently.

"No," Jack snapped, fury radiating off him. "You can't use him against her."

Jonathan turned his gaze to Jane. "You're a smart girl. You know what's at stake."

Jane's lips trembled.

Her father.

He needed help. She had spent years working herself to the bone just to afford the bare minimum for his care.

If Margaret and Jonathan had him now, they could do whatever they pleased.

Jane felt sick.

"Jane," Jack's voice was softer now, pleading. "Don't listen to him."

Jonathan tilted his head. "Would you really let your father suffer just to chase a dream, Jane?"

Tears welled in Jane's eyes.

Jack grabbed her hands, holding them tightly. "We'll get him back. Together."

But Jane's heart was already shattering.

She couldn't risk it.

She couldn't.

She turned to Jack, her body trembling. "Jack…"

"No." He shook his head furiously. "Don't say it."

Tears spilled down her cheeks. "I have to go."

Jack's face contorted in agony. "Jane, please—"

But she was already pulling away.

Jonathan watched, satisfied.

Jack turned his fury on his father. "You think this will make me come back? That I'll just forget her?"

Jonathan's face remained unreadable. "I think you need time. And when that time runs out, you'll realize where you truly belong."

Jack's hands clenched into fists. "You don't know me at all."

Jonathan sighed. "Perhaps not. But I know my son. You will come home, Jack. And when you do, Jane will be gone."

A Heartbreaking Goodbye

The ride back to the estate was painfully silent.

Jane sat stiffly in the carriage, her heart aching with every turn of the wheels.

Jonathan sat across from her, his expression composed. "You made the right decision."

Jane didn't answer.

Because the truth was—

It didn't feel right.

It felt like she had just lost the only thing that had ever truly belonged to her.

Jack.

And this time, he wasn't coming after her.

Because she had broken him.

Jack's Despair

Jack stormed through the streets, fury and heartbreak warring inside him.

She was gone.

Again.

And this time, he had no way to bring her back.

His mother had won.

His father had won.

Jack punched the nearest wall, his knuckles splitting open.

Pain flared up his arm, but it was nothing compared to the agony inside his chest.

He had promised Jane that he would fight for her.

But how could he fight when she had already given up?

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Well, well. It looks like you've finally been put in your place."

Jack turned slowly, his blood boiling.

Olivia stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a smirk curling her lips.

Jack clenched his jaw. "Not now, Olivia."

She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Oh, but this is too good. She left you. Just like I said she would."

Jack's fists clenched. "I swear to God—"

Olivia ignored the warning in his tone. "Now you have nothing, Jack. No title, no home, and no little maid to warm your bed."

Jack's breath was ragged, his whole body trembling with rage.

But Olivia wasn't finished.

"Maybe now you'll finally see the truth." She stepped even closer, lowering her voice. "You belong with me."

Jack's world was falling apart.

And Olivia was ready to take full advantage of it.