Chapter 40
Love at first sight?
Arya’s heart skipped a beat when she heard that.
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Her mind flashed back to that night in the forest–their unexpected encounter, the way she had thrown herself into Finn’s arms, and how passionately he had responded.
She wondered, ‘Could it be that he fell for me right then and there?‘
Stephen’s expression darkened even more the moment Finn claimed it had been love at first sight.
To him, all that talk about love at first sight was just a fancy excuse for lust. Would Finn have fallen head over heels if his daughter hadn’t been beautiful?
He didn’t bother to hide his disapproval. “Arya is headstrong and short–tempered. Are you prepared to deal with that for the rest of your life?”
Arya blinked. ‘Wait, since when am I headstrong and bad–tempered?‘
But Finn didn’t hesitate–he simply nodded and said, “That’s alright. I’ve got a good temper.”
Stephen scoffed internally. ‘Mr. Barnett claiming he’s got a good temper? No one would believe that.‘
Still, he didn’t want to argue anymore. Instead, he turned to his daughter. “Arya, do you really like Mr. Barnett?”
If she truly liked him, then maybe it was time to accept it.
Even if the man were a wolf in sheep’s clothing–if Arya wanted him, Stephen would find a way to tame him.
“Of course I like him,” Arya said sweetly, leaning into Finn’s arms with practiced ease. “Dad, he’s been so good to me. Marrying him would be the luckiest thing that ever happened to me.”
She wasn’t exaggerating. She knew Stephen needed reassurance, but those words were mostly true.
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Since she had been with Finn, he’d treated her well–miles better than that bastard Malcolm ever had.
She had no regrets.
Stephen exhaled heavily, then gave Finn a stern look. “If she’s happy, then I won’t stand in your way.
“But don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re powerful. Hurt my daughter, and I won’t let it slide.”
Finn stood tall by the bedside, every inch of him composed and resolute. His striking features held a rare sincerity. “You have my word.
“As long as I’m alive, I’ll protect Arya with everything I’ve got.”
His voice wasn’t loud, but every syllable rang with strength,
Arya looked up at him in stunned silence. ‘Does he really mean that? That he’ll protect me, no matter what?‘
Stephen’s scowl eased ever so slightly. “Well, at least you’ve got some decency left. So… when are you two planning to have kids?”
Arya choked on air. ‘What kind of question is that? Has my dad seriously not recovered fully yet?“”
“Sir,” Finn said calmly, smoothly changing the subject, “I hope it’s not too forward of me to ask, but… what really happened that day? Why did y jump?”
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He had only recently returned to the country after years abroad and was just beginning to piece together what had happened to the Keller family.
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Chapter 40
Back in the day, the Keller Group was second only to the powerful Barnett Group in Flodes City. With their resources, they could’ve easily joined the city’s
elite five families.
But Stephen had always hated superficial status games.
Rumor had it he’d turned down their invitation–and because of that, the Kellers were quietly iced out and pushed aside.
It might not have mattered to Finn before, but now that he was marrying into the Keller family, he wasn’t about to sit on the sidelines.
Stephen’s face, which had been showing faint traces of a smile, suddenly turned dark.
Why had he jumped?
Because of Jared.
For years, he had helped his brother–in–law build something from nothing, pushing him from a deadbeat to the head of a small company.
But in the end, Jared had stabbed him in the back.
Jared colluded with others to harm the Keller Group.
When Stephen confronted him, Jared dropped all pretense of civility and sneered, “You want money? I don’t have any.
“Why not just transfer me your company shares? I’ll take care of everything for you.”
Then, like twisting the knife deeper, he added, “You’ve lived your whole life only to end up with nothing. What’s the point in going on?
“You really want your precious daughter to see you like this? If I were you, I’d end it. Jump off the building and get it over with.
“If you’re dead, all your problems disappear. No need to face Arya or Travis ever again.
“You’re useless. Just die already.”
The words echoed in his mind, each one sharper than the last.
Travis, watching his father’s face pale, finally spoke, anxious, “Dad… were you threatened?”
Stephen pulled himself from his memories and looked around the foom. At last, he settled his gaze on Finn. “Mr. Barnett, can I trust you?”
Some truths needed to be shared with family, but could he really trust this man?
“Father–in–law,” Finn replied without flinching, meeting his eyes steadily, “I’m your son–in–law now. Whatever affects the Keller family affects me too.”
His voice was even and quiet, yet it exuded confidence and calm. It made Stephen want to believe him.
Stephen had already started to feel reassured earlier during their conversation.
He’d also heard rumors–Mr. Barnett was ruthless in business, yes, but never underhanded. He fought clean.
With a deep sigh, Stephen finally spoke. “It was Jared. He worked with outsiders and set me up. I let my guard down, and he took advantage of it.”
Maria, who had been quietly standing to the side, gasped and covered her mouth.
It was her cousin Jared who had begged her for an introduction. She had thought she was helping him.
Never in her worst nightmare did she imagine that the man who ruined the Kelter family was the same cousin she had trusted for years.
Travis clenched his fists, fury blazing in his eyes. “We treated him like family all these years. I can’t believe he’s the one who betrayed you! I won’t let him get away with it!”
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Chapter 40
He turned and bolted for the door, ready to find Jared and beat the truth out of him.
But he only made it a few steps before a firm hand grabbed his arm.
Travis looked back–and met Finn’s cool, unreadable stare. “Do you have proof?”
“I don’t need proof!” Travis shouted. “I’m not letting him walk free!”
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“Travis.” Arya’s voice came in low and calm. “Without evidence, all you’ll do is tip him off. You’re a public figure. If Jared goes public with anything, it’ll blow up in your face.
“And once the scandal hits, the Keller family will be dragged down with you.”
