Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 191: Don’t you dare touch him ...

~Allen Family House~

The study was well lit and silent, save for the soft hum of the air conditioner that kept it comfortably warm and the rustle of paper.

Elder Allen sat behind a large mahogany desk. His face was pale, his eyes ringed with fatigue.Every now and then, he rubbed his temples before focusing back on the papers spread out in front of him.

The door creaked open, and Alfred stepped in quietly, a cup of tea in hand. His face was tight with concern and worry.

"Sir" he said softly, placing the tea on the table. "Wouldn’t it be better to rest for a while? Please. This isn’t worth your health." he said, his voice laced with concern.

Elder Allen looked up, his tired eyes meeting Alfred’s. He gave a small, weary smile but didn’t stop reviewing the documents.

"Jessica was very clear, sir," Alfred added, voice strained. "No stress. Eat healthy and take your medication once every two days. That’s the only way to recover, she said."

"I remember." The old man sighed. "But these matters won’t wait."

He had always remembered her warning and instructions concerning his health and knowing his body very he knew he had exceeded his limit but there are things to put together, things to keep from falling into the wrong hands.

Alfred’s heart clenched. For days now, Elder Allen had grown weaker. He ate little, barely slept, and stayed locked in his study more than ever. His breathing was heavier. He moved slower. There is only one reason for that — Elder Allen’s health had worsened.

Though, Alfred wasn’t a doctor, but he knew that stress and emotional pain were likely making things worse.

Alfred had watched him raise Davis after his son’s and his wife tragic death. And now, with Davis and his own wife missing for months, it was as if life had drained from the old man altogether.

"I’ll rest, but this can’t wait," Elder Allen said with a deep sigh. "Desmond is working hard to convince the board to make him CEO. And we still don’t know if Davis is alive or not."

"Yes, he may try," Alfred replied calmly, "but with the strong relationships you’ve built with most of the board members, he won’t succeed."

The old man gave a faint, humorless chuckle. "Loyalty doesn’t hold in a world where everything’s for sale. Relationships crumble when benefits outweigh history. Desmond might succeed—not by strength, but by deceit. And when he does, the Allen Group will be at the mercy of vultures."

He paused, gazing out the window. His fingers trembled as he sipped his tea.

have worried himself much. He might have just placed the ball in the court of

more about personal gain than loyalty. And the Allen Group, being a powerful company, had many enemies waiting to

simple," Elder Allen he continued. "But there are too many factors involved. If Desmond takes over, the Allen Group might end up in the hands of rival

shocked. "Do you suspect someone?" he

years it took to keep things going until Davis came back five years ago. But now, Davis was missing, and his life

Allen said, "but I’m not sure

sound of a car pulling into the driveway caught their attention.

of what his purpose of returning at this time of the day might

Allen muttered, gritting his teeth. "Is he alone?"

a smile on lips as he gathered the documents, placing them in an envelope, and locking them

sip just as Desmond opened

Desmond strode in, tall and furious, eyes blazing with cold fury. His face twisted with rage, like a predator cornered and ready to strike. He walked up to the desk. "Dad, why did you do that? Is that the best

about?" Elder Allen asked, looking him

three whole months!" Are you just

he was in a coma for four months last year before waking up. Why

where he was and got regular updates on his health as we checked on him. But this time, Nothing. No news. No

his gaze. "So what, Desmond? Declare him dead and take

darkened. "You’re holding this family hostage for

hadn’t expected his father to refuse the idea. He had carefully planned everything — declaring Davis dead would make him the legal

gotten blind not to see. Do you think I don’t know your plan?" Elder Allen said, struggling to stay calm. "If Davis is declared dead, you inherit everything. The

about the future of this family,"

wait a little longer. We don’t know what condition Davis is in after

stuck under your control. Davis isn’t the only one who can lead this

laughed bitterly. "If that were true, you’d be patient. But your hunger... it’s

snapped, stepping closer. "Always kept the best for Davis. What about me? I’ve worked too! I’ve

sharply. "You played the long game,

rage. "Enough! You’re blind with love for a

shouted, unable to bear it any

him coldly. "Stay

"You