Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 287: A large bait...

The assistant’s head snapped towards his boss, taking in the hard lines etched across Desmond’s face. It wasn’t often that Rick saw his boss this tense, his usually calm demeanor riddled with traces of unease. A gnawing sense of curiosity and concern crept into his thoughts.

"What exactly is happening?" Rick wondered silently. Desmond. Uf had been relentless these past few days, hopping from city to city, meeting unseen faces in hidden places.

He had never seen Desmond like this—not even when the Allen board threatened his influence years ago. Rick hadn’t been present the day Desmond visited Davis in the hospital, so the cause of this sudden anxiety remained unknown to him. Still, his instincts screamed that something was unraveling fast.

Recalling his instructions on phone asking him to arrange a press conference and also to arrange a legal team, his heart skipped a beat and his brow furrowed.

As if reflecting on his own uncertain future, Rick narrowed his eyes in quiet thought. "Will there be a power shift? Is Davis regaining his strength or influence? Should I start preparing for the rainy days ahead? I have my family to think about too. Maybe it’s best to stay silent and observe for now."

Lost in his musing, he barely noticed Desmond shift in his seat until his voice broke the silence.

"Rick, how many people around me do you think are truly loyal to me?"

The question hit like a bolt of lightning. Rick’s ears tingled as if he had been physically struck. The question wasn’t just rhetorical; it was loaded and unnerving.

He hadn’t expected this question, this concern—not now.

Only moments ago, he had been entertaining thoughts of planning for his own safety—probably securing a way out for himself. Now Desmond was probing for loyalty when he hadn’t even considered this issue.

Rick swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. His gaze flickering and unable to meet Desmond’s eyes. He forced a confident tone though it wavered ever so slightly. "Sir, I believe many people will stand with you. You’ve been good to them."

Desmond nodded slowly, repeating the words, "You’re right," he murmured though his expression betrayed a lack of conviction. Deep down, even he doubted the extent of loyalty surrounding him. He wasn’t convinced he had truly been good to them

Rick released a quiet breath, trying to calm his fraying nerves. But just as he began to relax, hoping that moment had passed. Desmond spoke again, softer this time, yet every bit as piercing.

"Rick, are you loyal? Or should I say... will you remain loyal?"

Rick hadn’t expected to be singled out. His heart pounded. It was a direct challenge, one that didn’t allow room for half-truths or vague answers. He hesitated, nodded and finally managed, "Yes. I am and will be."

Though he uttered the words, his heart continued to thunder against his chest.

Desmond simply looked at him and then turned his head toward the front of the car. He had noticed the brief hesitation, the slight tremble of his hand which is on the steering but then...

"Alright. Let’s go inside." Desmond said, his voice revealing nothing of his true thoughts or intentions.

door to be opened for him, a luxury he usually accepted, Desmond stepped out of the car. Rick scrambled after him, following

had always asked him to wait outside while he met with guests. It seemed today would

gleamed with wealth and opulence. Commonly known across Country Y as a fortress

light of day. Its underground operations were rumored to influence stock markets, elections, and even transcontinental treaties with a price

approached. "Your membership card,

handed over a sleek, gold-trimmed card. The doorman inspected it thoroughly before handing it back

Desmond stepped inside, his face resolute. Rick followed behind him, his eyes darting

approached them. Judging from the earpiece

said. Desmond nodded

the security man led them past all of it, toward the back halls cloaked in

wave of fear and unease sweep through him. Symbols lined

gold,

with many turns. Desmond’s thoughts ran wild with the memory of past mistakes, with

the risk. He had already made one

was a gamble, one that could correct his failure or destroy him

with one decision

to be erased. Only then coud he step into the power vacuum the

a strange logo that shimmered under the faint

door creaked open. He

and dangerous. A low fire burned behind thick glass. The scent in the air was strange—spicy, warm, and

off the fog seeping into his limbs.

sliced

A man seated

you want that made you seek me out?"

breath. "I came with a proposal.

his eyes glinting like a hawk.

hesitated. This was

you assist in removing the shares from the old man’s hands, then you will become the highest shareholder of the Allen

murmured, "That is

the Allen family was sentimental, stubborn, and sharp but mildly he is a shrew.

time for diplomacy had passed. If he couldn’t be accepted into the family, then he would tear

discussion continued for hours. As they carefully plotted out the