You Hit My Heart by Kylie Stanford

Chapter 2071: The Throne Doesn't Necessarily Belong to the Tanaka Family

Joyce had already reached the door when she paused, her expression turning cold. Damn Hirota, he actually wanted to use her as a bargaining chip to force her parents into an international conflict. Clint indeed had the leverage now.

Inside, the head of the Yoshikawa family continued, "If His Highness brought her here for this reason, I have no objections. It's a good strategy. If it's for another reason, I disagree. I urge His Highness to marry my daughter immediately to stabilize the Yoshikawa family's position."

The coercion was obvious.

Joyce exchanged a glance with Darrin. "No wonder the Yoshikawa family has been posturing without taking action; they want to force Clint into marriage."

Darrin shrugged. "The Tanaka family doesn't fully control the military. Sometimes, even Clint can't act freely. It's puzzling that someone as calculating as Clint would abduct the young marshal and offend the Yoshikawa family now. What is he planning?"

"Who knows what that madman is thinking? He's not mentally stable," Joyce scoffed.

At that moment, Clint's voice came from inside, "You've been eavesdropping long enough. Why not come in and join us?"

Joyce was taken aback; Clint knew they were there all along. She didn't hesitate and pushed the door open.

Hirota turned around, his cold eyes narrowing as he stared at Joyce. "You must be the heiress of the Heath family?"

Joyce didn't answer, merely giving Hirota a cold glance. This man had deep, ruthless eyes, a face lined with wrinkles, and a sinister expression. He was clearly treacherous and cunning, willing to drag neighboring countries into war for his own gain.

Clint's tense face relaxed slightly when he saw Joyce enter. "Sit down."

"No need. I'm here to tell you that even if I die, you won't gain anything from me. The Heath family will never send troops; abandon that thought now," Joyce said coldly.

"You think you have a choice?" Hirota sneered. "Your Highness, let me take her back. I have ways to make the Heath family comply. I've dealt with Ralph enough to know his weaknesses."

behind Joyce, "For years, there have been skirmishes at the border, mostly instigated by him. He's naturally belligerent. The Grand Marshal hasn't retired because of ongoing border issues. They've been eyeing

those blueprints; was it to give them to the Yoshikawa family? Thankfully, Reuben had kept them safe; otherwise, peace would be impossible. She glanced at

hand her over to

clenched her fists

simplify the ceremony; just marry her

up instinctively protecting

Joyce's heart tightened too.

seemed like an advantageous move for him. How important was the throne to him? She understood well enough that once

felt herself in

slowly stood up and walked

he approached Hirota, despite looking slightly pale and ill but

lowered his head, though

You dare target my woman?" Clint sneered. "Marry

Hirota towards Joyce. "Look closely; don't get any ideas about her or you'll regret

trembled slightly, his

He

controlled part of

but wasn't sure how

power he wielded.

how it was

to eliminate them

necessarily belong to

ensued, why couldn't he claim

Hirota said slyly. "Since His Highness won't let me take her

gaze swept over Joyce, making