Chapter 2 I Intend To End My Engagement To Vanessa

Vanessa arrived at the sprawling Dawsons' house an hour later and parked her car at the grand entrance.

The moment she entered the living room, her ears caught Connor passionately voicing his thoughts. "Mr. Dawson, I can't stand Vanessa. She's far too headstrong and lacks the grace I desire. My heart belongs to Dayna, and I intend to end my engagement to Vanessa."

Standing before Phil Dawson, his eyes sharp and unwavering, Connor held Dayna Dawson's hand firmly.

Phil, freshly returned with his suitcase still at his feet, cast a disapproving glance at both Connor and his younger daughter, Dayna.

He'd heard whispers about Connor seeing someone new and started worrying that the engagement between Vanessa and Connor might fall apart.

In a panic, he called Vanessa and hurried back, only to discover that Connor's new love was none other than his other daughter.

Unbelievable!

The atmosphere in the room thickened, leaving everyone in complete silence.

"Well..." Vanessa strolled in at a leisurely pace, shooting a glance at her father-the same man who had lambasted her over the phone, calling her a useless girl. With a smirk, she said, "Who would've guessed that my sister would be the one Connor brought home? Since we're both Dawsons, does it really matter which of us marries into the Saunders family? What's your take on this, Dad?"

Phil found himself at a loss for words.

Turning to her half sister, Vanessa flashed a subtle smile. "And you, Dayna? What's your take?"

"I... I..." Dayna stammered, trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Vanessa. I never meant to fall for Connor. It's all on me. Please..."

"That's enough!" Connor interjected, tugging Dayna protectively behind him. "Vanessa, if you've got a problem, take it up with me-leave Dayna out of this. I know we've known each other for years, and I get how you feel, but I'm telling you now, let it go. If you refuse to end the engagement peacefully, then I'll have no choice but to..."

"Fine. I agree."

Connor froze in disbelief for a second.

Did Vanessa just agree?

Before he could even complete his threat, she consented. Wasn't she supposed to be head over heels for him?

Beside him, Dayna's lips curled into an uncontrollable smile.

"It's always nice when true love wins, isn't it? Here's an idea-if your dad's on board, the Dawson family would consent to you marrying Dayna. How does that sound?" Vanessa chuckled softly, her demeanor cool and unbothered, showing no hint of shame about the broken engagement.

"Deal!" Connor exclaimed, brimming with confidence. He was sure his father's favoritism would smooth everything over. Turning quickly, he addressed Phil. "Mr. Dawson..."

Before he could say another word, a commanding voice boomed from the doorway. "You foolish disgrace!"

Colten Saunders stormed in, his face dark with anger, gripping his cane tightly as if it were the only thing keeping his fury in check.

Connor barely had time to react before Colten swung the cane, hitting him square on the knees.

He collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud, staring up at his father in shock as pain contorted his face.

"Dad..."

"Stop calling me Dad, you pathetic fool!" Colten's voice was full of fury, his entire body trembling with anger. He signaled to the bodyguards standing behind him, and they moved quickly, grabbing Connor and forcing him down onto the floor.

Connor fought with everything he had, but their hold was too strong, and he couldn't escape.

Dayna was stunned, her face drained of color by the unexpected turn of events. She glanced around the room, only to notice that everyone else remained strangely calm, as though none of this had taken them by surprise.

Vanessa pretended to smile, her expression hiding the satisfaction she felt. Everything was unfolding exactly as she had anticipated.

The engagement between her and Connor would never be called off. Vanessa's mother's will had made it clear-the Stewart family fortune would only be disclosed once Vanessa was married.

Colten and Phil both planned to manipulate her for the inheritance, but little did they know, Vanessa had already seen right through their games.

They had walked straight into a trap they set themselves. What fools!

As for Connor, he was free to be with anyone he pleased. Vanessa had never been bothered by it.

With that thought in mind, Vanessa gave a soft smile. "Mr. Saunders, it's really no big deal. Don't let it get to you."

"Exactly, Colten. They were just messing with us," Phil said calmly. "Is that so, Dayna?"

Dayna didn't know how to respond.

Seeing her father's icy grin, she knew better than to argue. She quickly nodded, swallowing her words.

Colten flashed a seemingly kind smile, his voice smooth. "Vanessa, Connor wasn't himself today. Apologies for the drama. Once he is in his right mind, I'll make sure he comes to apologize."

Once Colten and the others had left, only Phil, Vanessa, and Dayna were left in the room, the air thick with tension.

Before Dayna could utter a word, Phil slapped her across the face.

In an instant, half of Dayna's face flushed a deep red.

"Dad..." Dayna couldn't believe it. Wasn't her father the one who had always despised Vanessa? How could he hit her, all for Vanessa's sake?

Phil, clearly frustrated, snapped, "You nearly messed it all up, you idiot. Go to your room and think about what you've done!"

Without another word, he turned and stormed out, not sparing a single glance at his daughters.

Dayna bit her lip hard, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. She couldn't understand why her usually loving father was so furious now.

Vanessa, watching Dayna's pitiful expression, couldn't hide her amusement. Her eyes gleamed with mockery. "I once thought you were clever, but now I see you're really just... average."

"You!" Dayna snapped, about to fire back, but was cut off instantly.

Vanessa sneered. "You honestly think the Saunders family would allow an illegitimate daughter to marry into their family? And you think Dad's love for you will be enough to ruin his plans just because of your feelings? You're delusional."

With that, she spun on her heel and walked out of the living room.

As soon as she left, Dayna grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it to the floor, her eyes burning with hatred.

She swore to herself that she would show Vanessa she wasn't the only one who could marry into the Saunders family.