Chapter 4 Her Cruel Father

Charlee's accusations deepened the anger etched on Keith's face.

In a sharp tone, he said, "Stacey is your sister, and this is her home, too. She's bottled up her emotions, staying out of your way when it comes to Liam. She's reached a point of despair so profound it drove her to attempt to end her life. Yet, here you are, devoid of compassion and consumed by hostility. How can you be so unfeeling?"

Liam, having shaken off the earlier awkwardness, finally spoke. "Mr. Sullivan, perhaps you should check on Stacey. I'll handle things with Charlee."

Even now, Liam shielded Charlee, seemingly treating her with the same patience and indulgence as always.

But his actions felt like repeated blows, each one more painful than the last.

Charlee rose to her feet, her gaze icy and expression unreadable.

"There's nothing left to discuss. The engagement is over."

Liam countered, "Charlee, we've been together for years, and you've refused to get closer to me. I'm only human-I have needs too."

His justification was absurd. Agreeing to share intimacy only after their engagement had somehow morphed into his excuse for betrayal. "So this is why you turned to Stacey?"

A moment of silence followed.

She couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "If you're shameless enough to do this, at least have the decency to announce your plans to marry her. Stop skulking around like a coward. You're pathetic."

Turning to leave, she felt Liam seize her wrist.

"Are you insane?"

He couldn't believe she had just called him a coward.

She had never belittled him like this before.

Charlee exhaled slowly before driving her foot into his shin. His pained cry echoed as she wrenched her hand free.

"Try me, and you'll regret it," she warned, voice steady but threatening.

At eighteen, Charlee had survived a harrowing kidnapping and near-rape attempt.

The trauma had driven her to secretly train in kickboxing for four years. After winning a local championship, she had once jokingly told Liam she'd protect him as his personal bodyguard.

Who would have thought he'd one day be the recipient of those skills?

The irony was overwhelming.

"You brat! Get back here!"

Keith stormed into the room, catching the tail end of their argument, his voice booming with fury.

But Charlee didn't falter. She walked away with poise, not sparing him a glance.

Now that the pretense was shattered, she was ready to move forward with her long-delayed plans.

Liam clenched his jaw, suppressing the pain, waiting before attempting to stand.

Keith waited for him to recover and then spoke. "Liam, I've indulged Charlee too much. About the marriage..."

His meaning was unmistakable. He wanted to cancel the marriage arrangement between Charlee and Liam.

Without the Todd family, Charlee would become obedient.

And if he married Stacey to Liam, the Todd family would be his aide completely.

Liam's frustration was evident.

"Delay it. Stacey's health is fragile. Once she's better, I'll marry Charlee."

Though Charlee had ended things, Liam didn't take her words seriously.

At sixteen, she had hit rock bottom, relying entirely on him to pull her through.

Her years of unwavering devotion were proof enough that she'd never truly leave him.

......

In the Sullivan Group's project department, Charlee sat in her office, focused on compiling reports.

Keith hadn't stripped her of authority due to the family's partnership with the Todds.

But now that she had called off the engagement, she needed to secure her position.

At three in the afternoon, her assistant, Alexia Jenkins, burst into the office, knocking hastily before stepping inside, her face visibly drained of color.

Trailing behind her, Stacey entered clad in a tailored light-gray suit, radiating an air of confidence and control.

The meekness she displayed in front of Liam had vanished, replaced by an unrestrained sense of triumph.

"Charlee, the board has voted to relieve you of your duties as project director. Starting today, I'll be stepping in to take over. All incomplete projects under your supervision will now fall to me. As for your reassignment..." Stacey's lips curled into a mocking smile as she tossed a blue folder onto the desk.

"The newly established Green Biopharmaceuticals in the eastern suburbs needs someone to manage it. The tech is fully patented, and the production lines run seamlessly-your job will just be signing papers and killing time. See? Dad hasn't forgotten about you entirely."