Chapter 3 You Must Marry Him

Before she could recover, Bella yanked her into a side room and slammed the door.

"You filthy little tramp!" Bella snarled.

"Don't think I didn't see you leering at your sister's fiancé, like you wanted to have him!"

Loretta steadied herself, pressing a hand to her stinging cheek.

Her eyes glinted with cold amusement.

"Stepmom, if I really wanted him, do you think I'd have just stood there and watched?"

"You-!" Bella's voice quivered with rage, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Just as Loretta was about to walk away, Bella stormed over and yanked her by the shoulder, hurling her to the floor with force.

"Have you ever taken a moment to look at yourself? We've sheltered you out of sheer kindness, like saints doing charity.

You and your deranged mother would've rotted on the streets if it weren't for us. And now, you dare raise your voice at me?"

But the harsh red marks on Loretta's neck were visible, plain and raw.

As though struck by a wicked revelation, Bella's lips curled into a cruel grin.

Her eyes lit up with bitter scorn.

"Of course! I always suspected you were just like that mother of yours-always scheming, always ready to seduce someone with your filthy charm.

Want to sleep your way up the ladder? Go do it somewhere else.

Don't bring shame to our home. You think Phil Clarke would ever want someone like you?

You're dreaming if you believe a man of his stature would give a tramp like you even a second look."

That insult didn't make Loretta cry-but it stabbed her deeper than any slap ever could.

Then she chuckled.

Smirking, she adjusted her blouse to hide the bruises, dusted herself off casually, and said coldly, "If you're so certain he wouldn't even glance at me, why are you so panicked?"

Outside, the sound of voices drifted in-Phil was talking and laughing with Ava.

Bella's expression shifted.

Clearly anxious, she lowered her voice and stepped in close to Loretta with a threatening hiss.

"Don't you ever dare pull anything."

Then, pausing, she continued, "The Britton family will be visiting later. They're bringing their second son, Alex Britton. Don't say I never did anything for you.

You'll meet him. The Brittons are well-off and respected. If you marry into their family, you'll never have to worry about money again."

Loretta's eyes narrowed.

Of course, she had heard of Alex Britton.

"You want me to marry someone mentally challenged?" Her voice rose.

"And you call this looking out for me?"

Bella's face tightened. "So? You don't want to?"

"If you think it's such a great idea, then you marry him! I'm not some puppet for you to auction off!"

Loretta strode to the door.

But Bella grabbed her again with force.

Loretta's patience snapped.

She twisted out of Bella's grip and shoved her aside.

Stumbling backward, Bella hit the floor. Glaring up, she spat, "If you walk out that door, I'll see to it that your mother's ashes are dumped out in the trash!"

Loretta didn't even look back.

---

Meanwhile...

Mark Robin had been summoned back to the Robin estate.

Naturally, word of the scandal had reached his grandfather, Steve Robin, the family's stern patriarch.

Mark stood tall, unyielding, as he addressed Steve.

"Grandpa, you're completely misinformed. That incident wasn't something I wanted. It was a mistake."

Steve's gaze was cold, his voice sharper than a blade. "Must you be so obstinate? What's so awful about marrying the girl? You've already had sexual relations. Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it."

"Not for a second," Mark replied flatly.

Steve's face darkened.

"You've truly let me down."

Mark glanced briefly at Kathy, standing smugly behind him, but she looked back with self-satisfaction etched into every feature.

Steve continued, "Our family won't evade responsibility. She isn't just your future wife-she could be the solution to your illness. You need to think logically. What kind of man sleeps with a woman and then pretends it never happened?"

Mark met his grandfather's eyes. "But I barely know her. You want me to marry a stranger?"

Steve leaned forward, eyes glinting with menace.

"Then let me be clear. If you refuse, I'll destroy that girlfriend of yours-Alice Jacob, isn't it? I'll make sure she loses everything. She'll wish she were dead."

Mark clenched his fists. "And you won't get away with that..."

Steve didn't blink. "You think I can't? You boys have all grown too bold. One of you turned into a corporate shark, the other into a celebrity. And you... always so quiet, but defiant. Still, if I can't discipline you, I can break a helpless girl. Try me."

Mark's eyes darkened.

Meanwhile, Loretta had barely made it a block before several luxury cars surrounded her, screeching to a halt.

The Williams family had sent backup.

Loretta tried to flee again, but they had clearly mobilized everyone. In seconds, they encircled her.

"I'm doing what's best for you, girl! Still, you want to run?" Bella's sharp voice rang out.

"Drag her back inside!"

Loretta stared daggers at Bella, her nails digging into her palms. But she was outnumbered and outmatched.

They tied her wrists and dragged her home.

A makeup artist was already waiting.

Bella stood nearby, arms folded, watching with predatory disdain.

"You? Run from me? You'll look your best today, whether you like it or not. Alex Britton is arriving soon."

Loretta resisted, grinding her teeth. But resistance was futile.

When Loretta finally arrived home and the makeup was done, Bella's thoughts turned calculating.

Despite everything, Loretta still had a face that could enchant a room. Better to marry her off now before she ruined Ava's prospects with Phil Clarke.

Someone outside called out that the Brittons had arrived.

Bella immediately untied Loretta and shoved her forward. From beyond the doorway, laughter echoed-the voices of the Britton family.

"Of course, we know she's illegitimate. Not really fit for our Alex," someone murmured, "but she doesn't look bad. As long as she gives us heirs, her life will be comfortable."

Heirs?

Loretta scoffed. When had she turned to someone whose usefulness was just to give birth?

Then she saw him-Alex Britton.

Barely five-foot-three, twitching constantly, eyes darting with confusion. He chewed his fingers like a toddler.

Bella grinned.

"There, Loretta. Your golden future awaits."

The sarcasm in her voice was unbearable.

Suddenly, Alex let out a high-pitched scream and began throwing himself at the people nearby.

The room dissolved into chaos.

Family members from both sides tried to restrain him as he flailed and wailed.

Bella recoiled in disgust, barely keeping her lunch down.

She muttered to herself in relief, "Thank God it's Loretta, not Ava."

Then she turned and froze.

Loretta was gone.

"Where is she? Where did Loretta go?! Find her! And when you do-beat her!"

Loretta didn't know how she'd slipped away. She just knew her legs had carried her far. Her lungs burned. Her chest heaved.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a sleek car parked at the curb.

She slowed down.

Behind the window, she saw a familiar face.

It was Mark Robin.

His cold, unreadable expression stared back at her.