Evil MC's NTR Harem - Chapter 294

Chapter 294: Chapter 294 Tempted
“Mom!” Althea exclaimed as she opened the door, immediately pulling her mother, Trinity, into a warm embrace.

Trinity’s breath hitched, and her eyes welled up with tears. It had been almost two months since she’d last seen her daughter, and now,

Althea was back—and pregnant.

All the doubts and frustrations Trinity had been harboring about Althea’s recent choices melted away in that moment.

She was just relieved and overjoyed to see her daughter again, safe and sound.

“Welcome home,” Trinity murmured, her voice trembling with emotion as she tightened the hug.

Despite Althea now being an adult and soon to be a mother herself, she would always be Trinity’s little girl.

After a long moment, Althea pulled back, her face glowing with a mix of excitement and nerves.

“Mom, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Ross Oakley.” She turned slightly, gesturing to the man standing just behind her.

“Ross, this is my mom, Trinity.”

Ross stepped forward with a charming smile, extending his hand for a handshake.

“Hello, Mrs. Quinn. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Althea talks about you all the time—only good things, of course.”

Trinity glanced at his outstretched hand but waved it away with a gentle laugh.

“Please, we’re practically family now. Call me Trinity.” Without hesitation, she stepped closer and pulled Ross into a hug instead.

Ross blinked in mild surprise but quickly relaxed, returning the gesture.

Trinity, however, was unprepared for what happened next. As she embraced him, she caught a whiff of his cologne—or was it just him?

Whatever it was, the scent was intoxicating, unlike anything she’d ever encountered. It was rich, masculine, and utterly magnetic.

The hug lingered longer than it should have.

Trinity’s arms tightened reflexively as she took another deep breath, and an unexpected heat coursed through her.

Her knees felt weak, and she realized with alarm just how deeply aroused she was.

Ross’s smooth voice broke her trance.

“Thank you, Trinity. That’s very kind of you.”

His words snapped her back to reality, and she pulled away, her face flushed.

Trinity hoped no one noticed how her hands trembled as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

She stole a glance at Ross, trying to regain her composure.

Though he wasn’t conventionally handsome, his presence was magnetic.

His piercing eyes radiated confidence and intelligence, the kind of gaze that seemed to see straight through people.

Trinity immediately recognized the type—ambitious, driven, and used to getting what he wanted.

Now she understood why her daughter was so drawn to him.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ross,” she managed to say, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within her.

“Likewise,” Ross replied with a polite nod, his smile as disarming as ever.

Trinity stepped back, gesturing for them to come inside.

She couldn’t shake the lingering warmth in her chest—or the way her pulse quickened when she glanced at Ross again.

Ross met Althea’s father, Robert, shortly after arriving at their home.

Robert was a sturdy, middle-aged man with kind eyes that reflected his deep love for his family.

Ross wasn’t surprised to find Hazel, Althea’s sister, there as well, along with her boyfriend Christian.

Joining them was Althea’s younger brother, Liam, whose sharp gaze lingered on Ross like he was the scum of the earth.

Ross couldn’t help but chuckle internally at Liam’s expression. He understood the animosity.

Liam, a self-proclaimed gamer and protective younger brother, clearly wasn’t thrilled about his sister’s boyfriend suddenly taking center stage in the family.

At least this was what he told himself but deep down Liam hid a much deeper darker secret that he was still too afraid to act on or acknowledge.

But Ross didn’t let it bother him. He was used to handling such minor problems.

Robert, on the other hand, welcomed Ross warmly. He was the kind of man who gave others the benefit of the doubt, and his handshake was firm yet friendly.

After introductions, the group settled into the living room, where a spread of snacks, drinks, and finger foods had been prepared.

The atmosphere was casual yet tinged with curiosity and anticipation.

Once everyone was seated, it was Robert who broke the ice.

“So, Ross,” Robert began, leaning forward slightly.

“We got Althea’s text saying she’s pregnant and that you two plan to get married as soon as possible—perhaps in two weeks?” He paused, his brow furrowing.

“But what I can’t wrap my head around is her mention that you’re going to marry nine other women as well. That’s… simply absurd, right? Tell me Althea was just joking.”

All eyes turned to Ross, and for a moment, the room fell silent.

“That is incorrect,” Ross said calmly, his tone even and assured.

Robert blinked, a relieved chuckle escaping him.

“Of course! I figured it had to be a mistake—a miscommunication, maybe. Polygamy is illegal, after all.” He laughed again, dismissing the notion as though it were impossible.

“The news sometimes exaggerates these things, too. I’ve seen stories about you, but I never believed them.”

Ross leaned forward, meeting Robert’s gaze directly. His voice was steady, carrying an air of authority that silenced the room.

“It’s ten now, Robert. I plan to marry ten other women in addition to your daughter, Althea.”

The room erupted in a chorus of gasps and exclamations. Robert’s laughter died in his throat, replaced by wide-eyed shock.

Hazel and her boyfriend exchanged stunned glances, while Liam looked as if he were about to throw something.

“What?!” Robert managed to choke out.

The next hour was filled with a heated discussion. Robert and the others demanded explanations, while Ross patiently answered their questions, his confidence unwavering.

He explained his intentions, his principles, and how he planned to care for all his wives equally.

Slowly but surely, his charisma and eloquence began to chip away at their resistance.

By the end of the conversation, the tension in the room had eased.

Robert, though initially appalled, found himself reassured by Ross’s wealth and capabilities.

The man clearly had the means to support a large family, and his determination was undeniable.

“Alright,” Robert finally said, letting out a weary sigh.

“If Althea’s happy and you’re taking responsibility, then I’ll support her decision. But this… it’s going to take some getting used to.”

Ross smiled warmly.

“Thank you, Robert. I promise to make Althea happy and will take good care of her. You have my word.”

With the initial shock out of the way, the family began planning the wedding in earnest.

Ideas were exchanged, and the conversation carried on well into the evening.

By the time Ross and Althea left, the family had mostly come to terms with the unconventional arrangement, thanks to Ross’s undeniable charm and ability to win them over.

Still, everyone did not know that there was still one more surprise in store for them this day.