Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Future Chairman’s Wife

“Why are you here in my office?” Roderick’s jaw clenched as he stared at Orabela, who casually placed her handbag on his desk before sinking into the plush sofa.

“So you can finally take responsibility for ruining my life,” she spat, her gaze locked on him with venom.

Roderick chuckled darkly, his hand hovering over the phone as he pressed a button to summon security. “We’ll see about that.”

“Don’t even think about it,” she interrupted, her voice rising just enough to make him pause. “Or I’ll make sure everyone knows how you two-timed Layla,” she added, her words laced with menace.

Roderick froze, lifting his finger from the button, his expression hardening.

“Layla and your uncle are out for blood,” Orabela continued, her tone calm but sharp. “They’re coming for me now, but it won’t be long before they set their sights on you. You need me, Rick. It’s smarter if we work together against them.”

“My uncle wouldn’t dare come after me,” Roderick snapped. “You’re the one who needs to clean up your mess.”

Orabela let out a low, humorless laugh. “You seem to forget who I am. This is our mess, Rick.”

“It’s your mess,” he shot back, his voice rising. “If you hadn’t flaunted that ring in front of Layla and made everything public, none of this would be happening! You took matters into your own hands, blindsiding me. You’re the one who dragged Layla into this without warning.”

“Chairman-to-be, huh?” Orabela mused, standing slowly. “Well, maybe your family would like to know the whole story—how you stepped back from your promise to be with me. My family already knows the truth, so it’s only fair yours does too. How Layla was the only clueless person when you played with her heart.”

“Don’t you dare,” Roderick growled, his tone thick with warning.

“Why not?” she retorted, raising an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t your family know how you toyed with Layla while having an affair with me? How you couldn’t stand that she didn’t crawl into your bed on command, or that she’s an illegitimate daughter, unlike me, who had it all?”

She then grabbed Roderick’s collar, her grip firm as she leaned in closer. “Rick, last night she humiliated you and me in front of everyone along with your uncle,” she said, her voice low but sharp. “Don’t you want your uncle out of the picture for good?”

Roderick’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing, waiting for her to continue.

“My father’s ready to declare me the heiress the moment I get married. That could be to you, Rick,” she whispered, her tone softening, almost persuasive. “If you choose me, your path to succession will be clear, without any interference from your uncle. Think about it—together, we could have everything, and you wouldn’t have to worry about anyone standing in your way.”

Roderick chuckled in a cold, dismissive sound as he gently pushed Orabela’s hands off his collar. “My path to succession was always clear,” he said, stepping back from her. “My uncle will never be chairman. If Layla wants to expose me, then let her. I’m ready to face the consequences. But I’m not marrying you, Bella.”

His words hit her like a slap, shattering her confidence. The determination that had fueled her quickly crumbled in the face of his rejection.

“You should leave now,” Roderick said, gesturing towards the door.

Orabela lifted her handbag and walked out of his office without another glance in his direction.

As Orabela settled into her car, her fingers trembled slightly as she dialed a number. When the call connected, her voice was low and controlled. “Do it discreetly. Make sure no one can trace it back to us,” she instructed, her words precise. This time, there would be no room for mistakes. Satisfied, she hung up and gripped the steering wheel tightly, driving straight to her home with a renewed sense of determination.

Upon arriving, her steps faltered as she spotted an unexpected guest. Miriam was seated in the living room, casually sipping tea with Orabela’s mother, Lady Agatha. The sight made her heart race.

Miriam’s smile didn’t reach her eyes as she acknowledged Orabela’s entrance. The tension between them was palpable, though Miriam made an effort to hide it behind a polite facade. In contrast, Lady Agatha’s face lit up with genuine warmth at the sight of her daughter. “Welcome home, my dear,” she said, her eyes softening.

“Aunt Fiona,” Orabela greeted, keeping her tone light as she sat on the sofa across from them. Her gaze flicked to the untouched snacks on the table. “Why aren’t you eating these?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m eating,” Miriam replied, placing her saucer down gently. “Just taking my time.” Her tone was pleasant.

“You didn’t come home, so I decided to come and see you,” Fiona said, her voice light but with an undertone of concern as she studied Orabela.

Orabela sighed deeply, sinking into her seat. “Roderick doesn’t want to have anything to do with me anymore,” she said, her expression heavy with sadness. The weight of his rejection still lingered, leaving her feeling defeated.

Fiona reached across the table, taking Orabela’s hand in a comforting gesture. “Roderick will marry only you, Orabela,” she said with certainty.

Orabela’s eyes widened in surprise. “H-how?” she stammered, searching Fiona’s face for an explanation.

“Because I want it,” Fiona asserted firmly, her gaze unwavering. “You are the perfect woman for my son,” she continued, her tone brooking no argument. “Roderick may think he can make decisions on his own, but when it comes to marriage, I have the final say. And I’ve always believed that you’re the one for him. You’re intelligent, ambitious, and from a respectable family. Qualities that suit the future chairman’s wife.”

Orabela blinked, struggling to process the shift in tone. “But… he doesn’t seem to want me anymore,” she whispered.

Fiona squeezed her hand gently but firmly. “My son has always been stubborn, but he will come around. He has to. You’re the only one who can stand beside him and navigate the world he’s about to inherit.”

Lady Agatha exchanged a glance with Miriam, who smiled thinly.

“Trust me, Orabela,” Fiona said, her voice softening. “This isn’t just about love. It’s about what’s best for Roderick and his future. And you are what’s best.”

Orabela smiled and nodded her head. ‘That’s what I want too,’ she thought.