Under the weight of their condemning stares, I simply smiled.
If they wanted a monster, then I would be one.
——
After Selena’s hoarse outburst, the grand hall fell eerily silent. The crowd’s earlier confusion quickly turned to disgust.
“I never thought the Cole family’s young master would be this kind of man…”
“Force a marriage and break someone’s leg? That’s barbaric.”
“Looks can deceive. The Cole family may be rich, but their heir is rotten inside.”
“No wonder Selena lost control. She’s suffered too much…”
The whispers spread like wildfire.
Expressionless, I stood still, my gaze sweeping coldly across Selena and Lucas Grant—the pitiful figure in the wheelchair before her.
Selena, emboldened by her own performance and the crowd’s sympathy, gripped the wheelchair tightly. Her eyes shimmered with tears, her expression the very image of tragic devotion.
Lucas Grant played his role perfectly—his pale face full of pain, his trembling voice barely holding back fear.
“Young Master Ethan,” he said weakly, “this is my fault. I couldn’t help falling in love with Selena. She’s innocent…”
“Please… have mercy. Spare the Hart family. Spare her.”