As Hillary recalled the events of the previous night, she clenched her fists
in silence.
She didn’t need Lorenzo’s pity!
As the rightful heiress to the Sutton financial empire, finding a partner was never going to be an issue. If Lorenzo didn’t wish to marry her, there were plenty of others who did.
“Dad, please don’t try to convince me anymore. Noel is a good man, and I can tell he genuinely likes me,” she said.
“Henry and the others only follow me out of obligation from our childhood engagements.”
Hillary lowered her thick lashes, hiding the loneliness in her eyes.
But quickly perked up and told her father, “Dad, there’s something else.
“Since I won’t marry those seven, our family doesn’t need to support them anymore. Freeze their funds and cancel all of Kellie’s bank cards. The Sutton family doesn’t sustain freeloaders!”
“Understood,” Andrew agreed. “Since you’ve chosen not to marry them, there’s no reason for the Sutton family to continue supporting them.
“On your wedding day, I’ll ensure they all leave the Sutton family to prevent any hidden agendas, like trying to claim your inheritance.”
After finishing her conversation with her father, Hillary exited the study.
Just as she reached the stairs, she bumped directly into Kellie.
Crater 2
“Hillary, I heard you have an equestrian class this afternoon. Can I come with you?”
Kellie asked eagerly as she approached, linking her arm with Hillary’s in a friendly manner. She swayed slightly and pleaded sweetly, “I want to learn horseback riding too. Please, Hillary, take me with you!”
Previously, Hillary would have agreed without a second thought.
She wasn’t the type to hold grudges; in a good mood, she might even have offered to cover the cost of Kellie’s riding lessons.
However, the memory of the previous night’s events made Hillary feel
sick.
Overcome with revulsion, she quickly shrugged off Kellie’s arm. “Stay away from me!”
Although she hadn’t used much force, Kellie dramatically leaned backward and intentionally tumbled down the stairs.
“Kellie!” Lorenzo’s voice echoed with urgency from downstairs.
Hillary glanced down to see all her young betrothed husbands gathered below.
“Hillary, how could you be so cruel?” Timmy, the most short–tempered among them, was the first to speak. “What did Kellie ever do to deserve this? Why did you push her down the stairs?”
“Timmy, please stop.” Kellie tugged on his sleeve. “It wasn’t Hillary’s fault. I just lost my balance…”
Her expression was timid, and her eyes reddened as if she had been gravely wronged.
This act was convincing. The young betrothed all looked at Hillary with
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Chapter 2
barely concealed disdain. Lorenzo’s gaze was the harshest–so frigid that no one dared to meet his eyes.
Yet he remained silent, casting a cold glance at Hillary before picking up Kellie and leaving, not giving her a chance to explain.
Hillary smiled bitterly. It didn’t matter, she no longer felt like explaining.
Whatever she said, they wouldn’t believe her anyway….
The afternoon equestrian class was supposed to be just for Hillary and Lorenzo.
But when she arrived at the racetrack, she saw Kellie there too.
Kellie offered Hillary a placating smile. “Hillary, Lorenzo invited me to join. Don’t worry, I won’t interfere with you and Lorenzo. You two can ride while I have the coach teach me.”
She spoke in a gentle tone, but once the lesson started, Lorenzo stayed by Kellie’s side the entire time.
He adjusted the saddle for her himself and effortlessly lifted her onto the
horse with one hand.
When Kellie mentioned she wasn’t able to ride, Lorenzo patiently taught her step by step, guiding her hands with his own.
When Kellie became tired and wanted to get off, Lorenzo knelt halfway to the ground, offering his shoulder for her to step on to dismount.
The sight pierced Hillary’s heart.
She had once used Lorenzo’s shoulder to mount a horse as well.
However, back then, Lorenzo hadn’t done it willingly.
Chapter 2
Andrew had been present that day and remarked, “A true man doesn’t kneel to heaven or earth–only to his wife.”
He then instructed, “Lorenzo, kneel down and let Hillary use your shoulder to get on the horse.
“Remember, from now on, Hillary is your everything. Only Hillary has the
right to tread on you–no one else.”
