The entire Herbert family understood Matthew had called off his engagement with Maria, and Sampson was no exception. In fact, Sampson had learned the reason behind Matthew’s decision directly from Maria herself.
So, when Sampson laid eyes on Matthew, he couldn’t conceal the anger burning within him.
Sitting beside Sampson, his brother Warner sensed his shifting emotions. He reached out and patted Sampson’s shoulder, speaking in a hushed tone, “If it weren’t for the long-standing history between our families, we would have severed ties long ago. City B has changed significantly. You’re hardly here most of the year, so you don’t know what’s really going on. Even though he broke his promise this time, we can’t confront him head-on.”
Sampson’s anger stemmed not only from the broken engagement but also from his feelings toward Dolores.
Six years ago, he had spirited Dolores away from City B and hidden her in Country A, all to help her escape from Matthew’s clutches. He had hoped that with time, Dolores would eventually accept him, and maybe those six years would have severed her connection with Matthew.
But after all this time, Dolores still refused to accept him. And now, Matthew had even canceled his engagement with Maria because of Dolores.
How could Sampson remain calm?
“Does he think he can buy his way out of anything?” Sampson couldn’t contain his discontent and disdain for Matthew.
Sampson’s voice wasn’t particularly low, and Matthew overheard his words. He directed his gaze at Sampson, recalling that his man had been close to Dolores in the past.
Matthew adjusted his collar, as if brushing off nonexistent dust. He replied calmly and amiably, “Pardon me? I didn’t quite catch that.”
Warner promptly covered for Sampson, interjecting, “He’s just complaining about the canceled engagement with Maria. Please disregard him.”
As he spoke, Warner tugged at his younger brother’s sleeve, urging him to stop talking.
However, Sampson paid no heed to his brother and fearlessly declared, “As a man, you’ve wounded a woman like this. Aren’t you afraid of divine retribution striking you down?”
Warner’s expression changed. He glared at his brother. Did he truly want to make an enemy out of Matthew now that he could no longer be a part of their family?
What good would come from harboring enmity with the Nelson family?
Warner had worked tirelessly for the sake of their family, while Sampson had never contributed anything and now intended to bring trouble upon them?
In that moment, Warner felt deep disappointment in his selfish brother, who only ever thought of himself and never considered the family’s well-being.
Matthew feigned a smile and replied in an intriguing tone, “I’m more concerned that the lightning might strike someone else instead.”
Sampson clenched his fists. If Warner hadn’t restrained him, he might have gone out there and started a fight with Matthew.
“They’re all waiting inside. You go ahead. My brother has a soft spot for our little sister, who has led a vagabond life since childhood. He speaks before thinking. Please don’t mind him,” Warner smiled at Matthew.
Matthew glanced at Sampson indifferently and strode into the hall.
Jayden and Landon were sitting on one end of the sofa, engrossed in conversation.
Maria sat beside Landon; her eyes red as if she had just finished crying.
Her delicate makeup was slightly smudged.
Upon seeing Matthew enter, Maria quickly stood up and called out, “Matthew…”
Matthew ignored her and took a seat on the sofa. He seized the initiative by striking first, “It was my decision to cancel the engagement. Name your terms.”
Jayden was on the verge of exploding.
He and Landon had been discussing matters in the hall, both hoping the engagement wouldn’t be called off.
If the two families united through marriage, it would be a win-win situation. It would benefit both the Herbert and Nelson families, fostering mutual prosperity.
“We don’t understand the intricacies of modern-day relationships between young people like you,” Landon said with a calm expression, his tone equally composed. He was far more collected than his two sons.
Having lived for so long, he had experienced all sorts of things and had learned to stay calm.
If the Herbert family were to hurl accusations at him and vent their anger, it would be easier to handle. Matthew was concerned about encountering someone as experienced as Landon.
But Matthew was resilient as well. Although he didn’t possess as much experience as Landon, he had faced numerous trials and tribulations, developing a tough exterior. He didn’t appear weak. “I don’t appreciate being lied to.”
Hearing this, Landon sensed that something was amiss. So, his daughter had indeed done something wrong?
Matthew didn’t want to dwell on the past and simply wanted to resolve the issue at hand.
“It was my recklessness in this matter. I shouldn’t have agreed and then broken my promise. After all, it was I who failed to keep my word. I can compensate you with whatever you desire. As long as it’s within my means, I won’t hold back.”
“I disagree.” Maria could no longer remain silent and interjected.
She stared at Matthew intensely, “I’m turning twenty-eight this year. I’ve given you the best years of my life. And now you want to abandon me? Do you want me to end my own life?”
It was because of this that Matthew felt indebted to her forever. Or, based on his personality, if he discovered that Maria had lied to him, he would have severed all ties with her immediately.
“I told you I can compensate you with anything you want.” Matthew acknowledged his wrongdoing.
Just as Sampson had previously remarked, did Matthew believe he could do anything with his wealth?
But what had happened had happened. He had no other choice.
“Take it easy.” Sampson entered the room and embraced his trembling little sister.
He stared at Matthew and questioned him, “Compensate? What can you possibly do to compensate her?”
Matthew stared back at him; his gaze unwavering. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent clash of wills. A sense of impending danger filled the room.
Coming from two esteemed families, monetary compensation would be the easiest way out for the Herberts. But it would be a shallow resolution that would damage their friendship and drive them apart.
Moreover, if the Herberts were to demand anything now, it would only tarnish their reputation once the news spread.
“What nonsense are you spouting?” Landon reprimanded his daughter, though secretly curious about how Matthew would handle the situation.
He had given his consent to this engagement, and now Matthew wanted to break the promise. It naturally irked Landon, even if he didn’t show it on his face.
Jayden’s expression darkened. He had once been pleased with Maria, but now a sense of discontent brewed within him.
While he didn’t want Matthew to call off the engagement, he couldn’t ignore the fact that Matthew was his son. And now Maria had the audacity to make such an outrageous request.
However, Matthew remained composed. He stood up, his long fingers deftly unbuttoning his suit. He rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular arm.
“What are you doing?” Jayden blurted out nervously.
Maria was already frozen, her voice trembling, “Matthew…”
With a purposeful stride, Matthew reached for a fruit knife from the nearby plate and approached Maria.
Sampson grew afraid and held his sister tightly, fearing that Matthew might harm her.
Pushing Sampson away, Matthew locked eyes with Maria. “If this is what you truly want, then I’ll give it to you.”
Bending down, he placed the knife in Maria’s trembling hand, and with a firm grip, guided her hand to press the blade against his chest.
Maria was terrified. She was truly scared.
Tears streaming down her face, she shook her head frantically, “No… I didn’t mean it… I don’t want you to die…”
Matthew smiled gently, his voice filled with sincerity, “I’ve owed nobody anything throughout my life. But I owe you. If you desire my life, I will give it to you. But from this moment forward, we owe each other nothing.”
As he spoke, he applied pressure to their hands.
“Ahh!” Maria cried out, attempting to break free, but Matthew’s strength was overpowering. His grip remained unyielding, and she couldn’t escape his hold.
The sharp blade pierced through his pristine white shirt, drawing blood.
Matthew’s actions left everyone in shock.
He dared to…
Take his own life!
“No… no… I didn’t mean it…” Maria’s tear-streaked face displayed anguish.
Matthew reached out with his other hand, gently wiping away her tears. “When I was fourteen, I was kidnapped and taken to a remote mountain. It was there that I was accidentally saved by a ten-year-old girl, an orphan. In gratitude, I sponsored her education through college. After her graduation, she insisted on staying by my side. During a business trip, I was bitten by a poisonous snake. It was she who saved me…”
His eyes and gestures exuded tenderness, as if he was polishing something precious.
“I failed you. If you want my life, then I will give it to you. From this moment forward, we owe each other nothing.”