Lindsay Windson took a deep breath, ignoring Emily’s scornful glare. She turned to the Wind family’s butler and asked, “Where’s my grandfather?”
The butler replied, “The master is in the backyard.”
Lindsay nodded and instructed, “I’m going to see him. Please arrange a guest room for my friend.”
“Yes, Miss.” The butler bowed and then escorted Chris to his room. Meanwhile, Lindsay headed to the backyard alone.
Watching Lindsay walk away, completely disregarding her presence, Emily clenched her fists in anger. Grinding her teeth, she spat, “That wretched woman! I know she’s back for the Wind family’s wealth! If she thinks she can take what’s mine, she’s dreaming! I’ll never let her succeed!”
The Wind family backyard was a serene haven filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The air was fresh and calm.
“Grandfather!” Lindsay called out as she entered the peaceful garden.
Sitting on a rattan chair amidst the blooming garden was an elderly man whose pale complexion betrayed his frailty. This man was none other than Grigor Wind, the current head of the Wind family and Lindsay’s beloved grandfather.
Grigor’s face lit up with a kind smile as he saw Lindsay approach. “Lindsay, you’ve finally come to see me,” he said warmly.
Tears welled up in Lindsay’s eyes as she rushed over, clutching his hand tightly. “Grandfather, I’m so sorry. I haven’t visited you in so long. The reason I left the Wind family back then was that I didn’t want to be involved in the family’s scheming. I didn’t want to make things difficult for you.”
Grigor sighed deeply, his expression tinged with sorrow. “Lindsay, I understand your intentions. But your parents’ deaths… I bear some of the responsibility. I failed to protect them.”
Lindsay shook her head vehemently, tears streaming down her face. “Grandfather, please don’t bring up the past anymore. What matters now is your health. You must take care of yourself and not let your illness worsen.”
Grigor’s expression grew serious as he gently patted her hand. “Lindsay, the reason I asked you to come back this time is that there’s something important I need to discuss with you. You’ve already called off your engagement with Eagle Noire. Now, the Hunter family, one of the four major salt merchant families, has proposed marriage. They want you to marry Sean Hunter.”
“What?” Lindsay’s face turned pale, her shock evident, as she stared at her grandfather.
Grigor looked at her helplessly. “Lindsay, I’m not being cruel. The Wind family has been in decline for years, while the Hunter family stands as the strongest among the four salt merchant families. If you marry Sean Hunter, it will greatly strengthen the Wind family’s position.”
Lindsay’s expression darkened. She knew exactly who Sean Hunter was-a spoiled playboy who wasted his days chasing women and indulging in debauchery. He had no redeeming qualities. Marrying him would mean ruining her entire life.
Yet, seeing her grandfather’s frail state, Lindsay couldn’t bring herself to refuse outright. With a heavy heart, she left the garden, her mood gloomy and conflicted.
The next day, Lindsay received an invitation to a banquet. The event would gather all the young elites of Riverton. Initially, she was reluctant to attend, but her grandfather insisted.
“Lindsay,” Grigor had said, “if you’re to inherit the Wind family someday, you must build good relationships with these people. This banquet is an excellent opportunity to do so.”
Reluctantly, Lindsay agreed. Before heading to the banquet, she found Chris.
“Mr. Shelby, there’s a banquet tonight. All the influential young people in Riverton will be there. Will you accompany me?”
“A banquet?” Chris rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “That sounds like a good chance to learn more about the four salt merchant families. Sure, I’ll go.”
That evening, they arrived at the private establishment hosting the banquet, known as the Fireworks Club.
As soon as they stepped inside, Chris scanned the room. His gaze quickly landed on a familiar face-Sean Hunter.
The last time Chris encountered Sean Hunter, it was at a restaurant on the East Coast. After a heated confrontation, Chris had beaten him to a pulp.
Now, Sean was surrounded by a group of people, basking in their attention. His smug demeanor vanished the moment his eyes fell on Lindsay.
Sean’s eyes lit up as he walked toward her. “Lindsay! What a pleasant surprise! You’re looking even more beautiful than before. I heard you’ve been called the number one beauty in Amerosia, and now I see it’s no exaggeration!”
Sean’s infatuation with Lindsay was no secret. He had even begged his father to propose an alliance with the Wind family.
In Sean’s mind, Lindsay was already his. Marrying her would not only satisfy his desires but also benefit the Wind family, which had been struggling in recent years.
However, Lindsay merely glanced at him indifferently and turned away, refusing to engage.
Sean’s smile faltered. His mood soured further when he noticed Chris standing nearby.
“Chris? What are you doing here?” Sean’s voice was laced with hostility as he glared at him.
Chris took a sip of his drink, his tone dismissive. “What I’m doing here is none of your business.”
Sean sneered, his face twisting with anger. “Chris, I haven’t forgotten what you did to me on the East Coast. You’re really something, daring to show your face in Riverton. You must have a death wish! Since you’ve come here, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
Turning to Lindsay, Sean’s expression darkened. “Lindsay, you’re my fiancee now. How dare you associate with another man? Do you have no respect for me?”
Lindsay’s anger flared. “Sean Hunter, stop spouting nonsense. I’m not your fiancee!”
Chris chuckled mockingly. “Sean Hunter, you’re delusional. Do you really think someone like you deserves to marry Lindsay? You’re dreaming.”
Sean’s face turned beet red with fury. “Chris, how dare you insult me! This is Riverton, not the East Coast. Hunter family rules here. You’ve offended me, and I’ll make sure you don’t leave this city alive!”