Chapter 297

Victor Blackwood's ruthless nature was no secret to Richard Winslow. He had witnessed firsthand how Victor systematically destroyed Liam Blackwood's defenses.

If even Liam, with all his wealth and cunning, had fallen to Victor's schemes, what chance did Richard stand?

A toxic cocktail of regret and fury churned within Richard as he realized he'd foolishly invited a viper into his life - one that now controlled his destiny.

Though Richard gave a reluctant nod, Victor remained suspicious. He knew desperate men often made unpredictable moves.

With clinical precision, Victor produced a pre-prepared contract and laid it before Richard like a death warrant.

As Richard scanned the document, despair clawed at his throat. The terms were ironclad - catastrophic financial penalties and immediate legal action awaited any betrayal.

Most devastatingly, the contract stripped Richard of all authority within Blackwood Enterprises, reducing him to a mere puppet dancing on Victor's strings. His survival now depended entirely on Victor's whims.

Every instinct screamed for Richard to resist, but reality offered no escape.

His hand shook violently as he signed the contract, each stroke of the pen sealing his humiliation.

Victor turned to Catherine Winslow, who'd managed a fragile smile until now. "Richard remains the Winslow family heir, and you his devoted wife. Life continues as normal."

Catherine's smile shattered under Victor's cold gaze. She felt Richard's venomous stare and mustered her courage. "May I leave with our daughter? I swear I won't speak of this or flee. I just...can't stay with him anymore."

Victor's refusal was immediate. "Absolutely not. What would society say if you abandoned your 'ill' husband? The contract states Richard merely requires my assistance during his...convalescence. Your departure would raise uncomfortable questions."

He continued with false sympathy, "Besides, I'm certain this experience will teach Richard to appreciate you more. You'll learn to coexist peacefully."

Catherine's eyes burned with silent fury. She knew Victor's concern was a sham - this was punishment for rejecting his advances.

For all his power, Victor remained a scarred bastard son, pitied by polite society.

Only women like Miranda Graves mistook his manipulations for affection.

Victor didn't crave love - he fed on domination and control.