Chapter 25 – Annulling the Engagement
Emily’s chest rose and fell rapidly.
Her breathing was erratic, her emotions chaotic.
How dare Nathan speak to her like that?
—
Years ago, Nathan’s father had vanished.
At the time, the Carter Group had been thrown into crisis.
Nathan had been just a child—still in elementary school.
His father had singlehandedly managed the company. But with him gone, distant relatives saw an opportunity to seize power.
Greedy. Ruthless.
Like wolves circling a wounded beast.
Emily had fought to hold onto control, relying on the support of the elders.
—
By the time Nathan reached high school, he had already begun preparing to take over.
By college, he had solidified his position.
And after graduation?
He had transformed Carter Group into an empire.
A global powerhouse.
Emily had lost her husband early on.
And her hatred had never faded.
She blamed Olivia’s parents for everything.
And that hatred had extended to Olivia herself.
—
Nathan’s gaze was sharp.
“Olivia’s parents caused Father to disappear,” he said icily. “And you’ve been punishing Olivia for over a decade because of it.”
His voice deepened.
“I followed your orders. I drove her out of the Carter family. But now—you won’t even spare her child?“
He clenched his jaw.
“Not to mention… he might be my son.”
—
Emily’s face twisted with anger.
“He’s not your son!” she snapped. “The DNA results prove it!”
Her voice trembled with resentment.
“That child is a criminal—just like Olivia!”
She inhaled sharply, then continued.
“I know you sent her away back then to protect her. But enough is enough, Nathan! You should be focusing on your engagement, not this worthless woman!”
Her gaze hardened.
“Emma is the only one worth protecting. If you want children, have them with her!”
—
Nathan’s expression turned frigid.
“You’ve lost all common sense.”
Emily froze.
“I always knew you resented Olivia. But I never thought you’d be so cruel—to an innocent child.”
His eyes darkened.
“This engagement was your decision—not mine. I never agreed to it.”
Emily’s heart skipped a beat.
“Hence—I won’t acknowledge it.“
His words struck like a blade.
Emily’s hands trembled.
—
“You owe Liam an apology.”
Nathan’s voice was icy and firm.
“The next time you see him—you will apologize.“
Then, without another word—
He turned to leave.
—
Emily panicked.
“You can’t do this!” she shrieked.
Her voice echoed in the room.
“Only Emma Patel can be your fiancée! She will be Mrs. Carter!”
Her voice rose hysterically.
“Don’t even think about anyone else!”
But Nathan?
He was already gone.
—
Outside the Test Center
Nathan’s expression remained stormy as he stepped into his car.
The moment Ethan got into the driver’s seat, he felt the icy atmosphere.
He gulped.
“M-Mr. Carter, where to next?”
Nathan’s gaze was cold and calculating.
“Just wait.”
Ethan was confused.
What was he waiting for?
But soon—
Emily exited the test center.
Nathan’s gaze sharpened.
As soon as she was gone—
Nathan got out.
And walked straight back in.
—
Dr. Ricker’s Office
Dr. Ricker stiffened when he saw Nathan.
His hands clenched the desk.
His forehead glistened with sweat.
“M-Mr. Carter… Why are you back?”
Nathan sat down leisurely, crossing his legs.
But his presence was anything but relaxed.
“Is the DNA test real—or fake?”
—
Dr. Ricker’s stomach dropped.
He broke out into a cold sweat.
“O-Of course, it’s real! Why do you ask, Mr. Carter?”
—
Nathan’s gaze darkened.
The temperature in the room plummeted.
“Do you understand the legal consequences of falsifying a paternity test?”
Dr. Ricker’s face paled.
Nathan’s voice was low and deadly.
“I could easily have the DNA retested at another lab. What do you think would happen then?”
—
Dr. Ricker’s breath hitched.
He knew.
Nathan was dangerous when crossed.
He wouldn’t stop until he found the truth.
—
Ethan spoke up.
“Dr. Ricker, we’re all smart men here.”
His tone was polite—but the warning was clear.
“You know Mr. Carter is the one in charge. Not anyone else.“
Dr. Ricker froze.
His pulse pounded.
He had no way out.
He couldn’t afford to make the wrong choice.
Not anymore.
