No More Waiting, She Chooses Love



Lord leaned in, his gaze landing on my face before breaking into a smile.

I didn't know what amused him, but I kept staring, determined to get an answer, my eyes practically declaring I wouldn't rest until I got one.

Finally, as his laughter subsided, he said, "Well, let me enlighten you before your curtain call. It's because he blocked someone's path to wealth." Instantly, my mind raced to the contract he was about to sign.

"Blocked someone's path to wealth, but not yours. So, why target my parents?" I pressed, puzzled anew.

Lord chuckled, "My dear girl, have you forgotten what I do for a living? What built my empire?"

I realized then, it was about money.

"Who was it?" I demanded urgently.

Lord didn't answer directly but instead posed a question, "Who do you think it could be?"

The death of my parents circled back to that contract, which ultimately ended up in Herschel's hands, so... it was him.

I had my suspicions before, but Lord had dismissed them, even claiming Herschel had earmarked the profits from that deal for me.

Now, with his hints, I was thoroughly confused.

"Mr. Clark, has your memory faded with age? It was you who told me..." My voice trailed off, losing confidence.

Because he kept smiling, a smile that reminded me of his earlier words about being paid to solve problems for others. Lying or spinning tales was nothing to him.

I didn't want to believe it, but Lord's hints were unmistakable.

"So, am I here because you've been paid to deal with me?" I asked.

Lord chuckled softly, "I knew you were sharp..."

His compliment struck me like a thunderbolt, and I shook my head, "I don't believe it, you must be lying."

"Why would I bother lying when I'm about to reunite you with your parents?" Lord motioned for a cigar, which was promptly handed to him.

Drawing in a puff, he blew out a smoke ring, "Given that you've caught my eye, and I don't entirely dislike you, let me spell it out for you."

"Your parents had it rough when

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they first came to Seabreeze City, struggling to make ends meet, hardly having time for you, which to your frequent illnesses. Coincidentally, the Wagner fami second son, the rascal almost engaged to you, Conrad, ended up in the same hospital room due to a mischief-related injury."

"You and Conrad were about the same age, and he, being outgoing and talkative, naturally sought you out. That brought your parents

closer to his, and once Hersch

learned of your blood type, he hatched the idea of betrothing you to Conrad. That way, you'd always be at his side, ready to donate blood whenever he needed."

Hearing this, my blood ran cold.

So, it all boiled down to my blood.

"After Herschel became friends with your parents he realized your father was quite the brain, often

succeeding where he failed.

Herschel began leveraging your

father's acumen for business deals, eventually inviting him to co-found a company. But your dad wanted to go solo.

"Your dad came to me about a contract. I had just agreed in principle when someone else approached me, asking me to take out two people. At that time, I didn't know those two were your parents, not until the contract discussed with your dad ended up in Herschel's hands.

"Herschel detailed your parents' situation, even suggesting leaving you, an orphan. Guilt-ridden, I agreed to collaborate. Herschel even proposed setting up a dedicated account, depositing all earnings from the project for you."

Chilled to the bone, I asked, "How did you later find out Herschel was behind the hit?"

"Think I'm a fool? The more I worked with Herschel, the more things didn't add up. I had my people dig around and discovered he was the client. That's how I got leverage on him, ensuring he spent the next decade laundering my company."

"You must have dirt on him; why else would you follow his orders to target me now?" I challenged Lord's narrative.