Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Seraphine's POV

I didn't say anything more to Upton. I turned and walked out.

"Swear you won't hurt my daughter! Do you hear me? Swear it!"

His crazed voice echoed behind me.

I still didn't respond, walking quietly outside, my mind blank.

Now everything was clear.

My grandfather and my current father—they were both the masterminds behind the Stewart family's ruin.

How would Octavius react when he found out?

It seemed I'd been right to return the engagement ring. Even if I hadn't, could Octavius possibly stay by my side after hearing something like this?

No. Absolutely not.

I tried desperately to calm myself, but I couldn't.

Things had come this far. Octavius and I had only one road left—to break apart completely.

After saving the recording, I drove straight to the Capulet Group.

Octavius was sitting in his office. When he saw me arrive, he stood.

"You—"

"I've gotten the answer I needed." I played the recording for him. "This is the whole truth."

After setting down the recorder, I turned away, unable to face him. "I'm going to the restroom."

But Octavius stopped me. "Wait. Don't you want to know how I'll react after hearing all this?"

I stopped and turned around. "The recording proves my father's guilt. Do you want me to stay here just to watch your reaction?"

Octavius froze, as if he hadn't expected me to be so blunt.

He frowned and pressed play on the recorder.

Upton's voice slowly recounted the truth from all those years ago. I watched Octavius's expression shift—anger, heartbreak, hatred, and an indescribable sadness.

I'd expected this reaction, but seeing it firsthand still hurt.

Between Octavius and me—whether it was my past life, where he chased after me and died with me in the flames, or this life, where we cared for each other but were trapped by our families' hatred—no matter what, I couldn't escape the curse that we were destined to part.

I had no ability to make our relationship any smoother.

"Octavius, you need to calm down. I won't say anything more. Take your time."

I turned to leave.

Octavius stopped me for the second time. "Wait."

I looked back, confused. "What else?"

"Of course there's something." Octavius walked toward me step by step. "I told you—no matter who that person is, I'll get my revenge. But even if the culprit is your father, I will never target you. I won't hurt you."

"Are you going to take the Whitaker Group?" I smiled at him. "You don't have to consider my feelings. Just tell me the truth. I just want to know so I can prepare myself."

Octavius was silent for a long time before finally speaking. "That company was built on the lives of my grandfather and my mother. Punishing Upton alone isn't enough. I won't stand by and watch the Stewart family fall while the Whitaker Group rises. I'll make the Whitaker Group disappear from this world."

"Fine. I understand." His answer didn't surprise me. "Then go ahead. Like you said, that company belongs to me, but it also belongs to the Stewart family. If you take it, I won't be angry. You really don't have to care about what I think."

Suddenly, everything became clear.

"Also, if Orion tries anything, I'll protect you." Octavius reached out and ruffled my hair, his warm palm carrying a particular sense of comfort. "Don't worry. If anything happens, come to me. I'll help you."

His eyes held tenderness and affection, as if our relationship was still strong, without any problems.

I didn't understand why Octavius had this attitude.

From his perspective, wasn't I a terrible person?

I was the pampered heiress of the Whitaker family, which had risen by crushing the Stewart family. I'd enjoyed those privileges my whole life.

Amara had tried to destroy me by turning me into a brainless heiress who knew nothing but indulgence.

I'd enjoyed all of that for years, and Octavius knew it.

You could say I'd only lived that life because the Whitaker family had plundered the Stewart family's wealth.

So why didn't Octavius seem angry at me at all? Why was he still trying to protect me?

I slowly clenched my fists. "Honestly, Octavius, I still don't understand what you're thinking. If you want revenge, letting Orion go after us and then taking back the Whitaker Group yourself—wouldn't that be better?"

Octavius's expression shifted slightly. "You think everything I'm doing is still for revenge?"

I smiled faintly, essentially agreeing.

"When will you finally understand my heart? My feelings for you are real—not just manipulation. What Quinlan sent you wasn't what I truly meant." Octavius grabbed my hand, his gaze focused. "Those words don't reflect what's in my heart. Yes, I took Quinlan's advice and proposed when you needed me, but I genuinely want to be with you."

His tone was unbearably sincere. He pulled out the engagement ring again and lifted my hand.

I tried to pull away, but Octavius gripped my wrist tightly, refusing to let go.

He forced the ring onto my finger.

"No matter what I do to the Whitaker Group in the future, you'll always be my fiancée. You're the one I've chosen for life."

I looked up at him in shock, frowning in confusion. "Octavius, have you lost your mind? I'm your enemy's daughter. How can you..."

"You're not blood-related to him! In my eyes, you don't belong to the Whitaker family. Even if you see him as your real father, I see you two as completely different." Octavius was stubborn, holding my hand tightly. "I will never hurt you. I mean it. Does that prove my sincerity?"

I panicked completely, unable to bear the burning intensity of Octavius's gaze. I yanked my hand back. "You're insane!"

I turned and ran. But the moment I pulled open the office door, I came face-to-face with Quinlan.

Her face was dark. She stood in the doorway, glaring at me. "Why are you here?"

She asked coldly, "What did you say to Octavius?"

I found it laughable. "This has nothing to do with you. Do I need to explain myself to you?"

Quinlan grew frantic. "Stop coming to see Octavius! You're enemies!"

"Quinlan, say one more word and I'll have the security throw you out."

Octavius's threatening voice came from behind me.

I didn't bother with either of them. I pushed past Quinlan and left, pulling off the ring and tossing it back to Octavius.

"Give it to someone more suitable."