Chapter 13 Chapter 13
Evan Hart and Aunt Maggie exchanged a worried glance the moment Xu Xinya descended the stairs.
“Lulu, are you alright?” Aunt Maggie’s soft voice floated toward her, warm and comforting.
“I’m alright.” Xu Xinya attempted a smile, though it never reached her eyes.
Evan’s heart ached at the sight of her. His little cousin had grown so thin and fragile. He feared she would never forgive him for agreeing to the arrangement without her consent or knowledge.
After hesitating, he finally spoke the words he’d been trying to say for a year.
“Lulu, I…”
But she interrupted.
“Cousin, I don’t blame you for what happened. It wasn’t your fault. Once Uncle was gone, you were the head of the family—you had to think about everyone. If I were in your place, I would have made the same decision.”
Her tone was calm, almost numb. Her eyes were hollow, devoid of her usual spark and mischievous charm.
Evan fell silent. Somehow, her lack of blame made him feel even guiltier.
Xu Xinya glanced at him quietly. She understood now—he had been drowning in guilt, which was why he had avoided facing her. During the days she locked herself away, she had thought everything through.
“Lulu, you don’t need to worry. He won’t hurt you,” Evan said, though even he seemed unsure. “I only agreed after he assured me you wouldn’t be mistreated.”
Xu Xinya gave a bitter smile.
Not mistreat her?
He had no idea this entire situation began because she slapped him. That the very purpose of the arrangement was to punish her.
Yet she told him nothing.
If her family learned the truth, they would try to fight for her—and destroy themselves in the process. The Xu family business had collapsed last year for reasons that now seemed painfully clear.
Damian Blackwell.
Given his power, causing a business collapse was no more effort than flicking a finger.
And since all of it began because of her mistake, how could she complain?
“Cousin, don’t worry,” she said gently. Then, turning to Aunt Maggie with a small smile: “Auntie, I’ve barely eaten in days. Will you make something nice for your favorite niece?”
“Of course, sweetheart!” Aunt Maggie’s eyes lit with relief, and she rushed to the kitchen.
That was her girl—brave, understanding, responsible.
Evan hesitated before asking quietly, “Lulu… did you know Mr. Blackwell before all this? He specifically asked for you, and he knew your name, age, everything. Men in his circle don’t bother with people like us. How did he even know you?”
Xu Xinya lowered her gaze.
“Yes…I spoke with him once. At a club.”
“Just talked? Nothing else?” Evan pressed.
She nodded silently.
She could never tell him what really happened.
If the truth came out, her family would fight to free her—and be destroyed. If she didn’t move into Damian Blackwell’s mansion by the end of the month, the consequences would obliterate the Xu family.
And since the disaster began with her own mistake… the burden was hers to bear alone.
Evan studied her expression, sensing she wasn’t telling him everything. But he didn’t push her. She was already struggling under the weight of a future she didn’t want—and he couldn’t bear to worsen it.
There were consequences she could no longer escape.