Chapter 63 Sixty Three.

Chapter 63 Sixty Three.
VALERIE

My heart hadn’t slowed since we left the house, not even when we reached the Castillos' estate. Lucas’s hand on my waist did nothing to calm me.

I’d walked these halls before, just never with this much at stake. The elevator opened. Lucas met my eyes, and I forced a smile.

We stopped at the black “CASTILLO” door. My fingers twitched at my dress, and Lucas’s eyes met mine.

He clasped my hands, his thumb brushing my knuckles. “Why am I nervous?”

“Because it matters,” Lucas said, tilting my chin to meet his eyes. “I’ve got you.”

“I just… what if they see through me?” I swallowed.

“Fear talking, love,” Lucas said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m here. Breathe with me.”

I inhaled, matching his rhythm, and felt steadier as I exhaled.

Lucas’s lips curved in a small, comforting smile. “Better?” he asked softly.

I nodded, trying to match his calm.

Then the doors opened.

“Oh! There they both are!!” Mrs. Castillo’s voice rang out.

We turned at the sound. The room held my parents, the Castillos, and a lawyer. All eyes were on us; I felt tiny beneath their gaze.

Mrs. Castillo glided forward, regal as ever. “My dear!” she said warmly.

Her arms wrapped around me, and my throat closed. For a fleeting moment, I wanted to cry—a lifetime of being tolerated, never embraced. She smelled of comfort and perfume.

She stepped back, hands on my shoulders, smiling as she looked me over.

“Always gorgeous, my dear.”

I forced a smile. “Thank you. You look beautiful too.”

Lucas grumbled theatrically. “So I’m replaced?”

Amused, Mrs. Castillo asked, “Since when are you insecure?”

He clutched his chest. “Deeply offensive.”

I almost laughed. Almost.

“Oh, come here, my baby,” Mrs. Castillo said, arms open.

Lucas grinned and hugged her, and for a moment, I saw something I’d never known: pure, unconditional affection.

Mr. Castillo stepped forward, nodded, dignified as ever, and softly patted my head.

I smiled politely.

Then I made the mistake of looking across the room.

My parents.

I had almost forgotten they were here.

The warmth drained from my body instantly.

They were not smiling.

They were watching.

Assessing.

Judging.

And the look on their faces made my stomach twist.

Why were they glaring at me like that?

Wasn’t this what they wanted?

Wasn’t I the sacrificial piece they pushed across the board?

My mother stood and approached with her usual polished smile.

“Oh, my sweet Vanessa darling.”

I stiffened. The name hit differently. She hugged me, her lips brushing my ear, nails pressing lightly into my back.

“I always knew you were capable,” she whispered. “But I never expected you to sink this low.”

My body went cold.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Lucas shaking hands with my father while the Castillos spoke with the lawyers.

“You’ve attached yourself quite thoroughly,” she continued softly. “It’s impressive how quickly you learned to spread your legs for security.”

My pulse stumbled.

“What?” I breathed.

“I didn’t raise a daughter like that,” she murmured. “Though I suppose desperate girls learn desperate tricks.”

My lungs went hollow. Lucas laughed softly at something my father said and glanced at me, but my father’s gaze stayed fixed—cold, full of disgust.

My mother smiled politely, as if she hadn’t just cut me open.

“Stand straight,” she murmured sweetly. “You represent us. Don’t forget who you are doing this for.”

I swallowed.

And suddenly, I understood.

They weren’t angry that I secured the deal.

They were angry that Lucas had chosen me.

Not Vanessa.

Me.

And that had never been a part of their plan.

My mother gave a sly, cruel smirk, then returned to my father as if she hadn’t just reduced me to something dirty.

A hand slid around my waist from behind, and I flinched before I could stop myself.

Lucas.

He dipped his head slightly, brows drawn together.

“Hey… you okay?”

I swallowed. My lips parted, but nothing came out at first. My throat felt scraped raw.

“Y-yes,” I managed. “I’m fine.”

He didn’t look convinced.

Before he could press further, Mrs. Castillo’s voice rang out warmly.

“Lucas, Vanessa—come. Let’s begin.”

Lucas squeezed my hand once, then led me to the mahogany table, where everyone was already seated. He pulled out my chair and sat beside me, our arms brushing.

The lawyer stood, adjusted his tailored suit, and cleared his throat.

“Good evening,” he began smoothly. “We are gathered today to formalize the strategic merger between Lawson Holdings and Castillo Enterprises.” His voice was polished. Neutral.

“This agreement,” he continued, sliding a folder forward, “stipulates that upon the lawful and recognized marriage of Mr. Lucas Castillo and Miss Vanessa Lawson, both family entities will enter a structured partnership.”

My name—Vanessa.

Printed boldly.

My stomach tightened.

“The Castillo family,” he went on, “will take a controlling stake in Lawson Infrastructure, stabilize its finances, and gain joint executive and board integration.”

Translation:

They were saving us.

And owning us.

My father gave a curt nod.

“The terms are clear.”

Mr. Castillo leaned back slightly. “Our interest has always been long-term stability. The marriage cements that.”

Marriage.

Contract.

Transaction.

My mind wasn’t even following anymore. All I could hear was my mother’s whisper.

Spread your legs for security.

How did they know?

Lucas’s hand found mine under the table.

Warm.

Steady.

His thumb brushed lightly against my skin.

“I’m right here,” he murmured low enough that only I heard.

I glanced at Lucas, and just as I opened my lips to speak, the door slid open.

The maid walked in. Every head turned.

Mrs. Castillo’s tone sharpened instantly. “Yes, Martha? This had better be important.”

Martha hesitated. But then her eyes landed on me.

She squinted.

“Um… ma’am… you’re here?”

My brows furrowed. “Of course I’m here.”

Lucas frowned. “She is. What exactly is the problem?”

Martha pointed toward the door behind her, visibly confused. “You were outside. Just now. I spoke to you.”

“I haven’t left this room,” I said quietly.

“But you were just outside seconds ago. I mean… you’re still—”

“The hell is this nonsense?” Mr. Castillo thundered.

The table went silent.

I flinched. Martha nearly jumped out of her skin.

Mr. Castillo rarely raised his voice. When he did, it meant control had slipped.

“Say whatever it is you have to say. We don’t have all day!”

She swallowed. “Sir, I swear I—”

The door behind her slid open.

My breath caught.

Lucas went completely still beside me.

The room fell into a suffocating silence.

She stepped in.

From the corner of my eye, I saw my mother’s and father’s faces drain of color. Shock. Real shock. And something worse.

Fear.

She wore perfect ivory silk, a sharp cropped blazer, and heels that clicked against the marble, announcing her presence. A designer bag hung from her wrist.

The door slid shut behind her.

She flicked invisible dust from her shoulder.

Vanessa sighed lightly. “Oh goodness. You could have announced me properly, Martha.”

Then she finally looked at us.

Her lips curved.

“Oh myyy,” she cooed. “Hi everyone.”

My thoughts went blank.

Vanessa?