Chapter 2

Mrs. Blackwood hadn't even had time to hide her disappointment when suddenly, a heart-wrenching shout echoed through the hall.

Everyone fell silent instantly, not daring to make a sound.

A flurry of urgent footsteps approached from outside the door. Several bodyguards worked together to carry Damien Blackwood in.

His eyes were tightly shut, half his arm a horrifying black-purple. It was a ghastly sight.

The grand hall erupted into chaos. Many people shrieked, backing away.

Mr. Blackwood's face was a dark storm cloud, truly terrifying.

"What good are you useless bodyguards?! I told you to protect him closely! How could you let the Young Master get bitten by a venomous snake?!"

The bodyguards hung their heads, sweat dripping down their temples, but not one dared to talk back.

Just then, Willow Hayes was pushed to the front.

"It wasn't their fault... Damien always said he didn't like too many people following him."

A doctor rushed forward, quickly examining Damien Blackwood's injury.

Damien's body suddenly trembled violently, and he slowly opened his eyes.

"It's Willow. She risked her life to bring me the antidote. If it weren't for her, I'd probably be dead already."

The doctor beside him quietly added, "Indeed. If it weren't for the unique effectiveness of Miss Hayes's antidote, the consequences would have been unthinkable."

Hearing the doctor's words, Mr. Blackwood's expression finally softened slightly, his gaze shifting to Willow.

"You saved Damien's life. You are a great benefactor to the Blackwood family. Tell me, what do you want? As long as it's within my power, I won't refuse."

Willow's eyes flickered with a faint light.

She stole a glance at Damien, her lips moving, but she couldn't seem to utter a single word.

Damien's expression was grim. Suddenly, he reached out and took her hand in his.

"Dad, Willow is too shy to speak. I'll speak for her."

His voice was firmer than ever before.

"I'm going to marry Willow. I don't care what anyone says outside. She saved my life, and I want to spend my life repaying her."

The atmosphere in the hall abruptly froze. Everyone gasped.

Willow was just the daughter of the Blackwoods' housekeeper. Though she and Damien had grown up together, her background was simply not respectable enough. The Blackwood family had never once considered her as a future daughter-in-law.

Mr. Blackwood frowned, a clear look of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

Mrs. Blackwood suddenly spoke, her voice chilling.

"You want to marry a housekeeper's daughter? Do you want everyone to laugh at the Blackwood family?"

"You are the future heir of the Blackwood empire. Are you truly unaware of the stakes involved?"

Damien turned his head to look at Willow, who stood beside him.

He made up his mind and slowly spoke.