Chapter 2

Eleanor Hayes hadn’t even had a chance to mask her disappointment when suddenly, a gut-wrenching cry echoed through the hall.

Silence fell instantly. No one dared to utter a sound.

A rush of hurried footsteps came from the entrance, and several bodyguards carried Seraphina Hayes inside.

Her eyes were tightly shut, and half of her arm was a sickening blackish-purple. It was a gruesome sight.

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

Richard Hayes’s face was terrifyingly grim.

“Why do I even bother keeping you useless fools around?! I told you to protect her closely! How could you let Miss Hayes get bitten by a venomous snake?!”

The bodyguards hung their heads low, sweat trickling down their temples, but not a single one dared to speak up.

Just then, Julian Thorne was practically shoved to the front.

“It’s not their fault… Seraphina said she didn’t like too many people following her.”

A doctor rushed forward, quickly examining Seraphina’s injury.

Seraphina’s body suddenly trembled violently. Finally, her eyes slowly fluttered open.

“It’s Julian,” she whispered, her voice weak. “He risked everything to bring me the antidote. If it weren’t for him, I’d probably be dead already.”

The doctor quietly added, “Indeed. If not for the uniquely potent antidote Mr. Thorne brought, the consequences would have been unthinkable.”

Hearing this, Richard Hayes’s expression finally softened a little. His gaze turned to Julian.

“You saved Seraphina’s life. You are a great benefactor to the Hayes family. Tell me, what do you want? As long as it’s within my power, I won’t refuse.”

A flicker of light crossed Julian’s eyes.

He stole a quick glance at Seraphina, his lips parted, but he couldn't find the words.

Seraphina’s expression darkened. She suddenly reached out and took his hand in hers.

“Father, Julian is too shy to speak. I’ll speak for him.”

Her voice was unwavering.

“I want to marry him. I don’t care what anyone outside says. He saved my life, and I want to repay him with my entire future.”

The atmosphere in the hall abruptly froze. Everyone gasped.

Julian Thorne was merely the son of the Hayes family’s housekeeper. Although he had grown up with Seraphina, his background was simply too humble. The idea of him becoming their future son-in-law had never even crossed Richard and Eleanor Hayes’s minds.

Richard Hayes frowned, a clear look of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

Eleanor Hayes, standing beside him, suddenly spoke, her voice chilling.

“You want to marry a housekeeper’s son? Do you want everyone to laugh at the Hayes family?”

“You are the future heir of the Hayes Corporation. Don’t you understand the stakes involved?”

Seraphina turned her head to look at Julian, who stood beside her.

She made up her mind and slowly spoke.