Chapter 3

“I understand the responsibilities of a Hayes Corporation heir, but I believe managing this empire requires capability and shrewdness, not relying on my partner’s power!”

“The status I want, I’ll fight for myself. I don’t need outsiders to get it.”

A single sentence plunged the banquet into a brief, stunned silence.

Richard Hayes’s face turned a sickly shade of green, veins throbbing in his temples.

I lowered my head, rubbing my fingers, a faint smile playing on my lips.

Seraphina Hayes. She truly was ruthless and arrogant to her very core.

Too bad she’d forgotten that her father only managed to pull their company back from the brink during that crisis years ago because my family bailed them out.

That’s when Richard Hayes made a verbal agreement with my father for Seraphina and I to marry.

“Fine! Very well!”

Richard Hayes was seething. He slammed his hand on the table.

“Since you’re so capable, I’ll let you have your way. Let’s see how long you can last without our support!”

With that, he stormed off in a rage. Eleanor Hayes quickly stood up and followed him.

Seraphina extended her arm, pulling Julian into a tight embrace, and solemnly promised him.

“Don’t worry. The Hayes family’s son-in-law position will always be yours. No one can ever shake that!”

I watched the two wrapped up in their own little world, preparing to leave.

But Seraphina’s quiet voice stopped me.

“Wait.”

She pushed away Julian’s helping hand, swayed slightly, and came after me alone.

She leaned close to my ear, speaking in a voice only we could hear.

“Asher Vance, did you also come back with your memories?”

“Good, you’re smart enough not to block Julian’s path this time. If you hadn’t meddled in my past life and made me lose Julian, I wouldn’t have been so ruthless towards you. This time, as long as you stay in your place, I can spare you and the Vance family.”

“If you want to stay by my side, I’ll tell you now: I won’t give you any official title.”

I raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion.

“What are you talking about, Miss Hayes?”

“My family may not be an old dynasty, but we still have pride. Why on earth would I agree to be some kept man?”

I met her eyes directly.

I didn't want her to know too much, and I certainly didn't want the bloody hatred of my past life to bring disaster upon my family again.

I glanced down, noticing her arm was still black. I scoffed internally.

The blood debt from the past life—did she really think a few sweet words could erase it?

Seraphina Hayes clearly underestimated me.

Just wait until the poison in her right hand flares up again. She won’t even be able to save her own life.

I ignored her, letting out a dismissive laugh, and ruthlessly pushed her hand away.

“Are you out of your mind, Seraphina? You’re talking absolute nonsense.”

With that, I walked around her and quickly left.

Seraphina lunged for me, but suddenly lost her balance, stumbled, and collapsed to the floor.

Julian let out a panicked shriek.

“Seraphina!”

I calmly adjusted my cuffs, not even bothering to look back.

Heaven had granted me a new life. I would never let anyone hurt my family or me again.

The next morning, I heard the frantic shouts of the staff downstairs that someone had broken in.

Julian Thorne stormed in, his eyes blazing red, pointing at me and demanding furiously.

“Asher Vance! You’re from a distinguished family, you lack nothing! Why do you insist on stealing Seraphina from me?!”

“Don’t you know she was supposed to be mine?!”

I sat up straight, my hair still a mess.

“Are you sure you’ve got the right person? When have I ever competed with you for anything?”

“You!”

Julian bit his lower lip, tears welling up again, his voice filled with resentment.

“Then what did you two talk about yesterday? Seraphina kept shouting your name after she fainted!”

I raised an eyebrow at him, my voice flat, almost amused.

“Didn’t she tell you? She’s begging to marry me now.”