Chapter 849
Chapter 848:
Wanda’s worth to the Craig family had nothing to do with affection and everything to do with her position as a Campbell, a status that promised them advantages. Without that title, without the benefits she brought, they would discard her in a heartbeat. Both Wanda and Trinity served as nothing more than pieces in the Craig family’s long game for power and wealth. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ͟.net
A piece without value was simply discarded, and Wanda understood that fact well. In her mind, Eva was the one person she could truly hold on to. As long as Eva’s position in the Campbell family stayed secure, her own safety was assured. If that strength crumbled, her place in the Craig family would be gone forever.
When Wanda looked into Eva’s defeated face, she couldn’t ignore the warning in it—Eva’s hold in the Campbell family was slipping. Arthur would soon deal with both past and present grudges, and Cole would not come to their aid.
Their position was dangerous.
“Just tell me what you want me to do, Mom,” Wanda said at last.
Eva lifted her hand and gently brushed it across Wanda’s face, her voice calm but filled with sadness. “I’ll pair you up with a man of real power. If the Campbell family casts us aside, he’ll make sure we’re protected. Will you agree to it?”
Wanda’s gaze lingered on her mother, hesitation clouding her answer. Who exactly was this so-called powerful man? Would he be someone young and appealing, or an older man she could…
Barely stand to look at? Maybe he was strong enough to shield them, yet what if he carried an odd illness or troubling habits? Should she offer herself, could she still lead a good life? Could her dream of a bright and prosperous future still come true?
“No need to be scared, Wanda,” Eva said. “I raised you myself. We may share no blood, but I see you as my own daughter. You are my only child. No way would I put you in harm’s way or choose a sickly old man for you.”
Biting her lip, Wanda stayed uncertain about saying yes. Inside, thoughts churned as she longed to grasp a rare chance to change her fate, yet she feared one wrong step would ruin everything.
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Reading Wanda’s expression, Eva added, “In both looks and ability, this man can stand beside Milton and Cole. He’s already taken a liking to you, and if you agree to be with him, you will not be mistreated. Only one catch remains. He cannot marry you. That would mean becoming his mistress.”
Life as a mistress was nothing like the shine of marrying Cole and taking her place as the Evans family’s lady. Acceptance did not come easily to Wanda. Not long ago, she had stood near the life she wanted. Now those plans lay in pieces, and people expected her to bow her head to get by. Reluctance settled over her. Frustration pushed her to bite her lip until it nearly bled.
Seeing the strain, Eva sighed. “You are my daughter. I will not force you. When you make up your mind, tell me. Go now.”
Even then, Wanda did not move toward the door. With timid eyes, she glanced at Eva, worried she had angered her. She dreaded Eva’s wrath. Years back, Eva had single-handedly made Paul force Arthur to recognize her as the Campbell family’s lady, which showed how formidable she was. Without the Evans family’s backing, Eva still held skills and likely quiet connections. For Wanda, losing Eva would mean the loss of her strongest ally.
“Mom,” Wanda said, wanting to soothe her. Yet she feared saying the wrong words, agreeing to what she should not, and leaving herself no way out. Thus, she opened her mouth but hesitated repeatedly.
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