Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Harriet’s POV
I had done something similar before.
On the way to the hotel, I shared these thoughts with Damian. He listened intently but stayed quiet the entire time.
When we arrived, I rested in his arms. He looked down at me and said, “Harriet, you‘ re acting so differently now. It’s like I never really knew you. You used to seem like a carefree girl who would never grow up, but now you‘ re so… wise. Which one is the real you?”
“They’re both me,” I replied with a smile. “When I’m with you, I can be my purest self. As for what you call wise, that’s just
35% 22:15
1/7
Chapter 8
life’s lessons–things I grew up seeing and hearing. If you‘ re curious, we can live at my family‘ s old estate after we’re married. You’ll learn everything naturally.”
Damian nodded, then shook his head with a small laugh. “I’m not interested. I’ve worked so hard because the Harris family doesn’t have anyone to take charge. But now that I have you as my support, why should I keep pushing myself?”
He wasn’t wrong. With me by his side, he didn’t need to struggle anymore.
Later that evening, Vernon sent someone to pick us up.
We drove out to the countryside, where we arrived at a dogfighting arena owned by Astrid.
35% 22:15
217
Chapter 8
Calling it a “dog arena” was putting it lightly–it was a blood–stained pit for underground dog fights.
But we were here for a reason.
Apparently, Astrid, along with Damian’s parents, had gone completely mad. They had come up with the absurd idea of kidnapping me to blackmail my family for their benefit.
But before Astrid‘ s men could act,
Vernon‘ s people intercepted them. She had been brought here instead.
I sat on the viewing platform overlooking the fighting pit. Astrid had been tossed into the pit, her body covered in blood. Opposite her was a Tosa Inu, its leash barely holding it back.
Damian’s parents sat beside me, trembling
35% 22:15
3/7
Chapter 8
with fear.
I couldn’t believe their stupidity. They had actually thought kidnapping me was a viable plan.
Damian, shaking with rage, ground out through clenched teeth, “What were you even thinking? Let’s say you managed to kidnap Harriet and somehow got into Washington. Do you really think no one would come after you later?”
“Why should we be scared?” Damian’s father shot back, his jaw set stubbornly.
“Once it’s done, it’s done. By then, the Harris family will already be in the circles, and you’ll be the Armstrong family’s son- in–law. Do you really think the Armstrongs would dare make trouble for us?”
35% 22:15
4/7
Chapter 8
Damian was so furious he couldn’t even
speak.
I gently patted his hand to calm him, then turned to his father. “Uncle, you clearly don’t understand how top–tier circles operate. If you ever genuinely threaten my life, my parents won’t hesitate to act. They won’t care who I love or what I want— they’ll wipe out the entire Harris. That includes Dam. They’d see him as a potential threat, someone who might seek revenge. That’s how things work at the top.”
My words were harsh, but they were the
truth.
Damian’s father looked stunned, unable to respond.
Meanwhile, Astrid, still in the pit, screamed
35% 22:15
5/7
Chapter 8
hoarsely, “I know I was wrong! Please, give
me another chance!”
But just then, the Tosa Inu’s leash snapped, and her screams were abruptly cut off.
I didn’t let Damian watch the rest of the gruesome scene. I stood up, took his hand, and walked away.
As for Damian’s parents, they tried to leave too, but I stopped them.
Fixing them with a cold stare, I said, “Stay here and watch. Then, reflect on your wrongdoings. Until you knew what you did wrong, you’ll keep watching. There are plenty more members of the Holden family who can serve as examples.”
They needed to understand what it took to be my in–laws.
#>35% 22:15
617
Chapter 8
Six months later, Damian and I graduated.
We returned to Washington together and held the wedding of the century.
