Chapter 2 Threat

"Marry me. That's the price you pay for driving Sophia away!" Alexander stepped closer, his eyes blazing.

Charlotte froze. Marriage? To Alexander?

"I know your brother Michael's venture capital firm is about to go public. If you don't want him to go bankrupt, you better think carefully."

"Alexander, have you lost your mind? Your fiancée running away has nothing to do with me. Why are you doing this?" Charlotte's eyes reddened with anger, and she lashed out.

"I'll count to three, and you'll face the consequences."

"With your self-centered attitude, it's no wonder Sophia bailed. If I were her, I'd run too..."

"One." He remained unmoved, calmly counting.

"I can't believe you're this kind of person. You think having some money makes you special? No wonder you got dumped..."

"Two."

"You..."

"Three."

"Fine, I agree," she blurted out almost simultaneously.

Charlotte had heard her brother Michael mention Alexander a few times. Alexander was indeed resourceful. If Michael's company was short on funds and their dad made a foolish decision... No, for safety's sake, she had to agree.

"I knew Ms. Harris was a smart woman." Alexander sneered, pushing her toward the dressing room.

"Make her look stunning. She's the bride today," Alexander said coldly to Lisa.

"Her?" Lisa was shocked, and the other staff members were equally stunned.

Did they hear that right? Alexander was marrying this girl, and she was the planner of this lavish wedding.

"What are you standing around for? You know how much time is left," Alexander's sharp gaze sent everyone into a flurry of activity.

"Change everything that has Sophia's name to Charlotte's. Send out the invitations immediately..."

"What about the Taylor family?" John, the assistant, asked cautiously.

"My dad's handling it. Just make sure everything here is in order."

"Yes, sir."

Alexander walked away, leaving behind a tall, cold silhouette.

Charlotte, still in a daze, transitioned from a girl to a bride. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, her mind remained blank until Alexander's father, Henry, called her name.

Once everyone else had left, Henry spoke slowly, "Having you marry under these circumstances is unfair to you. But we, the Wilson family, won't mistreat you."

"With your son threatening me like that, do I have a choice?" Charlotte smiled bitterly, no longer feeling the admiration she once had for this once-powerful figure.

Henry, dressed in a black suit, looked resigned, a hint of a sorrowful smile on his stern face.

"Once you marry into the Wilson family, we'll take care of your family as best we can."

Charlotte paused, then smiled slightly. "Thank you."

"We should be thanking you. Without you, we wouldn't know how to handle this."

"What about my parents? Did you notify them?" Charlotte's voice trembled, her heart aching at the thought of her parents.

Henry looked apologetic. "We couldn't reach them by phone, but I sent someone to River City. They won't make it to the wedding."

Charlotte's disappointment was evident, but there was nothing to be done. The Wilson family was at fault, but Henry couldn't let Alexander become a laughingstock.

Fortunately, Charlotte was beautiful and of good character. This outcome was the best they could hope for.

On a wedding day, the bride is always the most beautiful, and despite the whispers, Charlotte's appearance still wowed the crowd.

Alexander frowned, surprised by how stunning Charlotte looked. She had a figure that was anything but plain, proving that there really were no ugly women, only lazy ones.

Charlotte, already pretty, now looked even more enchanting. The white V-neck strapless wedding dress accentuated her curves perfectly. The deep V-neck showed a tantalizing glimpse of cleavage, and a delicate diamond necklace adorned her slender neck. Her long arms, elegant collarbone, and perfectly symmetrical face with bright eyes, pink lips, and flawless skin drew everyone's gaze.

"No wonder she managed to marry Alexander. With looks like that, what man wouldn't be tempted?"

A voice whispered nearby, causing Charlotte to stumble. Henry caught her just in time to prevent a scene.

Her eyes welled up. A homewrecker?

Of course, the Wilson family wouldn't admit the bride ran away. To outsiders, the Taylors and Wilsons were naturally a match made in heaven. What else could she be but a homewrecker?

To them, she was the interloper who ousted Sophia and married Alexander, transforming from a homewrecker to Mrs. Wilson.

"Being pretty won't help. Without a background, she'll be discarded eventually. Not everyone can marry into a wealthy family."

"Who knows how she managed to snag Mr. Wilson? There's never been any gossip about him having other women."

"That's the skill of a homewrecker—doing whatever it takes."

"Poor Sophia must be heartbroken."

The murmurs grew louder, drowning out the cheerful wedding march.

Alexander, in a white tailcoat, walked over and took her trembling hand. His long fingers wrapped around hers, and he suddenly felt a pang of sympathy.