Chapter 6 Forced Marriage
As soon as Lila left, Eleanor picked up the phone and called Killian.
Before he could say a word, Eleanor snapped, "Killian, I don't care who you're into or who you're seeing on the side, you need to cut it out right now. You could only marry Lila, unless I'm dead. After that, you can marry whoever you want, and I won't interfere."
Killian was taken aback, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
What had Lila told Eleanor this time?
Lila was full of lies.
Last night she tried to seduce him, and today she was complaining to Eleanor.
He had thought she was misunderstood, but it turned out she was scheming all along.
Knowing Eleanor had a soft spot for Killian, Lila had been waiting for this moment.
"Did you hear me? Don't even think about bringing any other women into the Hart family. By the way, Lila mentioned she wanted to move out. Did you say something to her? Let me tell you, Lila is carrying the Hart family heir, my great-grandchild. If you don't take good care of her, don't bother coming home."
Eleanor hung up angrily.
Killian held his phone, confused by her words.
Lila moved out?
So, Lila agreed to his terms? Had he misunderstood her earlier?
A pang of guilt hit Killian.
He knew how much Eleanor Hart liked Lila, and maybe his initial dislike for Lila had clouded his judgment.
"Mr. Hart, the money has been transferred to Miss Lila."
His assistant approached from behind, reporting to Killian.
Killian remembered the money he had given Lila to leave voluntarily.
So, money could solve everything.
Lila, what a schemer.
She wanted both the money and him. Killian had felt a moment of pity for her, but it was all an act.
Knowing Eleanor valued the child Lila was carrying, she played the victim, pretending to be homeless.
He recalled seeing Silas at Lila's place last night.
Killian's eyes grew colder.
The child in Lila's belly was a bastard, hoping to become part of the Hart family.
Eleanor might be fooled by Lila, but Killian wasn't.
If she wanted to marry him, she had to earn it.
"Find out where Lila moved to and investigate Silas."
Killian wanted to know who the father of Lila's child was. If it was his, fine. If not, Lila would face the consequences of lying to him.
Lila dragged her suitcase out of the Hart family home, not daring to return to her old place.
Silas was a madman, and Lila wanted nothing to do with him.
Seeing Silas reminded her of how her foolishness and willingness had destroyed the Voss family.
If it weren't for Silas, the Voss family wouldn't be in this mess.
If she hadn't brought Silas into the Voss family, none of this would have happened. But looking at the bustling city, Lila didn't know where to go.
Constantly hiding from Silas and enduring Killian's verbal abuse, Lila suddenly felt life was meaningless.
She looked at the sea of people and cars, her eyes void of light, and slowly walked towards the crosswalk.
Her phone rang, pulling her back to reality.
Lila stopped, took out her phone, and saw it was the hospital calling. She quickly answered.
"Miss Voss, your grandmother's condition has improved. We just need the medical fees. The hospital has already given you an extra month," the voice on the phone reminded her.
Hearing her grandmother was better, tears streamed down Lila's face.
"I know, miss. I'm almost there with the money. Thank you for your patience."
Lila's eyes were filled with joy. Her grandmother's health was the most important thing.
Hanging up, Lila realized how foolish her earlier thoughts of ending her life were.
If someone like Silas could live, she had to live longer and make him taste the bitterness of losing everything.
A text message came through, showing her bank balance. Lila smiled.
Killian might have a terrible personality, but he was generous with money.
Lila quickly paid the medical bills online, using up most of the money.
Her grandmother's condition required funds, and once she recovered, they would move somewhere remote.
Lila frowned at the remaining balance.
She needed more money.
Her overseas assets were currently inaccessible, and she couldn't reveal her identity yet.
Remembering a friend's offer for a part-time job, Lila decided to give it a try.
Just as she was about to call, Killian's number appeared on her screen.
"Be at the office in twenty minutes," Killian ordered, hanging up before she could respond.
Lila was stunned, wanting to say it was impossible to make it in time, but he didn't give her a chance.
Luckily, the Hart family estate wasn't too far from the office. Lila quickly hailed a cab.
Cars zoomed past her, ignoring her attempts to flag them down.
Growing anxious, Lila dragged her suitcase and ran forward, trying to catch a ride.
A car stopped in front of her, and she thought it was someone she knew, but the face behind the window made her sick.
"Not getting in? You seemed in a hurry." Silas taunted.
Remembering Killian's words, Lila hesitated but got in the car.
For her grandmother's medical bills, she had to endure.
Besides, Silas wouldn't dare harm her. She had leverage.
Silas wanted to collaborate with the Hart family but hadn't found a connection. Seeing her with Killian yesterday must have sparked his interest.
As long as she held onto this connection, she wasn't afraid of Silas. Lila reassured herself.
"Where to?" Silas asked as soon as she sat down.
"Hart Enterprises, in twenty minutes," Lila said, gripping the seatbelt, avoiding eye contact.
Silas's eyes flashed with malice as he grabbed her chin. "In such a hurry to see Killian? What did he offer you? Or do you think he's better than me?"
"It's just work. You know Mrs. Hart is trying to set me up with Killian, but Killian said he'd negotiate terms to break the engagement."
Her chin hurt from his grip, and she struggled to break free, not wanting his touch.
"We have nothing beyond work. Don't think everyone is as vile as you."
Lila hated Silas's methods but had no choice. She had to lie.
She had hoped Killian would help her against Silas, but last night proved he was only interested in her temporarily. His interest couldn't compete with his first love.
Killian was right; she had an agenda.
She had planned to agree to Killian's terms, but now her plans had changed.
She wanted Silas to face justice, and she was determined to marry Killian.