Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I smiled serenely at the panicked old man.

"Mr. Caldwell, we gave Bryce a choice, and he threw it away."

"I am the Mercer heiress. I don't need to beg any man to marry me."

"If he doesn't want me, someone far better will."

Bryce let out a massive sigh of relief.

"Bridget, I knew you'd understand!"

Before he could finish his sentence, a resounding slap echoed across the hall as his father struck him across the face.

"You idiot! Every major contract we have in the pipeline is dead now! Let's see you play the spoiled prince when you're broke!"

Daphne turned her head slightly toward my voice, a faint, smug curve on her lips.

"I truly thank you for your grace, Miss Mercer."

I had to admit, she played the fragile, unyielding white lotus to perfection.

Too bad fragile flowers never survived in high society.

This was a jungle ruled by predators.

"Save your breath," I replied coolly.

Then, under the watchful gaze of every guest, I walked toward the far corner where Wyatt Hayes sat in silence.

The Montana mining magnate looked up, visibly stunned as our eyes met.

His skin was a rugged bronze, carrying the sharp scent of raw cedar and cedarwood, as if he had just stepped off an industrial site.

I hiked up my slit gown, slid onto his lap, hooked my arms around his neck, and placed his broad hand directly on my waist.

"Kiss me," I commanded.

When he hesitated, I cupped his chiseled face and pressed my lips firmly against his.

I heard him inhale sharply before his large hand locked behind my head, deepening the kiss with fierce, possessive hunger.

He took his time before finally releasing my swollen lips.

Our foreheads rested against each other, our breaths mingling in the heat.

Wyatt's voice was deep and rough.

"What does this mean?"

Without pulling away, I spoke loud enough for the entire ballroom to hear.

"It means I like you. And I want to be with you."

In my past life, after Bryce drove me to suicide, this very man had torn the city apart to avenge me.

He had dragged Bryce straight into prison and knelt before my cold gravestone, weeping bitterly.

"I'm sorry," he had choked out. "I was too late."

Only then did I learn that the rugged boy who used to tease me mercilessly had loved me all along.

Nearby, Bryce roared in disbelief.

"Bridget Mercer! What the hell are you doing?"

I leaned back against Wyatt's chest and cast Bryce a mocking glance.

"You're allowed to fall in love at first sight, but I can't?"

"I know you're mad at me, but you don't have to grab some random brute just to spite me!" Bryce scoffed.

I let out a cold laugh.

"Spite you? You flatter yourself, Bryce. You were never worthy of my time."

Wyatt's breath hitched, his grip on my waist tightening into iron.

He grabbed my chin, pulling my face away from Bryce's direction.

"I'm taking you at your word," he growled softly.

"From this second on, you belong to me."

He lifted my left hand, his brows furrowing at the simple diamond ring Bryce had given me.

"That cheap trash is hideous. I'm getting you something real."