Chapter 3 How Dare You Touch Her!

Three days later, Connor and Vanessa crossed paths at an auction.

He wore a sharp three-piece suit, his handsome features still noticeable despite his limp and the dark expression that shadowed his face.

Vanessa couldn't help but laugh. "Connor, it's been three days. How's your condition? Any better?"

His face turned red with anger, but he responded stiffly, "It's much better."

Vanessa's lips curled into a small smile. "I'm glad to hear that. Your previous outburst was truly terrifying."

"You!" Connor couldn't contain his fury any longer. "Vanessa, I don't know what tricks you played to manipulate my father, but no matter what, even if we marry, I will never love you. You can't force love—so just give up!"

His father even warned him that if he called off the engagement, he would lose his position as heir.

Vanessa's brows furrowed slightly as she sighed. "Do you honestly think I have feelings for you? You're far too full of yourself, and that's something you need to work on. Once we're married, you can still be with Dayna or even find someone else, but just make sure you don't father any illegitimate children. If that happens, keep them hidden. I won't interfere, but your father certainly won't let it slide."

"Vanessa, I know you are playing hard to get. Come on, your tricks won't fool me!" Connor sneered, not believing a word she said. She was desperate to marry him—how could she possibly be so generous?

She must be scheming to get his attention.

Vanessa was at a loss for words.

She suddenly realized there was no point in talking to someone so consumed by their own ego.

"Say whatever you like," she said with a faint smile, choosing not to argue with him any longer.

With that, she turned to walk away.

As Vanessa turned, Connor's eyes caught sight of a mark just behind her ear, and his face shifted in shock. "Wait!" He lunged forward, grabbing her arm. "What's that behind your ear? Tell me!"

Vanessa touched the spot behind her ear, her eyes briefly darting with unease before she looked up. "It's just a hickey; let go of me."

A hickey?

"You promiscuous woman!" he barked.

She was supposed to be marrying him, yet here she was, involved with someone else. How dare she!

In that moment, Connor's rage boiled over. "Come with me. I'm going to make sure everyone sees what you really are!"

With a sudden jerk, he tried to pull Vanessa along.

Surprised by the force, Vanessa lost her balance and almost fell.

Before she could react, a strong hand shot out, securing her waist. At the same time, Connor's grip on her was forcefully removed, and a powerful leg struck him in the chest, sending him crashing backward.

"How dare you touch her!" The voice was rich and commanding, full of authority.

Vanessa's eyes snapped upward, and her expression instantly turned cold.

The face before her was stunningly handsome, marked by a mole beneath his eye that added to his allure.

It was the same man with whom she had once shared a passionate night.