I Married My Archenemy to Burn Them All Down

Kingsley snapped back to the present, but before he could let his anger loose, Elsie was already backing away. “Mr. Reynolds, the elevator’s reached the ground floor. I’m assuming you don’t want anyone seeing us tangled up like this.”

“And if anyone gets the wrong idea because of you, that’s on you,” she added with such innocent sweetness, as if she were the one being taken advantage of.

Kingsley’s outstretched hand hung in the air, frozen for what felt like an eternity. Frustration flushed his face—first pale, then red. He was astounded to realize how thoroughly this woman had disarmed him.

Ding! The elevator doors slid open, and Elsie stepped out with her head high. It took Kingsley a beat to pull himself together and follow, his expression cool and detached once more, as if nothing had happened between them.

Outside the office building, Elsie slipped into a quiet corner. Her legs finally gave out under the tension, leaving her unsteady. She braced herself against the wall and dragged in deep breaths until her pulse settled.

Whispering to the memory of her father, she vowed, “Dad, don’t worry. I’ll clear your name. I’ll make sure justice is served.”

“Ms. Gomez.” Jaxton approached, respectful yet curious.

Elsie nodded. “Yes, Mr. Schmidt. What is it?”

Jaxton paused, momentarily thrown by the contrast between her polite composure now and the fire she’d just shown. “Mr. Reynolds is waiting for you. Titus Reynolds has invited you both to the family estate.”

“Understood,” Elsie replied, following Jaxton to the waiting car. She’d already expected Titus would want to meet his new granddaughter-in-law sooner rather than later.

“Please, Ms. Gomez,” Jaxton said, opening the car door for her.

“Thank you,” Elsie said with a polite nod and slid into the seat beside Kingsley. The car’s interior was chilly, a sharp contrast to the warmth outside, and she couldn’t help but shiver. She didn’t dare look at Kingsley; after their earlier run-in, she knew his mood was as icy as the air.

Kingsley sat beside her, quietly battling the tangle of emotions she stirred up. He didn’t understand why she made it so hard to keep his composure—especially when she wore that innocent expression so convincingly.

“Elsie.” His voice dropped, cold as a blade. “When we get to the house, keep it brief. If you screw this up, I’ll personally make sure you’re out as fast as you came in.”

Elsie smiled sweetly, her face the picture of innocence. “Don’t worry, Mr. Reynolds. I know what to say—and what not to say.”

That smile, paired with that sweet, seemingly genuine face, was disarming. It made it almost impossible to connect her to the cunning she’d just displayed. Almost. But Kingsley remembered. He stayed wary.

At the Reynolds estate, Kingsley got out first and strode inside, Elsie trailing behind. The grand manor was a little worn around the edges, but every bit as luxurious as any other mansion.

Inside the sprawling house, only Titus lived year-round. Kingsley visited when he could. His sister—Fabian’s mother—dropped by now and then, but Kingsley was the sole heir to the Reynolds legacy. Titus had raised him after his parents died. Compared to most families, the Reynolds history was simple: no secret children, no step-relatives lurking in the wings.

“Grandpa, we’re here,” Kingsley called out. His usual cold demeanor softened in a way it rarely did, proof of the deep bond people whispered about between grandfather and grandson.

“Welcome back.” Titus greeted them warmly, his eyes lighting up when they landed on Elsie. “And is this my granddaughter-in-law? Elsie?”

“Hello, Grandpa,” Elsie said sweetly, all charm and grace.

In Kingsley’s mind, it was an act—another one of her calculated moves.

Titus studied her, then smiled with clear approval. “Wonderful. Wonderful.” He was already taken with her.

“Grandpa, this is our first time meeting, and I wasn’t sure what you’d like,” Elsie said, pulling a neatly wrapped package from her bag. “So I brought you a little gift. I hope it’s to your liking.”

Kingsley watched, a flicker of surprise cutting through him. He hadn’t expected her to think of that.