The Billionaire's Obsession: He Won't Let Her Marry His Uncle

The dim corridor brightened as the lights from outside spilled in.

The chatter behind them cut off instantly. Everyone stood frozen, wide-eyed, staring in disbelief.

No wonder they were shocked. A hidden door, a sealed hallway, a dim glow-add a man and a woman alone in such a private space, and it's hard not to overthink.

Clayton paused for a second too. "What are you two doing here?"

Even though Charisse had already pushed Elliot away when the door swung open, it still looked way too ambiguous.

No one behind Clayton dared to speak; they didn't even glance at one another, like even a stray look might get them in trouble.

The only one at ease was Elliot. He leaned lazily against the wall, exactly where she'd shoved him, completely unbothered, just watching them.

When he opened his mouth, clearly ready to speak, Charisse beat him to it. She tilted her face up just enough for the light to catch the glimmer of tears welling in her eyes, her lower lip trembling ever so slightly.

"Mr. Ellis." she began, her voice delicate and wounded, almost a whisper. She clasped her hands tightly in front of her, fingers twisting together nervously. "I'm afraid. I can't possibly marry you."

Clayton's voice was calm. "Why?"

"Because Elliot." she continued, her words catching as if it pained her to say them. "He doesn't approve. He said I had ulterior motives." Her tone was laced with a hint of wounded pride, soft yet charged with emotion, like she was holding back both tears and defiance.

"He refused my toast earlier. I know he looks down on me, but I still wanted to clear up the misunderstanding with him myself. But instead of listening, he only humiliated me even more. Honestly, I guess I was asking for it.."

She brushed her hand across her face and took a deep breath. "Mr. Ellis, thank you for your interest, but I'm clearly not good enough for you."

Her cheeks, her lips, even her eyes were red-whether from anger or from just feeling completely wronged, no one could tell. She looked like a small, furious rabbit backed into a corner.

Everyone finally got the picture. So that's what this was.

It all clicked-just like that server said earlier, "Miss Walton would go through anything to be with Mr. Ellis."

And they'd all seen with their own eyes how Elliot had treated his would-be aunt-cold and dismissive. No wonder Charisse was trying so hard to get his approval; she didn't want him and his opinion standing in the way of her marriage.

Clayton gently patted her shoulder and broke into a smile. "Elliot, you're reading her wrong. Charisse isn't like that."

Even with her back to Elliot, Charisse could feel the weight of his gaze pressing on her, sharp and suffocating.

She didn't need to turn around to know-whatever impression he had of her, it had just gotten even worse.After a long silence, Elliot finally spoke, his voice steady but not rushed: "Uncle, you've had too many women around you with bad intentions. I was just trying to prevent trouble before it starts."

She was quick-so quick. Jumped in first and twisted things around, flipping the script on him in a heartbeat. Now no matter what he said, people would just think he was bullying her.

Damn. She played the victim so perfectly it made him look like the jerk.

Fine. Whatever. Well played.

"I appreciate Elliot looking out for me," Clayton said with a smile as he turned to Charisse. "He's doing it out of care for me, you see. Don't be upset, alright?"

Charisse gave a slight nod, knowing when to stop pushing.

The tension finally began to ease. Someone started talking about the diamond painting on the wall, and soon the whole group was distracted by it.

Still, a few people stole glances at Charisse, but this time, instead of gossip or judgment, there was admiration in their eyes.

Being with someone like Clayton really had perks. Even if he was older, he still had that pull-women kept flocking to him. This young, gorgeous woman falling for him? Sneaking off to talk to his nephew just to clear the path to marry him? That was wild.

Some of the men couldn't help imagining-if a girl like that was crazy about them, they'd be living the dream.

Clayton casually wrapped his arm around Charisse's waist, soaking up all the envious looks without a care.

He was clearly in a good mood and pleased with himself. She knew how to make a man feel important, that much was clear.

So he started explaining the diamond painting to her in a smooth, warm tone, laced with playful affection.

Charisse wasn't really listening. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Elliot slip out through the hidden door.

She let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding. That round was over.

But the price? It was more than she expected. She might've gotten through this moment, but deeper down, she knew she was caught in a much trickier web. Now everyone seemed convinced she was dying to marry Clayton.

But the truth? That was the last thing she wanted.

His shady business dealings made her skin crawl. If she married him, she'd be on the same boat-and that wasn't a ship she wanted to go down with. Sure, he held power in Draycott right now, called the shots like a king.

But what if that empire crumbled someday?

If Clayton really went down... he'd be lucky to get a fast death. And her? She'd go down with him, probably without even a whole body to bury.

Before she got tied to Clayton, Charisse had never really thought about what it meant to die.

But now, "death" suddenly seemed a lot simpler than she ever imagined.