The Stepsister Who Stole My Wedding Chapter 2

The runaway groom scandal spread like a virus. Croft Industries’ stock went into a freefall, and sponsors began pulling out one after another. After three days of this, the Crofts finally broke.

Tedd’s father brought him to our home to apologize.

“Clara,” Mr. Croft began, his face a mask of sycophantic smiles, “it was all a misunderstanding. I’ve arranged a dinner for Tedd to make it up to you. And I’ve punished that insolent girl, don’t you worry! Once you’re married, you’ll be the lady of the house. She won’t dare step out of line!”

I looked at Tedd’s face, which was a thundercloud of resentment, and almost laughed. “Mr. Croft, do you really think I need that title?”

My father slammed his teacup down on the table. “Make it up to us? Or are you just worried about your stock price hitting rock bottom?”

Mr. Croft’s smile faltered. “Arthur, you jest. The children’s happiness is what’s most important. Tedd, apologize to Clara. Now.”

Tedd jerked his head away, his eyes blazing. “I did nothing wrong!”

“Shut your mouth!” his father hissed, kicking him sharply behind the knee. “You’re destroying this family! Do you think Sophie’s little online following can save the company? Our investors are pulling out!”

Tedd’s jaw was clenched, his knuckles white. “Why? I’ve lived my whole life by your rules! Why can’t I have this one thing for myself, this one chance at real love?”

“You—!” His father trembled with rage. He turned to me, his voice pleading. “Clara, for the sake of our families’ long friendship, give Tedd one more chance. If you forgive him, we’ll give you half of the profits from the Croft’s main project. And once you’re married, you’ll have full control of the overseas expansion!”

I paused. The overseas expansion was a massive prize, one my family had been trying and failing to secure for years. If the Crofts were willing to let us in, holding a grudge was pointless from a business perspective.

My father saw the look on my face and knew I was considering it. He took a deep breath. “We have three conditions. First, Sophie is to be sent abroad permanently. She is never to return.”

Before he could finish, Tedd cut him off. “Impossible! I’ll marry Clara, but Sophie must live with us. I’ll take care of her for the rest of her life. She can’t leave me!”

“What did you say?” My nails dug into my palms.

“I said,” his voice was like shards of ice, “you can be Mrs. Croft. She won’t challenge you. But I will never send her away again!”

Crack. I slapped him across the face.

Tedd pointed a shaking finger at me. “Clara Norton, don’t push it! If you back me into a corner, I’ll take everyone down with me. Your precious overseas project is still in our hands.”

My father shot to his feet, pointing his cane at the door. “Get out! Don’t think you can threaten us with that! You didn’t come here to negotiate in good faith!”

Mr. Croft tried to argue, but my father jabbed the cane in his direction. “From now on, not even a dog from the Croft family is welcome in this house!”

As I watched them scramble away, I had a moment of clarity. With people like this, there was no need for decency.