?Chapter 853:


    It was clear Jarrett had no interest in continuing the discussion. “Do as I’ve instructed. When it’s over, you will gain significantly.”


    Daren knew there was no room for negotiation. The Higgins’ dominance far overshadowed the Johnsons’, and Jarrett was known for his merciless nature. Crossing him would lead to severe consequences.


    Considering the stakes, Daren buried his hesitation and managed a strained grin. “Of course, Mr. Higgins. I’ll handle it first thing tomorrow.”


    Jarrett studied him, his gazeced with contempt. Then, as if reminded of something, he tapped the armrest of his wheelchair with idle fingers.


    “By the way,” he remarked offhandedly, “the twenty-fifth of this month is a good day. Let’s schedule my marriage to Ophelia for that day.”


    Daren’s grin vanished.


    The twenty-fifth? That was only days away. So soon?


    After everything that had unfolded…


    Images of his sister’s entanglement with Nathan collided with Jarrett’s sudden deration, and Daren’s face flushed, stinging with the weight of shame.


    Daren’s throat tightened, and for a fleeting moment, he waspletely at a loss for words.


    Jarrett picked up on his hesitation immediately. His brows knitted together, and a flicker of irritation crept into his tone.


    “What is it? Not pleased with the date? Or have you and your sister suddenly developed second thoughts about this union?”


    The jab jolted Daren out of his daze.


    He swallowed the rising shame and forced a strained smile—though it wavered at the corners.


    “No, not at all. The date is… perfect. Ophelia marrying you is nothing short of an honor. Our entire family is overjoyed.”


    But the words rang hollow, each syble thick with bitterness he could barely conceal. His sister had disgraced the Johnson name beyond repair. Yet now that things hade this far, he had no choice but to endure it. Pride had to be sacrificed for the sake of survival.


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    Jarrett, unmoved by the thinyer of courtesy, turned his wheelchair toward the study. His voice was clipped and cold.


    “Then it’s settled.”


    Daren exited the house in a fog.


    Ophelia was nothing if not stubborn. And now, she was hopelessly infatuated with that scoundrel Nathan. Convincing her to marry Jarrett seemed as impossible as catching the wind with bare hands.


    And then there was Sadie—she had witnessed that disgraceful scene in the private room.


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