She couldn't believe what was happening. It dawned on her that Edwin had never intended to marry her, that his plans to leave her had been in the works for a long time.

Edwin's expression turned scornful.

"Vanessa, there's no room for negotiation between us now. In Duefron, only one family will stand—either the Evans or the Smiths!"

With those final words, he left the room abruptly.

"Edwin!" Vanessa called out after him, but he didn't look back.