From Left Behind to Living Lavish

Chapter 9

Of course, this was all Marcus's doing, with a little help from me.

I used the shares I held in Hall Corp to help Marcus bring the company down, just as Carter had done to the Thomson family years ago.

Late at night, when everything was quiet, the powerful Mr. Dale turned into a completely different person, like a puppy wagging its tail, begging for a reward.

I sighed, shaking my right hand to show off the ring.

The enormous diamond sparkled brightly under the light.

"I'm already yours. What more do you want?"

He snuggled up to me, whining, "Honey, I'm starving for you right now."

His soft bangs brushed against my skin, making my whole body itch with laughter. I couldn't resist and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

That kiss seemed to flip a switch inside him. He grinned mischievously and began gently undoing my clothes.

My body tensed immediately.

I had healed so much under his love and care, but some scars still lingered in my heart, creeping into my life when I least expected it.

Marcus sensed my hesitation and immediately stopped. He pulled me into his arms, resting his head in the crook of my neck, his right hand gently patting my back.

"Lindsey, don't be afraid. I'll protect you," he whispered. "With me, you can cry, shout, or complain as much as you want."

"I love you, and I'm willing to wait."

Warmth filled my heart, and my eyes welled up with tears. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him deeply.

"Marcus, when my dad gets out of prison next year, let's get married."

"Alright, whatever you say."

He beamed like a child, then kissed me passionately.

Standing in the sunlight, with him by my side, I looked back and saw the muddy path I'd walked on had been covered in flowers.

I knew it was time to take that brave step forward.

The first time I saw Lindsey was the day after I found out I was the heir to the Dale family.

She was cornered by a group of thugs near a dumpster, being slapped and insulted.

She knelt on the ground, hands clasped together, begging for mercy in a desperate, submissive way.

A wave of irritation washed over me.

Without thinking, I stepped forward and shielded her behind me.

That day, I saved my timid, quiet little one.

For the first time in my twenty-five years, I found myself in a real fight.

She was so small and fragile, trembling in fear.

I felt a surge of sympathy and immediately took her home with me.

Using what little savings I had, I bought her a set of clothes.

It wasn't until I washed the grime off her face that I realized how beautiful she actually was.

My adoptive family was poor, and my foster parents had terrible tempers.

They refused to let me keep her.

Fortunately, my quiet little one had a place to stay.

It wasn't much, but it kept out the wind and rain.

Alone, she struggled to survive in the mud and filth.

For the first time in my life, I felt my heart ache for a stranger.

From that moment on, I found myself unconsciously looking out for her. A thought began to take root in my mind: I had to protect her and get her out of there.

Before I could act on that thought, things took an unexpected turn.

She became a trending topic online.

That's when I realized she wasn't just an ordinary girl. I didn't know the full details, but I knew her past hadn't been easy.

Carter Hall.

I made a mental note of his name. I had to make sure she stayed far away from him.

But reality always catches you off guard. The little mute girl disappeared. The villagers said she'd been taken by some rich man.

It must have been Carter.

I was frantic, but there was nothing I could do. Desperate, I took a DNA test report and went to find the Dale family.