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“Dante?” Janet’s voice rang out warmly.
It was his mother.
Janet Kingsley lived a charmed life—elegant, always surrounded by her social circle, and known for her love of gossip and grand plans.
She sounded more excited than usual.
“Dante, do you remember that little girl who used to visit our house all the time when you were kids? Charles Carter’s daughter? We always said we’d fix your marriage with her someday. She came from such a good family, and you adored her so much. You wouldn’t let her out of your sight back then.”
Anya stiffened.
Another woman?
“I’m not sure... I don’t really remember,” Dante muttered, voice casual, but the slight crease in his brow betrayed him the moment he felt her body tense in his arms.
"You’ll find out soon enough!" Janet said excitedly, continuing without a care in the world.
"I heard Charles already found her after that incident at the amusement park. Ever since that incident at the amusement park, he never stopped searching. And now she’s finally back!"
“Mom, I don’t care,” Dante muttered, his voice gruff as he tried to end the call. But Janet kept talking.
“He’s bringing her back home, Dante. Soon. And then you’ll finally have your wife!”
Chapter 6 Janet Kingsley
Anya froze.
The room, once filled with his warmth, now felt cold. Her breath caught in her chest as she sat on his lap, his strong arms still wrapped around her. But Janet’s voice echoed louder in her ears than anything else.
Wife?
Anya tried to pull away, but Dante’s grip tightened around her waist. He drew her closer, burying his face in her neck. With one hand, he took the phone from her.
“Mom,” Dante said, voice colder now. “I told you—I don’t care. That marriage or agreement—whatever the hell that was—happened when I was a kid. I’m not marrying her.”
Janet’s anger surged on the other end. “Dante! The Carters and our family have been tied together for generations. You can’t just dismiss this. They’re powerful, respected, and Charles only has one daughter. Everything will go to her. If you marry her, you’ll unite two powerful legacies. Our business will thrive!”
Every word sank into Anya like poison.
The more Janet spoke, the smaller she felt. Her heart pounded with humiliation, every sentence confirming that she had nothing to offer—not compared to the perfect heiress waiting to take her place.
She pushed against Dante’s arms, prying his hands off her waist. He resisted, holding her tighter—but she forced herself free, rising from his lap and grabbing her bag. Her hands shook as she shoved her things inside.
He stood up as well, watching her—jaw tight, brows drawn—his mother still on the line.
“I don’t need any of that,” he growled. “I’m not marrying her. For fuck’s sake, Mom—”
“I don’t care what you want!” Janet snapped. “When she comes home, youwillmeet her. That’s final. I won’t let you waste your life staying single. She’s the only girl you’ll ever marry. End of story.”
Before he could say another word, she hung up.
Dante let out a harsh breath, running a hand through his hair.
“Anya—” he stepped toward her, but she took a step back, creating space between them.
Her voice was low, calm, but distant. “I have something important to take care of today, Mr. Kingsley. I won’t be able to come to work.” She looked away, her fingers fumbling with the doorknob. “Sorry about that. I’ll head out first.”
She opened the door and quickly walked out of the suite.