The Refused Heiress

Chapter 6 Attempted Suicide

Felix ignored Dylan's outburst entirely, giving Elena's arm a gentle nudge.

"Get in the car."

For the first time that evening, Elena felt a sense of relief wash over her.

This dreadful night was finally coming to an end.

Seeing Felix's resolve to take Elena away, Bigail couldn't help but interject, his voice laced with indignation. "Mr. Smith, do you have no respect for the Hall family?"

Only then did Felix bother to look directly at Bigail, his gaze unyielding.

"Not in the slightest."

His words hit Bigail like a punch to the gut, silencing him on the spot.

He knew, as well as anyone, that the Hall family might hold some influence in Maroville, but it was nothing compared to the Smith family.

Angelina's eyes flickered with resentment as she called out in a plaintive tone, "Mr. Smith..."

But Felix didn't even glance her way.

He got into the car, nodding to the driver.

"Let's go."

Elena glanced over at Felix, puzzled.

"Why are you back?"

Felix had sent her home earlier before leaving.

But now, he reappeared with fresh clothes.

Why?

Did he worry she'd change her mind about their arrangement?

Or maybe he was having second thoughts about the marriage himself?

Elena knew that marrying Felix would be her easiest way out of the Hall family's grip. She wasn't about to let go of the opportunity.

Felix's gaze drifted to her face.

Then, he said flatly, "We're going to the hospital."

Caught off guard, Elena stammered, "I... I don't need that. A little ice for the swelling will do."

But Felix didn't respond, and the driver, clearly not daring to oppose him, kept his course.

When they left the hospital, Felix's expression was darker than usual.

"The Hall family..." he muttered, barely loud enough for her to hear, "is really something else."

"What did you say?" Elena asked, unable to catch his words.

Felix's gaze softened, his brows knitting slightly. "Are you sure you'll be ready to get married tomorrow?"

Elena was surprised.

"You're... still willing?"

Felix's expression was hard to read, a mix of complexity and resolve.

"I told you I would. Why wouldn't I?"

Hearing this, Elena exhaled in relief.

Back in the car, the driver spoke cautiously, "Mr. Smith, to Phoenix Estate?"

Felix nodded.

"Yes, and have some food prepared."

When they arrived at Phoenix Estate, Felix's personal villa, Elena followed him inside.

She hadn't expected him to bring her here.

Rumor had it that even Angelina hadn't been allowed past the gates when she'd come looking for him a few days ago.

And now he'd invited her inside.

As they walked into the dining room, a meal was already laid out on the table, and at that exact moment, her stomach growled.

Embarrassed, Elena swallowed hard.

"Oh, excuse me..."

Felix, without a flicker of emotion, took her belongings from her hands. His voice was calm, almost matter-of-fact. "Wash up and eat. I'm hungry too."

The dinner passed in an unusual silence, the only sound that of utensils and plates.

The food was good—exceptionally good—and before she knew it, Elena had nearly cleaned the table.

She let out a satisfied burp, feeling unusually full.

Felix looked over.

"You're full?"

Elena nodded.

With the marriage looming in the morning, she felt it was time to clear a few things up.

She looked at Felix, summoning her courage to speak.

"Mr. Smith... thank you for agreeing to marry me. But I know it's just because of your promise to me, so to keep things fair, I think we should have a prenuptial agreement."

Felix's eyes narrowed.

"A prenup?"

Elena nodded quickly.

"Yes, I can't offer you much, and I won't take advantage of you. I just need this marriage to break away from the Hall family. But don't worry, if you want a divorce later on, I'll sign whenever you're ready."

After all, she didn't want to saddle Felix with an obligation that would last a lifetime. She wasn't going to take advantage of him.

As soon as the words left her mouth, she sensed the shift in the air.

The temperature seemed to drop as Felix let out a dry chuckle.

He sneered coolly, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"You've thought this all through, haven't you?"

There was something unsettling in his tone, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Elena took a deep breath to steady herself.

"Well, of course. You're doing me a favor; it wouldn't be fair for me to take advantage of you."

For a second, she thought she saw a flicker of annoyance cross his face.

His face darkened even more as he replied, "No need for a prenup. I don't intend to get divorced."

She blinked, taken aback.

"Huh?"

Felix remained composed.

"I wasn't planning to get married, but my old man's been on my back about it. He likes you. Marrying you keeps him happy and saves me the hassle."

Elena stared at him, processing his words. "Isn't that... unfair to you?"

After all, Felix had amassed substantial assets.

Though Elena was also considerably wealthy, Felix's fortune was more than she could imagine.

But Felix simply shrugged.

"Just get some rest. Tomorrow morning, we'll get the license."

Elena nodded, following a housekeeper upstairs to the guest room.

She had just finished getting ready for bed when her phone buzzed with a message.

Elotte: We've got work!

Elotte: Jesus, where are you?

Elena tapped out a quick reply.

Alice: What work?

Elotte: Edgar Smith and Angelina Hall want you to design outfits for them.

Elena's expression turned cold.

Alice: Reject them. No more projects for those two, ever.

Elotte: Are you serious? That's good money!

Alice: Take the job, and you'll be doing the designs yourself.

Alice: Oh, I sent Mr. Wilson's suit design to your email—start on that.

With that, Elotte's excitement quickly subsided.

Moments later, another email notification appeared.

It was a job offer from Smith Group, and the signature read Felix Smith.

After considering it, Elena declined.

It wasn't the right time, and working for Smith Group wasn't in her plans.

She had enough money saved to start her own studio.

The next morning, Elena woke up around eight.

After freshening up, she found Felix sitting on the sofa, reading from a tablet.

When he saw her, he looked up.

"Eat your breakfast, and then we'll go to the registry."

As she began to eat, he glanced at her, his tone oddly pointed.

"Remember, don't ever look back."

Elena paused, realizing he was telling her not to hesitate.

She nodded confidently. "Don't worry. What's past is past—I get it."

Felix nodded.

"I had some outfits sent over; they're in the dressing room. Choose one for the ceremony."

"Thank you," she replied, a little surprised.

One day, she'd repay him for his help—she'd make him a custom suit to say thanks!

But when she entered the dressing room, she realized a single suit wouldn't be enough. The space was filled with elegant dresses, all in her size.

After selecting a suitable outfit for the ceremony and braiding her hair, Elena headed downstairs.

Just as they were about to leave, her phone rang—it was Bigail.

She didn't hesitate, ending the call instantly.

Felix raised an eyebrow at her. "Ready?"

"Let's go!"

Elena nodded, following him to the car. But the moment they settled in, Bigail called again.

Felix glanced at her phone, his expression unreadable.

For some reason, Elena felt that Felix didn't want her to answer it either.

Why?

Could it mean something had happened to the Hall family?

Not that it mattered to her now.

When the call automatically ended, it rang once more.

This time, her curiosity got the better of her. Bigail had never contacted her in such a hurry.

She answered, only to be met with Bigail's furious voice.

"Elena! What took you so long to pick up? Angelina tried to kill herself!"