Married To a Stranger

Chapter 7

Isabel's claim of knowing Dr. N then spiraled in Ruby's head. She couldn't even process it. Had she accidentally signed off something without reading?

Made some bizarre contract mistake?

But before she could dig deeper into the panic rising in her chest, Professor Miller's sharp gasp snapped her out of it.

You actually know Dr. N? He asked curiously.

Isabel gave a faint smile.

You could say it was fate. My mother sponsored Dr. N's education a long time ago. After Dr. N became successful, he tracked my family down and said my mother was a lifesaver.

He's been providing technical support for our family's businesses for years, so he'd pretty much do anything I ask.

Ruby raised an eyebrow.

That was all she needed to know.

It was a completely cooked-up story.

Growing up in the Anderson family, she had only survived because of Natalia's quiet care.

She owed everything to that woman when her own mother treated her like garbage.

That was why, once Ruby had the skills, she'd reached out to Natalia under the alias Dr. N.

The sponsorship story had been nothing more than a cover to repay her.

For years, Ruby had handled every technical problem for the companies under Natalia's name.

Quietly and anonymously.

But at Isabel's beck and call?

Now, that was an exaggeration.

Professor Miller, however, bought every word.

You really think Dr. N would—

Before he could finish, Isabel cut in confidently.

I already promised the dean I'd invite Dr. N to teach at our university.

That's fantastic. Professor Miller lit up.

He turned to Ruby.

Ruby, your research is in the same field as Dr. N's. This could do wonders for your career.

I'll introduce you.

And if they put in a good word, the recommendation might still be possible.

Isabel quickly put on a worried expression.

Professor Miller, is that really a good idea?

Professor Miller waved a hand dismissively.

Of course.

Dr. N is a hot commodity right now.

I heard Cambridge and Oxford have both sent invitations, and countless companies are trying to invest in them.

If Dr. N steps in, the university will definitely listen.

Isabel let out a dramatic sigh.

But Dr. N is only doing this out of respect for my mother.

He'd do anything for me.

But Ruby and my mom don't exactly get along.

She turned sweetly to Ruby.

Ruby, should I go ask Dr. N for you?

No need. Ruby replied flatly.

Isabel's face turned pale.

A tiny, derisive smile touched Ruby's lips as she turned to Professor Miller.

Professor, there's no need to go through all that trouble.

As you know, I never planned on going to grad school anyway.

Professor Miller looked stunned, regret clouding his face.

He had been the one to discover Ruby's talent.

He had pushed hard for her grad school recommendation because he genuinely believed in her.

He never expected things to end like this.

His eyes reddened slightly.

Then I'll write you a letter of recommendation for a job.

Sheila scoffed.

Don't waste your time.

There's no way she's getting a job after pissing off Mr. Knight.

Professor Miller's temper snapped.

I refuse to believe one man runs this entire city.

And if you really can't find a job, Ruby.

You can come be my teaching assistant.

Sounds good.

A warm rush spread through Ruby's chest at his sincerity.

Professor, there's just a misunderstanding between Mr. Knight and me. She explained.

It'll be fine once we clear things up.

You don't need to worry.

Professor Miller sighed.

I hope so.

Once all this is settled, my class will always be open for you.

Ruby saw the genuine hope in his eyes, and her voice softened.

Thank you, Professor.

I really appreciate it.

Isabel, however, was fuming.

Why did Professor Miller always fuss over Ruby?

Why did he care so much about an average scorer when she was clearly the superior student?

Had the old fool fallen for her looks too?

Her jealousy burned hot.

Then, glancing at Sheila, an idea struck.

Hey, Ruby. Isabel said sweetly.

I was just wondering, how are you planning to settle things with Mr. Knight?

Are you going to bother him again?

He's a married man, you know, and it's not going to look good for our family.

Just as she planned, Sheila exploded.

A loud smack echoed through the office.

Ruby's cheek burned.

She stared at Sheila in disbelief, stunned that she'd actually hit her right in front of Professor Miller.

Sheila didn't show a shred of guilt.

She jabbed a finger in Ruby's face and screamed.

You shameless girl.

Have you forgotten your place after just a few years away?

Promise me you'll never go near anyone from the Knight family ever again.

The warmth in Ruby's eyes died, replaced by a chilling frost.

So the warning she'd given the other day that it was the last time meant nothing.

Sheila still saw her as the same meek little girl.

Who always did as she was told and let Isabel walk all over her on the sidelines.

Isabel watched, satisfaction swelling in her chest.

When they were little, Ruby used to bow and scrape, never talking back, never fighting back.

Then Ruby left home, and when they met again in college, she still looked poor, but her posture, her confidence, had changed.

A few years without anyone putting her in her place, and she's forgotten how to behave.

Today, Sheila will teach her a lesson.

Isabel thought to herself, her heart content with what she had just witnessed.

Just as that thought crossed her mind, Ruby stepped toward her.

Isabel assumed she was coming to apologize, and her lips curled into a smirk.

But in the next second, Ruby's head snapped up.

Her hand flew.

She slapped Isabel hard.

Again and again.

Isabel's head spun, stunned by the blows.

Sheila roared and rushed forward.

Ruby, how dare you?

Ruby whipped her head around.

Her eyes were terrifying.

Like a demon clawing its way out of hell, radiating a pure, chilling rage.

The look absolutely terrified Sheila, freezing her to the spot.

Do you know what you are doing?

You ungrateful brat.

I'm your mother.

Are you going to hit me too?

Are you?

Are you really?

Have you been one all my life?

Ruby's voice was cold.

Each word sharp as glass.

Stay out of my life for your own sake. Period.

Sheila's mouth snapped shut.

Ruby turned away from them and faced Professor Miller instead.

Thank you for everything, Professor.

The past four years were truly an honor.

I promise I'll fix this and be back.

Professor Miller, who was still in shock from what had just happened, could do nothing but nod.

With that, Ruby turned and walked out without a second glance.

Sheila didn't snap out of it until Ruby's silhouette had vanished down the hall.

She rushed to Isabel.

Izzie. Are you okay?

That stupid girl actually dared to hit you?

She's gone completely insane.

Isabel touched her swollen cheek and flinched.

Don't touch me. She snapped at Sheila.

Do you know where your daughter's confidence is coming from?

Sheila was startled.

Could Mr. Knight really have taken a liking to her?

That can't be.

Isabel thought so too.

But then she pictured Ruby's face, a face that could stir up all kinds of trouble, and her certainty wavered.

Professor Miller looked at Sheila in disbelief, listening to the venom she was spewing, and couldn't help but wonder if Sheila was truly Ruby's mother.

He thought maybe he was imagining things, but he couldn't shake off how similar the two women in front of him looked.

Just as Ruby walked out through the school gates, her phone buzzed.

It was Miles Jordan.

Boss. I got it. He announced.

I figured out why Owen Knight is telling everyone he's married, but acting like he doesn't know who you are.

I'm listening. Ruby replied flatly.

Okay, so the Knights look like the perfect dynasty on the outside, right?

But a family that big has been tearing itself apart for years.

The chairman plays favorites big time.

He wants to hand the entire empire to the eldest son's branch.

Owen, being the youngest, has always gotten the short end of the stick.

A few years back, the chairman tried forcing him into a bunch of awful arranged marriages.

Huge scandal.

The only reason it died down was because Owen suddenly announced he was already legally married to some woman from a not-so-influential family.

A total nobody.

Ouch. Ruby mumbled to herself.

The nobody part pricked her a little deeper than she would have liked.

And get this. His wife, Miles continued.

She's a total ghost.

Never seen in public.

Never been to a single Knight family function.

It all points to one thing.

And that is—

He dragged out the sentence for dramatic effect, but Ruby was already there.

Got it.

You found his schedule and contact info.

Miles sputtered for a second.

I'm sending his schedule for the next few days now, but his private number?

No way.

Total lockdown.

It's fine. Ruby sounded calm.

I'll find him.

It made sense.

A man like Owen would have his number buried under ten layers of security.

Miles' voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.

You know, he's surrounded by bodyguards twenty-four seven.

He's not an easy guy to get to.

So what's the plan?

You going in hot or—

A sly smile touched Ruby's lips.

I'm trying to keep a low profile. She said lightly.

Brute force isn't really my style.