Married To My Ex-Husband’s Ruthless Uncle

The Heiress Returns

A few minutes later, Dickson drove me home and pulled up to the parking lot. I placed my handbag on the chair along with my phone, checking to make sure I hadn’t left anything behind. Dickson stood by the door, holding it open with a polite smile, and I returned it as I stepped out of the car.

“Thank you for today, I didn’t expect it,” I said, extending my hand. He shook it gently.

“Rose?” I heard my father’s voice and looked up to see him standing on the balcony, glass of wine in hand.

“Look up, child.” I lifted my gaze and saw him, and nodded in agreement.

“Bring my bags upstairs,” I said to Dickson. Just then, my phone buzzed inside my bag. It was a message from Julian.

[I have gladly accepted your divorce, just signed it. You will regret every bit of your action, I won’t give you a second chance, just know that and find peace.]

I giggled softly, opened the back of my phone, removed the battery, and took out the SIM card. I broke it into pieces and put everything back in my bag. Now he wouldn’t be able to reach me. It felt good to reclaim a small part of my life.

My father called my name again, and I felt a jolt run through me.

“Are you sure you’re ready to face life now?” he asked.

“Is there anything I can’t handle right now after Julian?” I thought, then answered confidently, “Yes, father, I’m ready to confront life as it comes.”

Dickson walked past me with my bags. “Welcome home, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Dickson.”

I entered the Woods mansion, inhaling the familiar scent of lavender. The grandeur of the house reminded me of what I had sacrificed for marriage. My father descended the stairs, glass in hand, and I met his gaze.

“You have a blind date arranged,” he said casually, as if it were no big deal.

“What?” I raised an eyebrow.

“It’s a good match, respectable and someone you’ll like. It’s for tomorrow evening.”

I stared at him, caught off guard. I hadn’t expected him to interfere so quickly. But then a smile crossed my face. Julian won’t see this coming.

“I’ll go,” I said slowly, already forming a plan. “But I have conditions.”

“You don’t need conditions, child,” he said, waving his hand. “Just attend. Think of it as a chance to move forward.”

I nodded, thinking not about love, but strategy. This blind date was the perfect opportunity to take control. I would make sure it worked in my favor.

“Also, the gala is next week,” he added casually. “Important people will be there, but we’ll discuss that later. Focus on tomorrow first.”

I smiled faintly, my mind already working. Julian might have betrayed me, but I was no longer powerless. By tomorrow, I would be ready, not as Julian’s wife, but as someone who would take charge of her own destiny.

I left the room to prepare, my heart racing with anticipation. This blind date would be the beginning of my plan.

The next evening, I arrived at the restaurant my father had chosen. The soft glow of the chandeliers reflected off the polished marble floor, and a string quartet played gently in the background. My heart beat steadily, not from nerves, but anticipation. This was more than a blind date; it was an opportunity.

Dickson opened the car door for me, and I stepped out, smoothing my dress. I glanced at the entrance and saw a man already waiting, tall and impeccably dressed. His posture was confident, and the sharp cut of his suit made him seem untouchable.

“Rose Woods?” His voice was smooth, deep, commanding attention even without trying.

“Yes, that’s me,” I said, keeping my tone casual, though a small thrill ran through me.

“I’m Christopher,” he said, extending his hand. My fingers brushed his, and I felt a subtle electricity pass between us. Something about him was

deliberate, calculating, but not unkind.

I hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you,” I said, masking my curiosity.

As we were seated, I couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes lingered,not in a casual glance, but in a measured study, like he had been waiting to see me.

“So,” I began, keeping the conversation light, “my father tells me you’re involved in the Hills family business?”

He smiled faintly. “Yes. And I take it your father has been making sure you’re keeping busy after your recent troubles?” There was a weight behind his words, an awareness that unnerved me slightly.

I raised an eyebrow. “Troubles?” I asked lightly, pretending to tease.

“Losses. Betrayals. Heartbreak.” He looked at me as if he knew the whole story, though he said nothing further.

I felt a flicker of curiosity, and caution. Who was this man, really? Why did he seem to know so much without saying a word?

Dinner continued with careful politeness, each of us measuring words, observing reactions. I noted the subtle way Christopher positioned himself, his body slightly turned toward me, eyes occasionally flicking with interest, but always with restraint.

When dessert arrived, I decided to test him. “You seem unusually confident for someone I just met,” I said, letting a hint of a challenge slip into my tone.

His lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Confidence comes from experience. And sometimes, patience.”

I caught the undertone, the kind that suggested he had plans. My curiosity deepened. This man was no ordinary blind date.

By the time the evening ended, I realized two things: one, my father had underestimated Christopher’s intentions, and two, I had a plan forming. If he thought he could control me, he was mistaken. I would take control first.

As we walked out, I gave him a faint smile. “Thank you for tonight.”

“The pleasure was mine,” he replied, but his gaze lingered just a moment too long, and I felt the unspoken tension between us.

I returned to the car, heart racing, not from fear, but from the thrill of knowing that this blind date might be the first step in a game where I held the advantage.

Tomorrow, I would begin planning the next move. And Christopher… I would make sure he understood exactly who he was dealing with.