Memories from the Past
The atmosphere in the hospital lobby became heavy as the man walked towards Camille, his footsteps echoing with a sense of foreboding. The custom suit hugged his tall figure, with the dark material soaking up the light. Fred's expression turned stern, gripping the chair wheels tightly with white knuckles. Alvina's lips twisted into a sneer, yet a hint of doubt glimmered in her icy eyes.
"Who in the world are you?" Fred's voice was full of venom as he demanded.
The man stopped, his intense look moving from Fred to Camille. His stormy gray eyes were filled with such intensity that it gave her a chill down her spine. Although his presence was disturbing, there was a somewhat recognizable quality about him.
Camille's heart was pounding rapidly. "Who are you—Who?"
Before he spoke, the man's jaw became tense and his voice sounded authoritative and deep. "I am Adrian Greyson, and I intend to put an end to this sham of a marriage."
There was a silent shock that ensued. Fred squinted, doubt flashing in his expression. "Did you say Adrian Greyson?" he asked again. "I know who you are." You're the lawyer that—
"Who is an expert at resolving *your* type of problems," Adrian interrupted, his voice filled with frostiness. "At this moment, you are attempting to pressure Miss Rowen into a marriage that is problematic at best, and unethical at worst."
Camille felt her throat constrict. As Fred moved his wheelchair forward, the atmosphere in the room became tense, with his eyes flashing with anger. "You have no idea what you're saying, Greyson. This concerns an individual on a personal level. "And it's not about you in any way."
Adrian remained unfazed. He continued to stare intently at Fred, unwavering. The moment you threatened her father's life to coerce her into this marriage, it became my concern.
Alvina sneered from the sidelines. "Greyson, you have crossed the line." My son is entitled to handle the man who killed his wife in any way he deems appropriate.
Adrian sharply responded that your son's sorrow doesn't justify his actions of manipulating the legal system or harming innocent people, his words slicing through the air like a sharp blade. "If you continue to push this contract, I will ensure that Fred is the one who ends up in prison for blackmail."
Fred's teeth clenched. "You are completely unaware of the situation you are getting yourself into."
"In contrast," Adrian calmly responded, taking out a small recorder from his pocket. I already have proof of your manipulation from the recent conversation you had with Miss Rowen. There is ample evidence to file a lawsuit.
Camille was surprised and her eyes opened wide. Was he in the process of documenting their discussion?
Fred's expression contorted in anger. Do you believe you can enter this place and intimidate me? "You're not aware of the person you're interacting with."
Adrian responded, his voice as strong as steel, "You don't either." You believe that your riches and influence make you immune to the law, but I have taken down individuals even more despicable than you, Southwick. I won't have any trouble doing it once more.
Fred's wheelchair gave a small jolt as he leaned forward, his eyes filled with anger. You fail to comprehend the debt she has to repay me. The actions her father took towards me. "Addressed to Lois."
Camille reacted with a shudder when Fred's deceased wife was brought up, feeling guilty with a heavy heart. However, just as she was about to speak, Adrian's voice calmly but firmly broke the tension once more. "Fred, Lois's passing was unintentional." You might not agree with it, but you can't manipulate the law to fulfill your desire for revenge.
Fred's expression turned somber, his neck veins protruding as he struggled to maintain his composure. He held onto the arms of the chair so tightly that his knuckles became pale. "Think I give a damn about the law?" he sneered. I am the one she will marry. I will cause her to experience the same pain that I went through.
Adrian's face became more stern. "Sorry, Fred. "You will not."
Camille felt her heart pounding in her chest. She was bewildered yet thankful witnessing Adrian confronting Fred for her, as she had never witnessed anyone challenge him in such a way before. What is the reason for that? What made him so interested in her circumstances?
Camille whispered to Adrian that she didn't require his protection, her voice shaking as she gazed up at him. "I-"
Adrian gently reassured her, saying she doesn't have to follow through with it. I am able to assist you, Camille. You are not obligated to him in any way. "This is not acceptable."
Fred's eyes were filled with anger. “She definitely owes me.” My wife was killed by her father! "She is to blame for what occurred."
Camille caught her breath. She desired to yell, to resist the guilt being imposed on her by Fred on a daily basis. Before she could say anything, Adrian's serene voice interrupted the chaos again.
Camille is not accountable for her father's behavior. If you attempt to rush this marriage, you will encounter legal repercussions.
"Legal ramifications?" Fred sneered, his voice quivering with anger. "Do you believe that I am concerned about the legal threats you are making?"
The tension in the room peaked, almost reaching a breaking point. Alvina stepped nearer, her expression contorted with rage as she stared fiercely at Adrian. Do you believe you can simply walk in and put a stop to this? Let's see how much progress you make, Greyson.
However, Adrian stood his ground. Madam Alvina, you have the option to attempt to resist this. However, I can assure you that once this goes to court, Fred's reputation will be completely destroyed. His business transactions will fall apart, his influence will decrease, and he will not receive any compassion.
Camille felt her heart race as Fred's expression transformed into a look of rage. Adrian's words started to sink in. Fred was putting not only his legal standing at risk but also jeopardizing all he had worked for. She noticed the uncertainty in his eyes, but it didn't diminish his determination for revenge.
Adrian stated in a threatening tone that he would provide one final opportunity. Destroy that agreement. Leave the area. Otherwise, I will ensure that your empire crumbles beneath you."
The quietness in the room was overwhelming. Fred's face was tense with anger, his heavy breaths as he glared at Adrian. At one point, Camille felt like he could burst with anger. However, a wicked grin formed on Fred's mouth.
"Do you believe this is finished?" Fred softly spoke, his tone ominously tranquil. "Do you believe you have emerged victorious?"
Adrian's face remained unchanged. "If you press this, Fred, you will forfeit all your belongings." Do not act foolishly.
However, Fred remained reclined in his wheelchair, constantly gazing at Camille. I have no interest in the courts. The law is of no concern to me. Camille will become my spouse. And when she does, there's no way you or anyone else can prevent it.
Camille felt a chill in her blood. Fred spoke in a unsettlingly calm tone, as though he had already made up his mind about what should happen to her. Adrian's hand formed a fist, but before he could react, Fred turned his gaze back to him, his smile getting bigger.
"Don't fret, Greyson," Fred reassured. This is not solely about seeking vengeance. It's all about having power. I consistently achieve my desires.
Adrian gritted his teeth, his gaze filled with resoluteness. "We will see if that turns out to be true."
Fred let out a sinister chuckle, causing Camille to feel chills down her spine. "Yes, we definitely will."
Before anyone had a chance to speak, the hallway was filled with the sound of fast-paced footsteps. Just as Camille turned around, she witnessed a nurse quickly approaching them with a pale face.
The nurse gasped, eyes widened in fear, addressing Miss Rowen. "It is your dad." His condition has deteriorated.
Camille felt her world spinning. She felt trapped as the nurse's words reverberated in her mind. "What, what are you trying to say?" she stuttered, barely audible.
Sympathy filled the nurse's eyes. His state is declining quickly. "We don't know how much time he has left."
Camille felt her knees give way as fear caused her body to shake. Her father... he was fading. All her actions - all the sacrifices, the pain, the torment - had been in his name. Furthermore…
Fred's grin grew larger as he observed
the terror reflected in her eyes. "It appears that we are running out of time, Camille.”