She Proposed Marriage to Silent Rancher to Stop Her Aunt—He Said Yes Before She Finished Asking
Chapter 8
Margaret’s final attempt came days before the wedding.
She produced a document claiming Clara’s inheritance was tied to an old family debt.
If the debt was valid, Clara could lose everything.
But Elias investigated.
The document was forged.
He traced the handwriting to one of Margaret’s agents.
Margaret was confronted.
She finally admitted the truth.
She had planned to marry Clara to Pembroke because his family would pay her for arranging the union.
Clara was devastated.
“You were willing to sell my future.”
Margaret looked away.
“I believed I knew what was best.”
“No.”
Clara shook her head.
“You knew what was best for yourself.”
Elias stood beside Clara.
Margaret looked at him.
“You think you can protect her forever?”
Elias answered quietly:
“No.”
Margaret frowned.
“I don’t want to protect her forever.”
He looked at Clara.
“I want her to know she can protect herself.”
Clara took his hand.
Margaret had no answer.
