The Bïllionaire's Retruutioñ

Elena clenched her fists. She knew Selena must have whispered poison into Theodore's ear.

"He wouldn't dare."

Elena's father had always used Jerome Cross to threaten her.

After her mother passed away, Jerome was the only family she had left in that house.

Harris Moore let out a cold chuckle. "Don't embarrass us, Miss. The Hayes family is waiting."

Elena frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The Old Master has arranged a marriage between you and the Hayes family."

The Hayes family?

"Isn't their younger son… mentally challenged?" Victor Hale asked, his voice rising in disbelief. "What is Theodore Cross thinking? Is he trying to push Miss Cross into another disaster? First, he forced her into a marriage with a cripple, and now he's setting her up with a fool? Lucky I'm here today—no one will take her away."

Elena was stunned. She hadn't expected Theodore to arrange such a marriage for her.

First, he had forced her to marry a man with a disability. Now, he wanted to marry her off to someone with an unstable mind.

Fury ignited within her, making her voice ice-cold. "I'm not marrying anyone. I refuse to go back."

Harris sneered. "Then don't blame me for this." He signaled to the bodyguards. "Take Miss Cross back."

Victor immediately stepped in front of Elena. "I don't think so."

Harris didn't recognize Victor and ignored him. He simply gestured to his men, and the bodyguards moved in to forcibly drag Elena toward the car.

Harris knew that Elena was capable of fighting back, so he had specifically brought four trained bodyguards. Despite her struggles, Elena was ultimately outmatched.

Victor tried to fight them off, but he was only one man. Seeing Elena being forced into the vehicle, he quickly made a call. "Sir, there's trouble. Theodore Cross is forcing Miss Cross into a marriage with the fool from the Hayes family. They've taken her away."

—

As soon as Elena entered the Cross estate, she saw a group of people seated in the living room.

Selena Cross was there as well, playing the perfect host to the guests.

Vivian Cross smiled warmly at a dignified-looking woman, chatting as though they were old friends. When she spotted Elena, her expression brightened with false enthusiasm, and she stepped forward as if she were her loving mother.

"This is my eldest daughter, Elena Cross," Vivian said, pulling her closer. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"She certainly is." The dignified woman nodded in satisfaction.

Selena smirked. "Sister, congratulations. Father has arranged a great match for you. You and the second son of the Hayes family are a perfect pair."

Elena's voice turned frigid. "If you think he's such a great match, why don't you marry him instead?"

At that moment, Theodore Cross came down the stairs, accompanied by a middle-aged man—Gordon Hayes.

They were in the middle of a cheerful conversation, both smiling.

Theodore laughed. "Then it's settled. You can pick the wedding date—we have no objections."

Gordon nodded. "Very well. I'll have my people check for an auspicious day when I return."

Elena's fists clenched. "I won't marry him." Her voice was as cold as ice. "Who said I agreed to this?"

She should have known. Her father had only called her back to throw her into another nightmare.

He had arranged everything without even asking her.

Theodore turned to her with a sharp glare. "Marriage is a decision made by the parents. You don't have the right to refuse."

Elena's temper flared. "You haven't cared about me since my mother died. Now you want to control my life? You have no right to decide whom I marry. That choice is mine alone."

Theodore's face darkened with anger. "Elena Cross! Is this how you speak to your father now? I raised you! Of course, I have the right to decide for you!"

Elena's voice shook with emotion. "Are you really my father? Let's get a paternity test. No real father treats his child this way. What kind of parent throws his daughter into a living hell—not once, but twice?"

"Shut up!" Theodore roared. His palm struck her cheek with a loud slap.

The force of the hit made Elena's head snap to the side. Her skin instantly turned red.

Vivian and Selena exchanged satisfied glances.

Just then, Harris Moore rushed in, his expression tense. "Mr. Cross, Mr. Blackwell is here."

The entire room fell silent.

Theodore and Gordon exchanged looks of confusion.

The Blackwell family had already broken off the engagement—why had he come?

And in person?

It was rumored that Damian Blackwell rarely showed his face since his injuries, and that his condition was worsening.

But despite the rumors of his limited years left, no one dared to cross him.

Elena was equally surprised and curious.

Theodore turned to her sharply. "Go upstairs."

He was afraid Damian had come for her. He had just secured the marriage deal with the Hayes family—he couldn't afford any complications.

If the Blackwell family interfered, it could spell disaster.

He couldn't afford to offend the Hayes family.

He couldn't afford to offend the Blackwell family even more.

A long row of black luxury cars pulled up at the estate gates. Dozens of bodyguards stepped out, forming an intimidating line.

"The Cross estate is rather lively today," a deep voice remarked.

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable threat.

Even before he entered, the air in the room grew colder.