C1 You Are Not Worthy to Marry Me

The Diswer International Hotel is the only ultra-luxurious villa resort in Criarbridge. Nestled along a picturesque stretch of sandy beach, a mere window's breadth away from the inviting sea, its unique architecture and opulent decor have made it the preferred choice for many celebrities.

At this moment, Hilda sat in the bedroom of the most opulent villa, her unease palpable, tinged with a hint of desolation. The door swung open, and the firm, confident steps of Kimball, President of the Diswer Group, approached. He cut an impressive figure in a tailored dark suit, phone in hand, his striking features complemented by fair skin—a vision of handsome sophistication.

Upon noticing Hilda, his brow creased ever so slightly before he ended his call and approached her with an air of superiority. "Hilda, the unwanted illegitimate daughter of the James Group?" he queried.

The term 'illegitimate daughter' carried a biting irony. In truth, Hilda was the legitimate heiress of the James Group, but after her mother's tragic demise, her father's new wife brought into their home a daughter older than Hilda herself, relegating her to the status of an outcast in the eyes of others.

"Yes, I am Hilda," she replied coolly, acknowledging her identity but not the stigma attached to it.

"What are you doing here? Leave," he commanded.

"I'm here to relay a message from my father. Aimee and Mr. Simmons of the Pleasure Group have fallen in love and plan to announce their engagement tomorrow," Hilda informed him, standing her ground rather than making a hasty exit.

"Is the James family backing out of the engagement?" Kimball's gaze grew icy.

"No, I will honor the marriage agreement made between your father and the James family," she asserted.

Upon hearing this, Kimball's expression turned frigid. He dismissed Hilda with a sweep of his arm, watching her crash to the floor without a trace of sympathy. He then coldly lifted her chin and challenged her, "What makes you think you're fit to be my wife?"

"Mr. Walton is right; I may not be worthy, but your beloved Aimee from the James family doesn't care for you in the slightest."

"Provoking me won't do you any favors," he warned.

Going head-to-head with the Pleasure Group isn't in your best interest right now. Besides, the esteemed Diswer Group wouldn't renege on an engagement, would they?" Hilda's heart was heavy, yet she felt utterly powerless. She had to find a way to remain close to Kimball.

Before she departed, the man who claimed to be her father had given her a room card, saying, "If you want your mother to continue her treatment and live well, then go to this place. You know what to do."

Kimball's eyes narrowed. "Do you really think I'm unaware of the James family's schemes? Fine, I'll play along. But let's be clear—I'm not in need of a wife..." His words trailed off as he seized Hilda's wrist and tossed her onto the bed. Before she could gather her wits, his long legs pinned her down, and he half-knelt beside her knees, looking down at her intently.

"What... what are you doing?" she stammered.

"Do you really not know what I intend to do?" Kimball scoffed.

"No." Hilda tried to push him away, but to Kimball, her resistance seemed feigned.

Without a word, Kimball's annoyance with her grew. His grip tightened suddenly, leaving stark red marks on Hilda's pale skin.

"Get off! Don't touch me!"

"If you truly didn't want me to touch you, you wouldn't have come near this door," Kimball retorted coldly. He had no desire to touch a stranger, much less be manipulated by one.

"Let go!" Hilda instinctively turned her head, and the pendant around her neck—a ring—slipped off.

At the sight of the ring, Kimball's demeanor shifted dramatically, a rare flicker of panic crossing his face. "How did you come by this ring? Tell me!"

Hilda was in too much pain to speak, her pained gaze fixed on him.

"No, this isn't right. It shouldn't belong to you." For a moment, Kimball couldn't bring himself to meet Hilda's eyes, and sensing her aversion to his proximity, he frowned and finally left the room.