He Revealed a Secret Son, So I Swapped Grooms Instead Chapter 07

He Revealed a Secret Son, So I Swapped Grooms Instead Chapter 07

Two weeks later, the Prescott family officially announced a new heir.

Arthur’s youngest son, Cassian Prescott, took his place.

He was Desmond’s uncle, though only three years older than him.

Cassian had spent years overseas running one of Prescott’s regional divisions.

He rarely came back to the States, so he wasn’t on anyone’s radar.

But my father said the man was sharp. And clean.

Cassian’s first visit to the Hastings home was to apologize on Arthur’s behalf.

The bruises on my face hadn’t completely faded, and the gash on my forehead was still bandaged.

Dressed in a black suit, he walked in and set a document on the table first.

“Ms. Hastings. This’s the Prescott family’s compensation offer.”

I skimmed it.

The terms were generous. Almost too generous.

I left it on the table.

“Mr. Prescott, is this the Prescott family’s decision or yours?”

He met my eyes, unruffled. “Both.”

“The Prescott family owes you closure.”

“And I need to show the Hastings family that the new leadership is serious about rebuilding this

partnership.”

He didn’t sugarcoat it.

I actually appreciated that.

At least he didn’t lean on the usual nonsense about love, face, or women needing to be the bigger

person.

My father sat next to me, leaving the decision to me.

“Claire, you decide.”

I finished reading the document.

“Il take the compensation.”

“The partnership can be back on the table.”

“But marriage is off the table.”

Cassian nodded. He didn’t look the least bit bothered.

“Got it.”

“After what you’ve been through, no one could blame you for not wanting to talk marriage again.

“Prescott will let its work do the talking. No one’s going to use marriage as leverage.”

I studied him for a second.

I hadn’t expected that.

That was how a normal person was supposed to talk.

After all of Desmond’s twisted logic, I’d almost forgotten that rich families didn’t have to grind

women into the dirt.

After Cassian left, my mother let out a quiet sigh.

“That Cassian’s a lot more clear-headed than Desmond.”

I sank into the sofa.

“Not my problem.”

My mother smiled. “I know.”

“Whether our Claire gets married, and to whom, will always be her choice.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest.

“Yeah. Right now, I just want to focus on my work.”

My father finally smiled for the first time in weeks.

“Perfect. You’re taking point on the new Hastings project next quarter.”

I blinked. “Me?”

He nodded. “Didn’t you say a strategic marriage’s about pooling resources, not saving face?” .

“Then go get those resources yourself.”

“The Hastings family’s future doesn’t rest on who you marry.”

That was when my eyes started to sting.

I’d been holding it in since the engagement party.

I hated how Desmond had treated me like a resource package.

I hated how everyone acted like women were just supposed to take it.

But in that moment, it finally clicked.

I could be the Hastings daughter.

I could be the future heir to Hastings Corporation.

But before any of that, I was my own person.

I wasn’t anyone’s backup plan.

And I wasn’t anyone’s bargaining chip.