He Revealed a Secret Son, So I Swapped Grooms Instead Chapter 09

He Revealed a Secret Son, So I Swapped Grooms Instead Chapter 09

One year later.

The new Hastings-Prescott project officially launched.

Cassian and I were in charge.

Not a strategic marriage. Just business.

The signing ceremony drew a crowd of reporters.

One of them asked me, “Ms. Hastings, the strategic marriage between the Hastings and Prescott

families fell apart last year. Isn’t it awkward to be working together again?”

I took the mic and answered calmly.

“Business is built on interests, rules, and trust.”

“Not personal grudges.”

“Under new leadership, Prescott has proven itself worth doing business with.”

“Hastings works with people who play by the rules.”

Another reporter called out, “Would you ever consider it again?”

I smiled. “If marriage is just another form of partnership, I’d rather cut out the middleman.”

The room fell silent for a second.

Then the applause began.

I saw my parents sitting in the front row.

My mother’s eyes were glistening.

My father’s eyes were full of pride.

Cassian stood beside me.

After the press Q&A, he leaned in and said under his breath, “Nice line, Ms. Hastings.”

I glanced at him.

“So you think a woman’s only value is in marriage?”

He laughed. “Of course not.”

Nust think some men don’t deserve it.”

“What they’re really after is a way to take advantage.”

I couldn’t help laughing.

After the signing ceremony, I stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby.

Sunlight streamed in.

My mind drifted back to the engagement party.

I remembered Desmond holding that boy, saying, “The title of Mrs. Prescott will always be yours.”

He’d said it like he was above me. As if that title were some grand favor.

Looking back now, it was laughable.

I’d never wanted the title of Mrs. Prescott.

What I wanted was respect, rules, and equality.

Without those, even the grandest title is just a gilded cage.

And I, Claire Hastings, would never step into one.

Not ever.