After Rebirth, I Refused to Marry the Major, and He Panicked Chapter 03

After Rebirth, I Refused to Marry the Major, and He Panicked Chapter 03

I learned then that General Sterling had two grandsons.

The eldest: Colt Sterling—golden boy, Special Forces major, the family’s pride.

The younger: Reid Sterling—son of the second son, overlooked because his mother came from an ordinary background. He worked in military intelligence analysis.

They were born mere days apart. Today was the threshold of their twentieth birthdays.

If the toxin wasn’t neutralized, the Sterling family would lose both heirs within hours.

I placed the cooler aside calmly and signaled my assistant to pour Margaret a glass of water.

“Mrs. Sterling, the general just offered me mech data as a bride price to marry Colt.”

“Now you’re here with gifts to marry Reid instead. Perhaps you two should agree on a single offer first?”

My tone cooled. I set down the cup.

“I’m tired. Show them out.”

The memory of that piercing death-ache still burned. This life, I wanted nothing to do with Colt, or Reid.

But barely hours later, the Sterlings sent for me again, this time with less courtesy.

“Dr. Vance, your parents have been invited to rest at the base’s guest quarters. Please cooperate.”

Helpless, I got back in their car.

“Your mother and father are perfectly comfortable, no need to worry,” the general assured me, handing me a cup of special reserve bourbon.

“The reason I asked you here: Dr. Shaw has completed her targeted antidote and claims it will purge Colt’s toxin completely today.”

“To be honest, I have my selfish reasons. If it doesn’t work… I still hope you’ll save Colt.”

So that was the real play.

Before I could respond, Penelope walked in, crisp in her white medical uniform, gold-rimmed glasses glinting. Her face was radiant with confidence.

“General! Major Sterling has received my antidote! Paired with the blood filtration system, his toxin markers are guaranteed back to normal!”

“I’ve run hundreds of live trials for this project, spent countless sleepless nights—”

She didn’t get to finish.

Colt emerged from the treatment room and took her hand in his.

“Penelope, I know how hard you’ve worked. I’ll never let you down.”

“Tomorrow, when my bloodwork clears, I’m filing for our marriage license.”

Penelope blushed, then threw a smug glance my way, her voice sharpening.

“I specialize in genetic toxins—I have the most advanced bio-imaging equipment. If Dr. Vance truly had a purifying constitution, wouldn’t my instruments have picked up some anomalous bio-wave?”

“Or maybe someone just wanted to use a fairy tale to sneak into the Sterlings?”

The general’s patience snapped. He slammed his hand on the table. “That’s enough! The Vance ability is documented in classified military archives! You have no standing to question it!”

Penelope flinched and bowed her head quickly. “Sir, I only worry that Major Sterling might be deceived…”

Colt stepped forward. “Grandfather! Penelope’s just straightforward. Considering she’s the one clearing my toxin, please go easy on her.”

The general slumped back, drained.

“Colt, I’m still not at ease. Your birthday—”

Colt cut him off, full of bravado. “I’ve already taken the antidote. I’m absolutely fine!”

“And I’ve already decided—Penelope and I are filing for marriage tomorrow!”

I’d seen enough. I set down my cup and moved to leave.

At the door, I paused, my voice light and unhurried.

“I wish Major Sterling and Dr. Shaw… a long and happy life. And toxin-free.”

That set Colt off. He lunged across the room and blocked my way.

“Elena Vance, it’s time to wake up from your little fantasy.”

“Admit you’re a fraud, apologize to Penelope, and I might let you work at the base hospital.”

“When I take over the family, maybe I’ll give you a future.”