Andrea barged into Becky’s apartment, her heart racing from the urgency of Becky’s cryptic call.
“Becky, what’s going on?” she demanded, only to freeze mid-step when her eyes landed on the man sitting on the couch.
“Hello, Andrea,” Zachius Steel, her Dad greeted her, his voice smooth yet commanding.
His legs were crossed, his tailored suit immaculate as always. He held his phone in one hand, and his sharp eyes bored into her like lasers.
Andrea’s stomach twisted in irritation. “Dad, what are you doing here?” she asked, her tone clipped.
Becky appeared beside her, grabbing Andrea’s arm nervously. “Andrea, let’s... let’s just talk. Your dad wanted to see you.”
Andrea scoffed, pulling her arm free. “Oh, I’m sure he does. Probably to lecture me about something ridiculous.”
Zachius raised an eyebrow. “Ridiculous, you say? Let’s talk about this,” he said, lifting his phone and pressing play.
Andrea’s blood ran cold as the sound of her slap echoed through the room, followed by her heated exchange with Sebastian in the restaurant.
“Seriously?” Andrea muttered, her fists clenching. “You’re spying on me now?”
“Spying?” Zachius repeated with a humorless laugh. “This video is circulating among the public and you know what that means to our reputation. Care to explain why my daughter thought it was appropriate to assault her fiancé in public?”
Andrea folded her arms, her chin jutting out defiantly. “He’s not my fiancé anymore. He broke up with me, so I slapped him. End of story.”
Zachius leaned back, his eyes narrowing. “Do you expect me to believe that? Sebastian would never end the engagement unless you did.”
Andrea’s scoff turned into a sharp laugh. “Are you even listening to yourself? If I broke up with him, why would I slap him? Do I look like someone who enjoys creating unnecessary drama?”
“Yes,” Zachius deadpanned, his voice icy.
Becky winced, glancing nervously between them. “Maybe we should all just sit and—
“Stay out of this, Becky,” Andrea snapped.
Zachius gestured to the couch. “Both of you, sit.”
Andrea hesitated but eventually dropped onto the couch, her movements stiff with annoyance. Becky perched on the edge beside her, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else.
“Do you even realize the damage you’ve caused?” Zachius asked, his tone sharp. “Sebastian is the son of one of my most important business partners. This marriage isn’t just about you, Andrea—it’s about ensuring the future of our companies.”
Andrea rolled her eyes. “Oh, spare me the lecture about the family business. I’m not a pawn in your mergers and acquisitions.”
Zachius’s gaze turned steely. “You are my only child and heir. That comes with responsibilities.”
“I never asked to be your heir!” Andrea shot back. “Maybe I want to live my own life, make my own choices.”
Zachius leaned forward, his voice dropping to a dangerously low tone. “You don’t have the luxury of choice in this matter.”
Becky shifted uncomfortably, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Andrea noticed and let out a humorless laugh. “Relax, Becky. He’s not going to bite.”
Zachius turned his attention to Becky, making her freeze. “Becky,” he said, his voice deceptively calm, “as Andrea’s friend, I trust you’ll talk some sense into her.”
Becky nodded quickly. “Of course, Mr. Steel.”
Andrea groaned. “Dad, stop trying to intimidate my friend. It’s pathetic.”
Ignoring her, Zachius pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “If you won’t fix this, I will.”
Andrea frowned. “What are you doing?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he waited for the line to connect. “Sebastian, this is Zachius Steel,” he said smoothly. “I need to clarify something regarding the incident earlier.”
Andrea’s eyes widened. “Oh, you have got to be kidding me.”
Zachius glared at Andrea. “Tell me, Sebastian—did Andrea end the engagement, or was it you?”
Andrea’s heart pounded as Sebastian’s voice came through the speaker. “It was her,” he said coolly. “She broke up with me and slapped me.”
“What?!” Andrea exploded, jumping to her feet. “That’s a lie!”
“Sit down,” Zachius ordered, not even glancing at her.
Sebastian continued, “I didn’t want to cause a scene, but she lashed out. I think she’s just overwhelmed, Mr. Steel. No hard feelings.”
Andrea’s jaw dropped. “No hard feelings? You—”
Zachius ended the call, cutting her off. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “You’ve embarrassed yourself and our family.”
Andrea clenched her fists. “You’re taking his side? Unbelievable.”
Zachius’s voice remained calm but firm. “This isn’t about sides. This is about responsibility. You will call Sebastian and apologize.”
Andrea crossed her arms. “Not a chance.”
Zachius’s lips curled into a thin smile. “Then let me inform you of something. Your wedding has been rescheduled for next weekend.”
Andrea stared at him, her mouth agape. “Excuse me? What did you just say?”
“You heard me,” Zachius said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Next weekend. Invitations have already been sent.”
Andrea shot to her feet, her voice rising. “What?! You can’t do that! I’m not marrying him!”
“You will,” Zachius said simply. “Because if you don’t, I will cut you off completely. No money, no support, nothing.”
Andrea’s mouth opened and closed as she struggled for a retort. Finally, she shouted, “You’re unbelievable!” and stormed toward the door.