The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

Fixating his eyes on Hannah, Remington replied, “There are always exceptions.

Isn’t Peterson proof of that?”

Hannah knew the truth well enough.

“But he’s been kept at arm’s length, denied even the family name.

Doesn’t that say something?”

“No one dares exclude him now, and he’s recently become father’s favorite,” Remington said meaningfully.

Raising an eyebrow, Hannah replied sarcastically, “Is that so? The Lyons clan’s internal struggles are fiercer than any, and who knows the truth behind your father’s kindness toward him?”

Remington shrugged and said, “Miss Moore, marry me, and I will protect your interests.”

Shaking her head, Hannah replied, “Let’s not waste time discussing this further.

If you have other terms, state them.

A marriage between our families is out of the question.”

Looking unfazed, Remington said, “I expected you wouldn’t agree, but not so quickly and firmly.”

With a shrug, he continued, “Alright then, attend the horse race in two days.

Win, and I’ll give you whatever you desire.”

“Deal, but don’t back out later,” Hannah quickly replied.

Remington nodded with a grin and said slowly, “But if you lose, I’LL have just one condition for you.”

On the journey back, Hannah inquired about Peterson, saying, “Peterson was once shunned here, but now your father suddenly remembers him and pays him attention…”

Glancing at her, Remington said, “That’s not the whole story.

But, you are right about one thing, which is that my father’s favor is always for a reason.

The Lyons don’t lack heirs.

Aside from me, there were originally eight contenders, not counting Peterson.”

“Were? What about now?” Hannah asked.

“Now, there are only four left, including Peterson.”

Aside from Remington and Peterson, there were just two others.

“The Lyons have strict standards for successors,” Hannah remarked.

Remington shrugged and replied, “We have no choice.

Four heirs have died, and only four remain.”

Hannah hadn’t anticipated the conversation to veer in this direction.

She refrained from probing further as it would be improper to delve into the Lyons’ private matters.

But Remington continued, “Four deaths in three months—don’t you find that odd?”

Even if she did, Hannah wouldn’t admit it.

Instead, she said, “Life, death, sickness, and accidents often defy logic.”

Chuckling lightly, Remington replied, “I wish it were that simple.

But, they all met their ends in strange circumstances at home… I won’t trouble you with the details.

The police found no foul play and ruled their deaths as accidents.

They even ruled out the possibility of homicide.”

Pursing her lips, Hannah couldn’t help but wonder why Remington was revealing all this.

“I’ve read about many unusual deaths, like slipping in a bathtub.

It’s not unheard of.”