Chapter 5

I immediately knew this was the next challenge.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Mr. Thorne's question:

"If my business faced a crisis that could only be fixed by marrying an infertile man in a permanent vegetative state, would you do it?"

"Think carefully. This isn't hypothetical—it's a real possibility."

As soon as he finished, Valerie stepped forward first:

"Of course I would! Any sacrifice for you, Father, is my duty!"

"Of course! With my skills, I can not only save the company through marriage but use my husband's family connections to take us to new heights!"

Seeing her, others rushed to declare their loyalty:

"As your daughter, Father, marriage is my duty and mission!"

"A vegetative infertile man might be better—I could do IVF and the child would take my last name!"

Suddenly, several daughters gathered around Mr. Thorne, creating a falsely warm scene.

Mom, worried I might freeze up, reminded me:

"Scarlett, don't fall for his scare tactics. He's testing your loyalty—just say you're willing."

But seeing Mr. Thorne's emotionless face and scrutinizing eyes, I hesitated.

Mr. Thorne's reaction was too strange.

I stood frozen, trying to figure out the real meaning behind the question.

Mom grew impatient:

"Scarlett, what are you waiting for? Say you're willing now!"

"I dated your father for six months—I know him! He falls for flattery. Hurry up!"

Mom was wrong.

Mr. Thorne wouldn't be that easily fooled.

I remembered our previous eye contacts and his subtle expressions, my mind racing.

As I stayed silent, all eyes turned to me.

Mr. Thorne frowned, giving me a meaningful look:

"Scarlett, is this question so hard to answer? Look at your sisters—they didn't hesitate."

Valerie wore a smug, triumphant grin:

"The country bumpkin's never seen real life—she probably didn't even understand the question."

Other daughters whispered, waiting for me to embarrass myself:

"She showed off at dinner, but now her true colors are showing!"

Mom panicked:

"Scarlett, are you trying to drive me crazy? Say it now! Only by agreeing do you stand a chance at that fortune!"

I took a deep breath and answered clearly:

"I'm not willing."

Mr. Thorne's expression instantly changed.