The One Above All

C6: A Bargaining Chip

"Thank you… Mr Blackthorne," Iris lowered her gaze slightly as she stepped into the cab.

Veyron closed the door gently.

"You don't have to be formal with me," he paused shortly before adding, "Silas was my brother. If you ever need any help in future, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll do my best to assist."

"Okay, I'll remember that."

But her voice was distant, polite, but guarded. Because deep down, she didn't believe he could help her.

"Drive safely," Veyron reminded the driver quietly as the car pulled away.

He stood there watching, until the car disappeared.

---

The next morning, Iris stood in front of the Blackwell family's house. It was a beautiful, magnificent villa that spread over acres of land.

However, she didn't move, because she already knew what was waiting inside. Mockery, humiliation and judgment.

This wasn't home. It was a cage. She exhaled. There was no avoiding it. Thinking of this, she stepped in.

---

"Ah… you're finally back."

The first person Iris ran into was the matriarch of the house, Catherine Blackwell.

The middle-aged woman was dressed in a tight dress that clearly didn't fit her well as it strained against her figure.

The thick makeup on her face was horrible. Her lips were curled up in a condescending manner. And her gaze was sharp and cruel.

"What happened?" she smirked. "Mr Rothwell didn't agree to sign the contract?"

Her gaze swept over Iris' face and she clicked her tongue. "Tsk! Tsk! So pale... So pitiful."

She threw her head back and laughed. "I guess even offering yourself wasn't enough."

Iris' fingers tightened around the purse in her arms slightly. But before she could speak, Catherine continued lazily,

"Stop your wilful act and obediently agree to marry Julian. He's been waiting long enough."

---

Iris lifted her gaze slowly.

"I think you should look in the mirror first, mother."

Her fingers darted around, gesturing at Catherine's face. "No amount of makeup can hide your wrinkles."

There was a silent pause as Catherine's smile froze, then cracked. "You little bit—!"

"Enough," a deep voice cut in. Victor Blackwell walked in at that moment. His face was cold and taut.

Catherine immediately rushed up to him and complained while shedding crocodile tears.

"Victor, you should hear what this little brat of yours just called me. She has no respect for me."

Victor ignored her, his gaze resting on Iris. There was no sense of familial love in his eyes. Instead, he looked at her like he was staring at a problem.

"I heard Mr Rothwell was beaten last night," His eyes hardened. "What did you do?"

Catherine's fake tears ceased instantly. She raised her head in surprise, her eyes darting between the father and daughter pair.

'What did this bitch do now?' She thought delightfully. Well, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that she has caused trouble for the family.

Victor definitely won't let her off easily.

Iris' chest tightened. "Dad, he tried to force himself on me."

"Force himself?" Catherine interjected with a look of contempt. "You think you're worth that? Someone like Mr Rothwell wouldn't lower himself to your level."

Her gaze turned vicious.

"You must have begged for his attention and tried to seduce him."

"Just like your mother did."

Something in Iris broke. "Don't talk about my mother like that."

Her voice trembled, but didn't break.

Catherine stepped closer.

"Oh? Did I lie? Your mother was just a maid. A greedy one at that."

Catherine's facial expression twisted hatefully like she was remembering a terrible past event. Something that should have stayed hidden forever.

"She spread her legs and tried to climb into a family she didn't belong to."

The words hit Iris hard. Her nails dug into her palms and her jaws clenched.

"Enough," Victor's voice came again, cold and final. He didn't feel any sympathy towards Iris.

"I already gave you a chance, but you failed. Which means the deal stands. You will marry Julian."

---

Seeing her father's resolute expression, Iris felt heartbroken. She looked at him. Really looked at him.

"…Dad," The word came out softly. Almost unfamiliar.

"Did you ever… see me as your daughter? If Julian is so good, why don't you let Clarissa marry him instead?"

"Don't you dare bring my daughter into this mess!" Catherine flared up. "Only a little slut like you deserves to marry that playboy!"

Iris didn't pay any attention to the hysterical woman. Her gaze was fixated on her father.

There was silence just for a second, and hope lingered. She wanted to hear directly from him.

"My daughter?" Victor laughed. His gaze turned sharp and mocking. "You? Are you even worthy of that title?"

His words completely shattered the last thread of hope in her heart. Her fingers clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.

As if his words weren't painful enough, Victor stepped closer. Each word he uttered landed like a blade.

"You're nothing but a mistake. You are just a tool, a bargaining chip and—"

His voice dropped.

"—a commodity that I can use and discard whenever I please!"

---

Iris froze. Everything went quiet. Her chest tightened and her vision blurred. But not from alcohol this time.

From pain. One she has never felt before.

She lowered her head slowly.

Not in submission, but to hide it... The tears shimmering in her eyes.

Because she refused to let them see her break.