Chapter 41: Derek Harlan Jolted Along the Rugged Mountain Road Behind Aunt Elizabeth

Derek Harlan jolted along the rugged mountain road behind Aunt Elizabeth Ward, his temper fraying with every step. Thirty miles of rough terrain was no place for the only son of the village mayor—a man who’d never so much as touched a hoe in his life.

"You’d better not be lying to me, Auntie," Derek snarled, wiping sweat from his brow. "If Elena Ward isn’t as pretty as you claim, you’ll regret it."

Elizabeth forced a smile. "Oh, my dear boy, would I dare? Elena’s the prettiest girl in ten villages! If her grandmother weren’t in such a hurry to marry her off, we’d never have this chance."

Derek scoffed. If his reputation in his own village weren’t so rotten—if girls didn’t scatter like mice at the sight of him—he wouldn’t be chasing some country girl in the middle of nowhere.

The moment they reached The Ward family’s doorstep, Derek curled his lip in disgust. The shack wasn’t fit for pigs, let alone people. If not for the promise of a pretty bride, he’d have turned right around.

Calvin Ward stepped out to greet them, eyeing Derek’s neat attire with suspicion. Why is Agnes so set on marrying Elena to this man?

"Uncle, where’s my bride?" Derek cut straight to the point, his gaze darting past Calvin into the house.

Calvin stiffened. No manners at all.

Elizabeth quickly intervened. "Come now, let’s have Elena come out. They ought to meet, don’t you think?"

Calvin hesitated.

Derek’s patience snapped. "What? Think you’re too good for me?"

With no choice, Calvin led him to find Elena. On their way, they crossed paths with Vanessa Ward. Derek’s eyes locked onto her retreating figure, his throat working.

"Uncle, was that your daughter? Is she spoken for?" Derek leered.

Calvin’s blood boiled. This lecher has the nerve to eye Vanessa! Through gritted teeth, he said, "She’s already betrothed."

At the village entrance, they spotted Elena heading to the general store. Derek’s face lit up—she was skinny, but her delicate features were exquisite.

Elena froze as if struck by lightning. Derek Harlan. The monster who’d made her previous life a living hell had arrived ahead of schedule.

"Elena, this is Derek Harlan," Calvin said stiffly. "He’s come to meet you."

Derek grinned, stepping too close. "What a pretty little thing!" His gaze raked over her like a predator sizing up prey.

Elena’s nails bit into her palms as she smiled coldly. Perfect. Since he’s delivered himself to her doorstep, she’d make sure he paid in blood this time.