Seven Sons to Topple a Princess

I endured Sloane's bullying, but I knew Marcus missed me. I could feel the eyes of the men he’d sent to watch me from the shadows.

For a middle-aged man desperate for an heir, the madness of that night was an addiction he couldn’t break.

Since our night together, other women had become pale imitations. None could replicate that intoxicating ecstasy.

So, when I found out he would be attending a charity gala, I wasn't surprised at all.

I believed that by the thirtieth day, his patience had reached its limit. So, at that gala, wearing an ill-fitting old dress, I deliberately approached Sloane and provoked her in a low voice, "The only reason you're targeting me is because you're terrified I'll become your stepmother, isn't it?"

Sloane met my audacity with a sneer. "You? Worthy? Just look at yourself."

"We'll find out who's not worthy soon enough."

I had been avoiding her for days, but my uncharacteristic confrontation today was all it took. As expected, she took the bait instantly. Her entourage swarmed me, pushing and cursing.

When I saw Marcus's imposing figure appear at the entrance of the ballroom, I mouthed silently to Sloane, "You idiot."

Sloane had never been able to withstand provocation. Just as I predicted, she charged at me like an enraged bull.

The moment Marcus was within earshot, my defiance melted away. "Sloane, I'm sorry!" I pleaded timidly. "Please forgive me. I don't know what I did to offend you, but I apologize!"

Sloane didn't stop. She pushed me to the ground with all her might. At the same time, a friend I had arranged "accidentally" knocked over a waiter's tray, and a glass of red wine spilled perfectly across my white dress, blooming like a startling bloodstain over my abdomen.

"My stomach... it hurts so much..."

"She's bleeding!"

Screams erupted from the crowd.

The next second, Marcus's tall figure had parted the crowd and swept me up from the floor. The feigned despair in my eyes melted away, replaced by a flash of triumphant ecstasy.

"It's our child!"

My words silenced the entire ballroom. Marcus rushed out the door with me in his arms, bundled me into his stretch limousine, and sped towards the hospital.

Sloane finally snapped out of her shock, but when she chased after us, she only saw the disappearing taillights. She stood there, grinding her teeth in fury.