The Hidden Queen

Before I could leave, I was stopped.

Marcus Castillo stood by the elevator, a phalanx of men in black suits surrounding him.

He wore a custom suit, diamond cufflinks glinting under the lights.

I looked up at his handsome profile. He was at least two heads taller than me, his lean muscle visible even through the fine fabric.

If not for this mess, I might have appreciated his looks.

Too bad he had a good face but carried himself with such arrogance.

"Victoria, is this how you do your job?" he asked, not even looking at me, addressing his own assistant.

Victoria stood beside him, head bowed, looking as if she'd messed up. "I'm sorry, Mr. Marcus, I..."

"Shut up." Marcus waved a hand, and the bodyguards immediately spread out, blocking every exit in the hallway.

He finally turned to me, his gaze sweeping over me.

"The Vincent family's adopted daughter, right?" His tone was casual. "Heard you grew up in an orphanage, only brought into the Vincents at ten?"

I took a deep breath. "Mr. Marcus, I want to explain—"

I was about to tell him my true identity, that there might have been a misunderstanding, and that Grandpa had arranged this marriage, but I didn't want to disappoint him.

But before I could finish, he cut me off.

"No need." The man pulled out his phone, glanced at it. "Your past doesn't interest me. The Vincent family is sending you over for this marriage alliance to latch onto the Castillos. You're no different; you're just looking to use this marriage to secure your own future."

I gripped my clutch tighter. "Mr. Marcus, you're too arrogant."

"Is this how you speak to your future wife?"

He smiled, a cold, dismissive smile.

"Arrogant?" Marcus stepped forward, looking down at me. "Aria, understand your place. You don't deserve my respect."

"If it weren't for family politics, do you think I'd marry you?" His voice was low but clear, every word sharp. "After we're married, you'd better behave. Beyond satisfying my desires, you'll get nothing of my power, my assets, or anything belonging to the family."

Blood rushed to my head.

I looked up, meeting his eyes directly.

"Since Mr. Marcus is so unwilling, perhaps we should call off the engagement." My voice was calm. "It would be better for both of us."

The hallway fell silent.

Marcus blinked, then burst into laughter.

"Playing hard to get?" He turned to his men. "You hear that? She says she wants to break off the engagement."

The bodyguards nearby chuckled.

"This girl really knows how to act."

"Does she think that will make him back down?"

"So many socialites in New York would kill to marry Marcus Castillo, and she's putting on airs."

Marcus turned back, the smile gone from his face.

"Aria, I know what you're thinking," he said, stepping closer, his voice a warning. "But you've chosen the wrong tactic. There are hundreds of women in New York, better than you, lined up to marry me. You think a little coyness, a little temper, and I'll coddle you?"

"I'm not having a temper tantrum." I took a step back, creating distance. "I just genuinely think we're not compatible."

"Not compatible?" he sneered. "You, an orphan raised in a convent, what right do you have to say you're not compatible?"

"Mr. Marcus." I cut him off. "I will explain the engagement to Don Castillo personally. I believe he will understand."

Mentioning his father changed Marcus's expression.

"You—"

"As for what you just said." I adjusted my skirt. "I will relay it to Don Castillo truthfully. Let him judge whether his son is worthy of the Castillo family's honor."

Marcus's face flushed red.

The guests who had gathered to watch gasped.

"Is she insane?"

"How dare she threaten Marcus!"

"She's out of her mind, giving up the chance to join the Castillos for nothing."

I ignored the voices.

Marriage was never a transaction, but about whether two people fit.

Marcus Castillo was clearly not my choice.

Besides, I had seen Julian Castillo's demeanor in front of my "Don."

That man, who commanded influence throughout New York, was reduced to humbly seeking cooperation before my family.

In less than ten minutes, his palms were sweating, and he nearly dropped his glass.

He probably had no idea that the alliance opportunity he'd worked so hard for was just destroyed by his son's few words.

"I'll ask you one more time." Marcus's voice broke my thoughts.

He stared at me, his eyes blazing with disbelief and anger.

"Are you sure you want to call off the engagement?" he asked, each word deliberate. "This is your last chance."

I looked at him and suddenly found it amusing.

This man truly believed everyone would bow down to the Castillo name.

"Of course. Since Mr. Castillo is so unwilling to be engaged to me," I said softly, "why should you force yourself?"