My Two Billionaire Husbands: A Plan for Revenge-Chapter 118: First Blood (3)

"After your divorce, you will marry my daughter. And my grandchild— my blood —will be the sole heir of Veston Shipping Lines and CorEx Transport and Payment Services."

Duncan held his breath.

Bartolomeu’s eyes sharpened like a blade poised against flesh. "As for your first son... you can set up a trust fund for him. Give him money. I am not so heartless." He waved a dismissive hand before his gaze darkened. "But do not ever bring up the idea of him inheriting a single share from either of these companies."

His voice lowered into something even more menacing. "If you are wise... and if you truly care for his safety... you will ensure he stays out of all of this."

The message was clear.

A warning, as glaring as the morning sun. A threat, veiled behind logic.

Duncan swallowed, the weight of the unspoken dangers settling over him like a suffocating shroud.

"I understand, sir."

It was the only response he could give.

Bartolomeu exhaled slowly, his satisfaction evident. With a flick of his wrist, he dismissed Duncan like a discarded pawn. "Good... You can go."

He barely spared Duncan another glance as he gestured toward one of his bodyguards. "Help them get out of here."

The order was necessary. Duncan could no longer walk on his own—his body battered, his strength drained. Every inch of him bore the brutal evidence of Bartolomeu’s wrath.

Orson clenched his jaw, carefully hooking Duncan’s arm over his shoulder as the bodyguard did the same. Together, they lifted him to his feet, his legs barely able to support his weight.

Then, movement.

Annie rose abruptly from her seat, her face stricken with worry.

*CRACK!*

The deafening slam of Bartolomeu’s cane against the stone coffee table echoed through the room like a gunshot.

Annie flinched.

The impact was sharp, violent—splintering the heavy silence and sending a shudder through the air.

"And where do you think you’re going, my daughter?" Bartolomeu’s voice cut through her like steel. "Sit. Down."

The command was absolute.

Annie’s pulse thundered in her ears, her breath catching in her throat. She knew this wouldn’t end well.

She stood frozen, powerless, forced to watch as Orson and the bodyguard dragged Duncan’s barely conscious body toward the exit. Each staggering step felt like a slow death, each shuffle of their feet dragging him further away from her.

And then, they were gone.

The doors shut behind them, sealing their departure.

A heavy silence hung in the air, thick and suffocating.

Bartolomeu straightened, his movements slow. He rose to his feet, his presence looming, his steps unhurried as he made his way toward Annie.

She could feel the shift in the air, the darkness pressing in around her.

Annie’s entire body tensed as she felt her father’s presence closing in behind her. Her breath hitched, and she turned slowly, her head bowed, her tear-filled eyes glued to the floor. Every instinct screamed at her to remain small, unseen.

"Look at me."

Bartolomeu’s voice was sharp, authoritative—unyielding.

Annie hesitated for only a fraction of a second before obeying. She lifted her gaze, her lips trembling, and the moment her eyes met his—

*SLAP!*

The force of the blow sent her crashing to the ground.

A sharp, burning pain spread across her cheek as she gasped, her hands flying up to cradle the stinging flesh. Her vision blurred as the tears she had fought so hard to contain finally broke free, spilling down her face in silent agony.

But Bartolomeu was far from finished.

"Get your act together!" he roared, towering over her like a vengeful god. "How hard is it to seduce a man and make him yours forever?! You’ve already spread your legs—why the fuck haven’t you made him sign a damn marriage contract?!"

His voice dripped with disgust.

Annie shuddered, her entire body trembling under the weight of his fury.

"I didn’t raise you to be this pathetic! Do you have any idea how much I’ve invested just to keep that useless bastard under my control? And now you are on the verge of losing him?"

"Listen to me, you worthless little girl. If you fail this time, I swear to God— I will strip you of your rights as my heir and replace you with one of my illegitimate children. Do. You. Understand?!"

Annie flinched, her entire world spinning. She bit down on her trembling lip, forcing herself to nod.

"Y-Y-Yes, D-Daddy... I-I understand..." she stammered, struggling to keep her sobs at bay.

But Bartolomeu wasn’t convinced.

"Make sure that your stupid brain understands it—not just your annoying mouth!" he snapped. Then, as if he hadn’t already crushed her enough, he sneered and added—

"One more thing. At your next check-up, ask about the baby’s gender."

Annie’s breath hitched violently.

Bartolomeu smirked at her reaction. "They should be able to tell by now, and I need to know... so I can get rid of it immediately if it’s a girl."

His voice turned ice-cold, void of any remorse.

"I don’t need another useless, brainless woman as my heir."

Annie’s entire body locked up. Her fingers curled into fists, her nails digging into her skin so hard they nearly broke through.

She stayed there, on the cold, unforgiving floor, as her father turned on his heel and strode away, leaving her crumpled and sobbing in his wake.

But as her tears fell, so did the last remnants of her submission.

Deep inside her, something shifted. A promise, dark and unwavering, formed in her mind.

’Don’t worry, Daddy... this so-called brainless and useless woman will be the end of you.’

Her trembling hands moved instinctively to her stomach, protecting the life growing within her.

’I won’t let you harm my baby the way you destroyed my mother. You will have your grandson, just like you want...’

Her tear-streaked face hardened into something dangerous.

’Even if he’s not your blood, he will never belong to you.’

Annie stood up, wiped her tears, and took her phone from her pocket. She dialed a number and the person on the other line quickly answered.

"Let’s meet tomorrow in the restaurant at lunchtime. Tell me which branch will you be in," Annie said.

[I am driving right now. I’ll check my schedule and will send you the details.]

Annie ended the call with a smirk on her face as she told herself, ’Just wait and see what can I do...’