The Illegitimate Flame: Bride of Ashes
Chapter 70- heir

Chapter 70: Chapter 70- heir

Manfred hadn’t seen August so completely unsettled in a long time. He tried hard to look away, to pretend it didn’t bother him—but now, because of one woman, everything was falling apart. The way that woman moved around August made him feel like every cell in his body was being tainted.

August grew even more restless, his voice rougher. "Go away!"

"Alright, we won’t touch them. There are no women here—only me. August, open your eyes and see, I’m the only one by your side. I’m Manfred." Manfred’s large, warm palm gently patted his flushed cheek as he patiently helped him out of his clothes. He’d always taken care of August like this. Maybe others wouldn’t understand the intimacy shared between these two men—intimate but not lovers—but only they knew deep down that even if the whole world abandoned August, they never would.

Manfred lay down beside August. Their tall, strong bodies pressed close together, their burning breaths mingling as they held each other tightly.

How many times had he woken from dreams to find that he was the only one by Elwin’s side?

The next day, Charles drove Peggy’s Lotus sports car back to the company. When he arrived, Janet called Peggy to come pick up the car.

"What’s wrong? You look terrible." Janet handed over the keys, looking her over with concern. Peggy had left with August yesterday but now wore a face full of unhappiness.

"Janet, is there something wrong with him?" Peggy complained, her voice dragging. She could think of no other explanation for his fear of women except that something was physically wrong. Yes, afraid—Peggy could see the fear deep in his eyes.

"Who? August?" Janet tilted her head, studying Peggy’s distracted expression. She had suspected something was off but never imagined August would reject even Peggy.

"He... was hurt before," Janet hesitated, then added, "Peggy, if you truly like him, please don’t give up. He’s a man who needs warmth."

Peggy had dated many men before without settling down, but August couldn’t handle such fleeting, unstable love. What he needed was a woman who would genuinely stay by his side, who could soften his heart and bring him warmth.

Peggy nodded somewhat uncertainly and then said nothing more. She took the car keys and headed toward the parking lot.

As Janet turned to enter the building, a sharp voice called out behind her: "Janet!"

Startled, Janet turned around. Seeing who it was, her face instantly changed. After learning what Derrick had done to August, she couldn’t help but feel afraid of him.

"Come with me." Derrick’s tone was calm but commanding, and behind him walked a sharply dressed bodyguard.

Janet’s heart raced as she followed him into the lobby, her eyes flickering toward the elevator. Being alone with this dangerous man made her uneasy.

"What are you standing there for? Get in!" Derrick strode straight toward the meeting room. When Janet hesitated behind him, he repeated the order, impatience dripping from his voice.

"Oh, right!" Janet hurried to catch up, stepping into the spacious, brightly lit meeting room of over a hundred pings.

As the door slammed shut behind her, her heart pounded violently. Derrick sat down opposite her, his expression stern, making her even more nervous.

"Dad..." she whispered, unsure if he knew about her divorce from Philip, but since her relationship with Charles was public now, she felt she should address him properly.

Derrick simply snorted coldly, then scrutinized Janet from head to toe. His eyes locked tightly on hers, filled with unease and suspicion. He couldn’t understand what qualities this woman had to make both Philip and Charles bend over backwards for her.

When she first entered the Elwin family, Derrick had been somewhat impressed with her—an innocent woman with no scheming, the perfect fit to stay by Philip’s side. Yet, she had gotten involved with Charles instead.

"I’ll be straightforward," Derrick said, placing one hand over the other on the redwood table, his gaze cold and reluctant. "Since you’re already with Charles, I won’t oppose it anymore."

"But I have one condition!"

Janet breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Derrick’s words. After how resolutely he had gone after her child before, would he really agree so easily now? But the moment she heard his condition, her nerves immediately tightened again.

"You and Charles can do whatever you want, but no children are allowed."

Derrick’s words hit Janet like a punch—she nearly stopped breathing. Her bright eyes were filled with disbelief. Derrick, as if realizing something, fixed his gaze on her delicate face and said, "You better remember what I say. If I can kill one child, I can kill a second."

When he said this, it was like a bloodthirsty beast opening its jaws, filling the air with a sickening scent of cruelty. Janet stepped back inch by inch until her frail body was pressed against the door behind her, tears welling in her eyes. "Why?"

Why was he so opposed to Charles having children? Janet couldn’t understand. Charles was his son—didn’t he want descendants of his own?

"All you need to do is obey. Remember my words: if I find out you’re pregnant again, I won’t let that child live to see the world."

Derrick’s cruelty sent chills down Janet’s spine once again. Now she had every reason to believe what he’d done to August. This man was truly a monster.

"And don’t tell Charles. Everything he has today is because of me." Derrick’s sinister smile made Janet break down into frightened sobs. Both were his sons—so why was the difference between Charles and Philip so vast?

She had pondered this many times. If he simply wanted to make up for Philip, there was no need for such ruthlessness. He was so eager for Philip to have children, yearning for grandchildren—so why not Charles?

Derrick knew his warning had struck a chord. He was counting on Janet’s care for Charles to keep her from stirring up trouble between father and son.

This vast empire was meant for Philip. Before Philip could reclaim his place, how could Charles have an heir?

Derrick’s eyes held a deep, hidden scheme — everything had to proceed exactly as he planned. No woman could be allowed to derail his carefully laid plans.