Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

Victor's declaration of wanting to marry Sydney creates a tense atmosphere filled with conflicting emotions. Victor, who has treated relationships lightly in the past, finds himself genuinely contemplating a future with Sydney. Despite his usual dismissive attitude towards women, he feels a deep connection to her, leading him to consider marriage as a way to fill the emptiness in his life.

However, this idea is met with fierce opposition from his grandmother, Eloise, who sees Sydney as unworthy and a threat to their family legacy. Eloise's anger erupts as she questions Victor's sanity and the implications of such a union. She views him as the last hope of their lineage and is determined to find him a more suitable match. Her protective instincts kick in, especially with the looming danger that Sydney faces. Eloise's frustration grows as she struggles to understand what makes Sydney so special to Victor, believing that any heiress would be a better fit for him.

Victor, however, is resolute, dismissing her concerns and insisting that Sydney is the only one for him, despite the absurdity of his claims. As the confrontation escalates, Eloise attempts to reason with Victor, reminding him of the societal expectations and the potential repercussions of marrying someone like Sydney. She highlights the importance of family standing and warns him about the challenges he would face in pursuing this relationship.

Victor's defiance begins to wane as he grapples with the reality of his situation, feeling the weight of his family's expectations and the shadow of his past, particularly the unresolved issues surrounding his parents' imprisonment. The chapter culminates in a moment of vulnerability for Victor as he contemplates the futility of his desires against the backdrop of his family's legacy. He expresses a sense of defeat, acknowledging the power dynamics at play and questioning the longstanding animosity between Eloise and Julian.

This revelation hints at deeper family secrets and unresolved tensions that continue to influence Victor's life choices and relationships. Ultimately, the chapter explores themes of love, obligation, and the struggle between personal desire and familial duty. Victor's infatuation with Sydney clashes with Eloise's protective instincts, creating a complex emotional landscape that sets the stage for further conflict and exploration of their intertwined fates.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 224** As those words slipped from Victor's lips, a heavy silence enveloped the room, freezing him in place. He had always played with the hearts of women like a child with toys, discarding them when the novelty wore off, Sydney included. Initially, he believed she would be just another fleeting distraction. Yet, the only regret that gnawed at him was that he had never dared to bridge the gap between them, never ventured to truly touch her. But what if he could? The idea of marrying her didn't seem so far-fetched.

a mere formality. Of course, he knew his grandmother would never approve of such a union. The moment Eloise heard his proclamation, it was as if a volcano

she had delayed finding him a suitable match out of love. No one seemed good enough

were to marry her, he would be branded as a widower before he even had a chance to know her. Yet, Victor had been infatuated with her for years, and nothing anyone said could penetrate the bubble of his obsession. "She's perfect for me in every conceivable way. Even her toes smell sweet," he

into their home. She should have left her outside, away from the influence that seemed to have ensnared Victor's heart. Victor

entertain the thought!" Eloise exclaimed, jabbing her finger against his forehead with a force that surprised even her. "I will arrange for you to meet a proper heiress soon. Until then, keep your head down and stop stirring up trouble." She simply could not fathom what made Sydney so special in Victor's eyes. Any number of heiresses, chosen at random, would undoubtedly surpass her in education, character, and family background. And yet,

faltered, and silence filled the space between them. Eloise, sensing a flicker of vulnerability in Victor, softened her tone, making one last attempt

voice. "Because he must marry someone from a family of equal standing. That's the only way he can claim the entire Sterling empire," she explained, her gaze unwavering. "And you? What do you occupy your days with?

an afterthought, "Besides, what exactly is the grudge between you and Julian? Why let it linger like this?" Julian had always seemed to harbor a disdain for him, and Victor suspected that part of that animosity stemmed from Eloise.