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Chapter 4 A Cripple Like Him

"Yeah, Hayden," Amelia replied respectfully, "The Johnson Family's on board with the marriage. We're set to talk it over tomorrow."

Hayden gave a satisfied nod. The Johnson family was smart.

He glanced at James, who was sitting in his wheelchair, and his tone softened. "James, it's about time you got hitched. I've met Emily a few times. She's smart, polite, and a good fit for you."

James's face stayed blank, not giving anything away. He just gave a slight nod to Hayden's words.

Hayden paused and added, "Emily's a good match. You should cherish her."

James stayed quiet, but just then, his brother Jasper Smith came down the stairs. Jasper's eyes flickered with a brief hint of mockery. "Cherish? How's a cripple like him supposed to cherish his fiancée?"

Jasper strolled into the living room with his wife, Isabella Taylor, a former model.

Jasper was tall, suited up, but had this intimidating vibe that made people avoid his gaze.

Isabella was the definition of a femme fatale, rocking a tight red dress that showed off her curves. Her fiery red lips added to her allure, but her narrow eyes sparkled with cunning.

Jasper flopped onto the sofa, crossing his legs and fiddling with a bracelet. His words oozed sarcasm, "Good luck, James. When it comes to marriage, you need someone who actually wants to marry you. We don't need a 'forced marriage' scandal messing up the Smith Family's name."

Isabella giggled, her laugh so fake it made James want to throw his tea at her. She cooed, "Jasper, don't say that. James is so amazing that plenty of socialites are dying to marry into the Smith Family. How could you call it 'forced marriage'? Plus, I've seen Emily a few times. Her eyes are glued to James; she can't wait to marry him."

James stayed silent, watching their little show like they were clowns.

He was used to Jasper's jabs and knew the greed behind Isabella's sweet facade.

"Why aren't you saying anything? James, I'm just looking out for you. Once a woman gets a taste of money, she changes. You're too naive to see through these women," Jasper said, patting James's shoulder in a mockingly gentle way, like James was made of glass.

James's grip on the teacup tightened, his knuckles turning white, but he stayed silent. He finished his tea and slammed the cup on the table, the sharp sound echoing in the quiet room.

"Alright. Tomorrow, I'll take Amelia to discuss the marriage in person," Hayden said, turning to leave. He seemed used to the tension between his sons and didn't bother to step in.

"Dad, I'll go too. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly," Isabella chimed in, a sly look in her eyes.

"Alright," Hayden said, not really caring.

Once Hayden was out of sight, Jasper got even bolder. "Don't think I don't know the real reason behind this marriage. The Johnsons agreed because of the Smith Family's money. You're just a pawn in a business deal!"

James's face darkened, but he kept quiet.

Jasper was about to continue, but Isabella stopped him.

She turned to James, her voice all sweet. "James, don't take it to heart. Jasper might be harsh, but he cares about you more than anyone. Just focus on being the groom; we'll handle the rest."

James shot her a cold look. He knew her sweet act hid a venomous heart, even worse than Jasper's.

"I'll handle my own affairs," James replied icily, "I don't need your concern."

Isabella's smile wavered but quickly returned. "We should be concerned about your matters. Don't worry; we're on your side!"

James was used to Isabella's fake concern. He pressed a button on his wheelchair, turned around, and left.

"What a loser!" Isabella spat in frustration.

"Dad arranging this marriage for James, what does it mean? The Johnson Family is in crisis but still has potential. Does he want to groom James as the heir?" Jasper speculated.

Isabella quickly dismissed the idea. "Making James the heir? That would be a joke!"

Jasper and Isabella laughed together.

"Still, we need to be careful. James may seem unassuming, but he's actually pretty cunning," Jasper said, narrowing his eyes as new thoughts formed.

Meanwhile, James had returned to his room, slumping in his wheelchair. Emily's bright and beautiful face flashed in his mind.

James's heart sank, a fear he had never felt before enveloping him. He thought, 'Is she really marrying me just for money?'

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Mr. Smith, are you in there?" It was the maid, Delta.

James took a deep breath to calm himself. "Come in."

Delta entered with a steaming bowl of chicken soup, her face kind and warm. "Mr. Smith, you barely ate dinner. I made this chicken soup all afternoon. Please drink it while it's hot."

James looked at Delta's weathered face, feeling a surge of warmth.

In the Smith Manor, besides Preston, only Delta genuinely cared for him.

"Thank you, Delta," James said, taking the soup and sipping it slowly.

Delta watched James's gaunt face with concern. "Mr. Smith, no matter what, you must take care of your health. Think about it, if the Smith Family's vast estate falls into Jasper or Michael's hands, what would happen?"

James's grip on the soup bowl tightened. He knew Delta was right.

Jasper and Michael were formidable opponents. If he couldn't become the head of the Smith Family, he couldn't bear to imagine how terrible his fate would be.

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