Chapter 6 Claimed by Sterling

"Yes," Megan declared triumphantly. "In a few days, the Worthingtons will discuss engagement plans with Dad. Soon I'll be Mrs. Worthington."

Anna glanced at her half-sister with cool indifference. "Is that so? What a shame your wish won't come true."

Megan startled. "What do you mean?"

Anna gave her a sidelong glance. "Didn't I just tell you? The Sterlings specifically asked for you."

Panic flashed across Megan's face when she realized that Anna wasn't joking. She grabbed Jason's arm, shaking it desperately. "Jason, what should I do? I don't want to marry into the Sterling family!"

Jason patted the back of Megan's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'm here. I won't let them make you marry into that family."

"Besides," he added with a dismissive wave, "we can't trust what she says. This woman is probably just trying to scare you."

"That's right!"

Hearing his words, Megan seemed to recover her composure. "Anna, don't think I don't know what you're planning. You're just jealous that I can marry into the Worthington family."

"Jealous? How laughable!"

Anna let out a cold laugh, responding without mercy. "Your boyfriend, this ugly mess of a man, how could he compare to William? In terms of family status, the Sterlings are Brighton Harbor's elite. And regarding appearance, William is refined and elegant—certainly better than your boyfriend who looks like a gorilla."

Anna wasn't deliberately saying this for William to hear; she simply couldn't stand the smug expressions on these two's faces.

The driver, hearing Anna speak so freely about William, felt beads of nervous sweat form on his palms.

He discreetly glanced up and froze.

Had he seen correctly? William's expression seemed quite pleased.

Yes, pleased—not grim or sullen, but genuinely happy.

Outside the room, Megan nearly exploded with anger. "Who are you calling a gorilla?"

"Both of you," Anna pointed at each of them, launching an equal-opportunity attack.

"Stop acting so superior, Anna. Sure, the Sterlings have status, but what good is that? William is just a cripple!"

"That's enough, Megan. You'd better watch your mouth if you know what's good for you," Anna warned.

She felt obligated to caution her sister—after all, the man Megan was insulting was currently sitting in the adjacent room.

"What's wrong with what I said? He IS a cripple!"

"Silence!"

Jonathan, who had just reached the third floor and overheard Megan's outburst, turned crimson with rage and struck her across the face.

"You want to destroy yourself? Fine! But don't drag the entire Rice family down with you!"

Megan cupped her cheek in disbelief. "Dad, why did you hit me? William IS a cripple. I'm not lying!"

"Honey, please stop talking," Penelope rushed forward to restrain Megan while simultaneously chiding her husband. "Jonathan, what are you doing? The Sterlings aren't even here. What's wrong with Megan speaking the truth?"

"The truth? Is that something you people have any right to speak about?"

A deep voice cut through the air. To everyone's shock, William was slowly wheeled out of the room.

Seated in his wheelchair, William's thin lips pressed together in a tight line. His expression was severe, radiating an undeniable authority. His commanding presence instantly stunned everyone into silence.

William's piercing gaze swept across the gathering before settling on Megan's face.

"You're Megan Rice?"

Megan stood frozen, tears brimming in her eyes, her hand still pressed against her cheek. Under William's cold stare, she couldn't utter a single word.

Jonathan watched the scene with growing dismay. He hurried forward. "Mr. Sterling, this is all a misunderstanding. My daughter spoke without thinking. Please allow her to apologize to you."

He turned to Megan and barked, "You stupid child! Come here and apologize to Mr. Sterling at once!"

William's cool gaze shifted from Megan to Anna.

The contrast was striking—while Megan trembled visibly, Anna remained calm and composed, her dignity intact.

Observing Megan's pathetic demeanor, William wondered why his grandmother had believed this woman could be his "lucky girl."

"I came here today intending to discuss the advertising contract with Mr. Rice," William stated. "However, it seems that won't be necessary now."

As he turned to leave, he paused beside Anna and murmured in a voice only she could hear. "Follow me."

What?

Anna hesitated, momentarily confused. Seeing her uncertainty, the driver quickly prompted, "Ms. Rice, please."

Almost unconsciously, Anna fell into step behind him. Watching them about to enter the elevator, Jonathan grew desperate.

"Mr. Sterling, this is all a misunderstanding! Please, for Anna's sake, don't cancel the contract."

As they were about to disappear into the elevator, Jonathan turned furiously to Megan. "Go apologize to Mr. Sterling right now!"

The sudden shout made Megan's legs go weak. She cast a pleading look toward Jason.

Jason was already regretting his involvement. He should never have encouraged Megan to confront the Sterlings—he now feared the consequences of challenging such a powerful family.

If his father learned of today's events, Jason knew his life would be forfeit. Seeing Megan trying to drag him into this mess, Jason snapped.

"Why are you looking at me? Hurry up and apologize to Mr. Sterling!"

"Jason," Megan whimpered, hurt by his rebuke.

William stopped his wheelchair and turned to Jason.

That ice-cold gaze made Jason's heart skip several beats. He bowed repeatedly toward William, still urging Megan. "Megan, apologize now!"

Megan reluctantly started forward, but William raised his hand to stop her.

"That won't be necessary. From today forward, Anna is a member of the Sterling family. As for Megan," William turned to Jonathan. "Mr. Rice, I suggest you teach her some better manners."

A Sterling family member?

Anna's mind whirled in confusion. Hadn't he just said he wanted to cancel their arrangement? Why the sudden change of heart?

Before she could process this, the driver pushed the wheelchair into her hands.

"Ms. Rice, shall we go?"

Jonathan watched helplessly as William and his entourage departed. His face pale, he murmured, "It's over. It's all over."

"Jonathan."

"Get away from me!" Jonathan roared at Penelope as she approached. "Look at the daughter you've raised! She's destroyed our family!"

"Jonathan, don't say that. Megan didn't mean any harm," Penelope protested weakly.

"Didn't mean any harm? Do you have any idea how much money we're going to lose?" Jonathan's anguished howl echoed through the hallway.

"The advertising contract with the Sterlings was worth over a hundred million dollars annually. Gone! All gone!"

The figure made Penelope tremble with fear.

"Don't panic. William just said Anna is a Sterling family member now. Maybe we can ask Anna to help fix this."

"Useless! Every one of you is completely useless!" Jonathan stormed off without looking back.

Seeing that everyone was leaving, Jason quickly slipped away as well.

Left alone in the hallway, Megan collapsed to the floor, her face drained of all color.