His Father Bought Me-Chapter 33: Do One Thing For Me

Estelle’s head snapped toward him, something sharp flashing in her eyes now. "What does that mean? What have my parents got to do with anything? Answer me!" she demanded, her voice stronger, cutting through the tension.

Magnus didn’t answer. He simply reached out, his fingers tapping lightly against her shoulder, almost casual, almost dismissive. "You should get some rest."

Estelle’s stomach tightened at his words, a slow, uneasy knot pulling deeper. What does he mean? No. He is trying to distract me. She shook her head slightly, as if she could physically push the thought away, forcing herself to focus.

"When am I getting my surgery?" she asked, her voice sharpening, the accusation slipping through. "I’ve done everything you asked, and you haven’t given me a single commitment."

Magnus stopped, the faint echo of his shoes faded as he turned back, leaning down just slightly, enough to bring his gaze level with hers. "You haven’t proven that you deserve to stand again," he said, and the words landed harshly. "I need you to show me how much you want it."

Estelle blinked, confusion flashing across her face. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tightening. "I have proven myself." Her fingers curled against the armrest. "That wasn’t even part of the agreement," she continued, desperation creeping in despite her effort to hold it back. "The only condition was that I marry your son, and I did."

"That means you didn’t read the contract." Vance’s voice cut in smoothly.

Estelle’s head turned sharply toward him, her eyes widening. "What are you talking about?"

Vance let out a quiet scoff, folding his hands loosely behind his back. "Did you really think this was a charity?" he asked, his tone almost amused. "That a simple marriage would grant you access to a surgery of that magnitude?" He tilted his head slightly, studying her. "An expensive, life-altering procedure just handed to you?"

The words sank in slowly.

Estelle shook her head, her breath catching. "No, that’s not—" But the argument faltered, died before it could fully form. She had been played by everyone.

Vance opened his mouth again, ready to press further, but Magnus lifted a hand, silencing him without looking, a smile curving onto his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

"I’m willing to overlook the terms Vance is referring to," Magnus said, his tone smooth now, almost generous.

Estelle’s chest heaved as she watched him carefully.

"If you do one thing for me." He let the words hang heavy. "If you agree," he added, his gaze locking onto hers, "you can be assured your surgery will be done tonight."

The room seemed to close in around Estelle. Behind her, Vance’s expression shifted, a faint smile touching his lips as he glanced at Magnus, something like admiration flickering in his eyes.

Estelle’s brows pulled together, her throat tightening as she swallowed. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice quieter now, more cautious.

Magnus didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Vance, and a small nod passed between them. Vance stepped forward slightly, his shoes soft against the floor, his expression almost too pleasant for what he was about to say.

"Pledge your allegiance to Mr. Magnus," he said, his tone light. Then he added, just as smoothly. "But Roman must never find out what we’re doing here."

"I need you to fulfill the role I brought you here for," Magnus cut in, his voice effortlessly smooth. "I want him under my control." He paused. "You will be my voice," he continued, his gaze steady on hers, "but he must believe it’s yours."

The words settled heavily in Estelle’s chest. Realization came slowly at first, and then all at once.

"Are you asking me to make Roman think I’m on his side," she said, her voice tightening slightly, "while he’s actually doing your bidding?"

Magnus didn’t answer, nor did Vance. They just smiled, and that was answer enough.

Estelle looked away, her pulse roaring in her ears now, thoughts colliding too fast to hold onto any one of them. Just moments ago, she had been beside Roman, pledging to stand with him even without saying the words. They are agreed: You and me against the world. Her chest tightened as she recalled the kiss, the way he had looked at her. I can’t betray him. The thought was sharp in her mind.

She lifted her gaze back to Magnus, forcing herself to stay composed. "How do you expect me to do that when Roman doesn’t even trust me?" she asked, doing her best to keep her voice steady and believable.

Magnus didn’t respond. Instead, he gave a small nod to Vance.

Vance reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. A second later, a sound filled the room. Estelle froze. Her stomach dropped as Vance stepped closer, angling the screen toward her. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"From this moment, it’s you and me against the world." Roman’s voice came, clear, his image unmistakable on the screen.

Her heart beat faster as the moment replayed in her mind. The way he had said it, the way his hand had felt around hers, the certainty in his eyes. For a second, she was back there. Then—

"Already falling for him, I see." Magnus’s voice cut through it. "And it’s making you lie to me."

Estelle’s head snapped up, something defensive rising instantly. "I don’t love your son," she said, the words coming out quicker than she intended, her voice trembling just slightly. "It was for the camera. Nothing more."

The lie sat like ash on her tongue.

"You think a few words are enough to sway me?" she added, forcing steadiness into her tone. "Then you don’t know me. That? That was just a performance."

Magnus smiled knowingly as he stepped closer, his presence swallowing the space around her. "Maybe that’s the problem," he said.

Estelle frowned, unease tightening in her chest. "What does that mean?"

Magnus leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "I need you to make it real." The words landed quietly. "Make him believe you love him," he continued. "Win him over."

Estelle’s breath faltered. "Roman isn’t easy to control," she said, her voice quieter now, almost careful. "I’m sure you already know that."

Magnus straightened, and his expression cooled. "Then you’re a waste of my time," he growled, turning his back on her like she was a discarded tool. "Vance, find me a new leash. One that knows its place and pulls at my command."