Lina's POV
Uncle Morgan's voice cut through the tense silence like a blade. "Alpha Linus, the wealthiest man in Silvertree Valley, has taken an interest in you. If you agree to marry him, he'll help Ward Hardware through this crisis."
My blood ran cold. Not just help—Uncle Morgan painted it like some fairy tale.
"You want to sell me off again?" The words came out sharper than I intended, but I was past caring about diplomacy.
Something in my tone must have struck a nerve—hit some buried guilt or shame Uncle Morgan kept locked away. His hand flew up, ready to strike. "You ungrateful little b***h! I'll teach you some respect if it's the last thing I do!"
"Morgan, no!" Aunt Camille lunged forward, grabbing his arm with surprising strength. Her eyes were wild, calculating. "Yo
