Chapter 2The Spoiled Heiress Redemption Path

If there was a victim in the merger of the Whitaker and Blackwood families, it was Hudson.

He’d stepped into this engagement for the sake of his family's legacy, which meant enduring me. I was the storm; he was the anchor. I barked orders, threw tantrums, and acted like the world revolved around my mood swings. And he just... took it.

Sometimes, even I was impressed by his stoicism. It was no wonder Blackwood Industries had thrived since he took over. He had the patience of a saint and the tactical mind of a general.

But a man like that always attracts hangers-on.

Once, an anonymous number sent me a text: Sloane, look at yourself. How long do you really think a man like Hudson is going to tolerate your bullshit?

I saw red. I stormed into Hudson’s home office, slamming his laptop shut right in the middle of a PowerPoint presentation.

"Hudson!" I shoved my phone into his face. "Tell me right now. How long are you planning on 'tolerating' me?"

Hudson looked at the text, his brow furrowing into a deep, icy line. He didn't get angry at me. He just noted the number. "I’ll handle this."

"Handle it fast!" I barked. "Because if you're struggling, let’s just call the whole thing off! Save us both the trouble!"

His frown deepened. "Don't say things you don't mean."

I didn't stay to listen. I turned on my heel and slammed the door so hard the framed art on the walls rattled.

The next evening, Hudson handed me a manila folder. It was a literal dossier.

"The girl is the daughter of one of my father’s old associates," Hudson reported, his tone professional but firm. "He asked for a favor—an internship at the firm. I gave her a position. She’s been fired as of this morning, and her father has been informed that her behavior was unacceptable. He’s cutting off her allowance for three months."

He sent a video file to my phone. "She recorded an apology. Watch it if you want. If it’s not enough, I’ll make her redo it."

I looked at the thumbnail—a girl sobbing her eyes out. I didn't even bother clicking play. I deleted it and looked at Hudson. "Why was the video sent to you? Do you have her on Snapchat or something?"

"No," Hudson said, showing me his clean chat history. "I had her father send it to me."

I nodded, satisfied. "Fine. This time." I leaned in, my voice dropping to a warning whisper. "But don't let there be a next time. Or the engagement is over."

"It won't happen again," he replied instantly.

Back then, I was untouchable. I didn't care how long he could "tolerate" me. If he didn't like it, he could leave.

Until the dream changed everything.