Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s "Uncle" - Chapter 575

Chapter 575: Scandals of the Aristocracy

Duke William’s expression darkened, his voice edged with threat. “Madam Reid?”

Amelia immediately shrieked, “Logan, Miss Paula is your fiancée! What are you dodging her for?”

Logan spoke lazily, “Fiancée?”

Amelia jumped in, “Of course! You haven’t forgotten your engagement to Miss Paula, have you? We accepted the dowry she brought, and Duke William showed great sincerity!”

Logan gave a short laugh. “Sincerity?”

The mocking undertone in his voice made Duke William’s face sink further.

“If Madam Reid hadn’t saved Paula’s life, do you really think you could ever enter the William family? But since Paula likes you, fine—prepare yourself to return with me to Country Y at any time.”

He paused. “Oh, and Mr. Reid, you’d best bring your assets in Country M as well. We don’t take kindly to live-in sons-in-law. Paula has lived like a princess since birth, and her married life must be no less. Transfer your holdings into Paula’s name, and I’ll recognize you as my rightful son-in-law.”

Logan thought to himself it was fortunate he hadn’t let Selina come—otherwise she would’ve probably thrown up last night’s dinner on the spot.

With studied nonchalance, Logan replied, “Duke William, what clever calculations. If I handed over all my assets to Paula, you’d instantly leap to become the richest man in Country Y. But surely… you don’t think I’m actually brainless?”

William’s disdain never wavered. “Do you even realize who you’re speaking to? My daughter was born a princess. Men line up by the thousands to marry her. If not for the fact you’re Madam Reid’s biological son, do you think I’d even give you a second glance?”

“Enough. It’s settled. Divorce Selina, bring all your wealth to Country Y, and hand it over to Paula. Be a proper son-in-law to the William family.”

As soon as he finished, Paula stepped forward with feigned shyness and hungry eyes. “Logan, I love you with all my heart. As long as you—ah!”

She lunged again, only to miss completely. This time, she fell flat on the ground.

Duke William’s face twisted in anger. “Logan!”

The lively press conference froze in place. Daniel’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. “Logan, what are you doing? That’s Princess Paula—how dare you!”

Logan didn’t even move. He slowly pulled out a wet wipe and meticulously cleaned his hands, inside and out.

“Duke William, please, calm yourself!”

Amelia rushed forward, her face full of distress. “Logan, why are you being so unruly? What’s wrong with Miss Paula? Why won’t you marry her? A man should marry a virtuous wife, not just a pretty face! Selina is restless and unfit, but Miss Paula is different. She’s kind-hearted and will surely treat you well. People would envy you endlessly!”

“Only by marrying Miss Paula will you know true happiness. How could you disappoint your mother’s good intentions?”

Logan lifted his gaze slowly. “Since Miss Paula is so wonderful, why didn’t Mrs. Perry let Owen marry her?”

Amelia’s face drained of color. She gritted her teeth, her voice trembling. “Th-that’s naturally because… naturally because you’re better. Owen can’t compare to you…”

“So, it’s because I’m too outstanding.”

Logan nodded coolly. “That’s why Duke William and Miss Paula traveled all this way to City A to force this marriage. But what I don’t understand is this—”

He paused deliberately.

“Why would Miss Paula, after so much careful selection, set her eyes on a married man? This is the modern era—no one has three wives and four concubines anymore. My father had plenty of mistresses, but none of them had any title. Unless… Miss Paula wishes to become just another mistress outside?”

…

The air grew even heavier.

Amelia’s face froze!

Those words—she’d heard them before!

Anna had once said the exact same thing to her: Even if I don’t care for Daniel—that useless man who can’t keep his eyes off other women—I am still the rightful Mrs. Reid. This is the modern age. No man can have three wives and four concubines. Even if there are mistresses, they’ll always be outside. Or do you really want to be just another mistress?

Amelia’s breath hitched, her face flushing red with rage as she glared daggers at Logan.

Like mother, like son. They even spoke the same way…

How dare he? How could he? That was Miss Paula—the only daughter of Duke William!

“You insolent wretch!” Duke William roared, his face then icing over. “Chairman Reid, won’t you say something?”

Terrified that the entire Reid Family would be dragged down by Logan, Daniel immediately lashed out.

“Logan! Marriage must be sanctioned by your parents’ will and the matchmaker’s word. Who approved your marriage to Selina?! We did not—so it isn’t valid! In any case, you must marry Miss Paula. Don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!”

Logan’s lips curled in a half-smile. “Who approved it? The Marriage Bureau did. Father, your opinion doesn’t count. And besides… Duke William, are you certain you want me to continue speaking?”

A shadow of unease flickered across Duke William’s mind.

The next moment, Jack handed over a stack of documents. Logan accepted them with casual indifference.

“Three years ago, Miss Paula set her sights on a wealthy man in Country Y. His family was pressured into making him her husband. But within three days, he drowned at sea and his body was never recovered. Every bit of his family’s fortune ended up in the hands of Duke William and Miss Paula.”

“Also three years ago, after that man’s death, Miss Paula pursued a painter. Within two months, he contracted a fatal illness and died. His heirlooms and antiques also became Duke William’s property.”

“And after that… there were others.”

Logan calmly listed off several more names. Even as Duke William tried to shout him down in fury, Logan’s voice remained steady, relentless.

The dark secrets of Country Y’s nobility were laid bare. Every man Paula had pursued had died an untimely death, and their fortunes ended up in Duke William’s coffers.

“Shut up! Shut your mouth!” Duke William bellowed, livid.

Logan’s face remained unchanged. “Mrs. Perry, are you still so sure Miss Paula is my perfect match?”

Even the reporters were silent now. Perfect match? Hardly. Anyone could see that Duke William’s push for a business marriage with the Reid Family was nothing but greed for Mr. Reid’s wealth. If Logan really married Paula and followed her to Country Y, he’d likely never live to see the end of it.

Amelia’s face shifted again and again, her throat tight, until she finally grit her teeth and snapped, “Then what do you plan to do? The marriage contract has already been signed! This isn’t about whether you want to marry her—you must marry her!”

Her voice grew louder, steadier. “I am your mother! I have every right to decide your marriage!”

Logan’s gaze chilled. “So now Mrs. Perry remembers she’s my mother. Where was this righteous authority when you were selling your son for profit?”

“Don’t you dare spout nonsense!” Amelia’s shrill voice nearly pierced the eardrums of everyone present. “Everything I’ve done is for your own good! I want you to live a smooth, prosperous life—can’t you understand that?!”