Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 817

During her years with Sebastian, Lillian had never known what it felt like to be truly cherished.

Sebastian had been a bottomless, arid well. No matter how much love and devotion she poured into him, it vanished into the dark, leaving no trace of warmth. He only ever offered the barest scraps of affection in return—and even then, it felt like a transactional obligation rather than genuine care.

Over time, she realized his forced smiles were born of resentment. He hated feeling indebted to the Mercer family's wealth and status. That was exactly why he had rushed to elevate Bella—a woman with no formidable background but armed with an elite degree.

He wanted to prove that he didn't need the Mercer empire, that he was a self-made titan who could mold his own perfect partner.

With Sebastian, Lillian had only ever felt hollow.

But Leonard filled her world with an overwhelming sense of security.

They were two souls tethered by fate, healing each other's deepest wounds. Every ounce of affection she gave was met with a tidal wave of devotion in return.

Sebastian was emotionally deformed, incapable of giving or receiving true love.

A man like that was destined for misery.

Sure, he was a ruthless businessman, backed by the formidable power of the Blake family legacy. But while he had ambition, his judgment was tragically flawed.

The fact that a manipulative social climber like Bella had blinded him so easily proved just how superficial his instincts truly were.

Gazing into Leonard's devoted eyes, Lillian finally nodded. "Okay. Pick a date. We'll get married."

Since being exiled from her family, Lillian had established her own independent household registration. Legally, marrying Leonard would be entirely seamless.

For the past two days, Old Mr. Blake and Old Mrs. Blake had noticed a distinct shift in their son's demeanor.

"He was scowling constantly just a few days ago," Old Mrs. Blake remarked over tea. "Now he's practically glowing, and his appetite is back."

Old Mr. Blake scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "I heard from my sources that he drew up a brutal pre-nup. Bella isn't getting a single penny."

"He managed to pull that off?" Old Mrs. Blake asked, surprised. "There's no way a schemer like her would agree to that willingly."

Old Mr. Blake shook his head. "Who knows? Maybe he seduced her into signing it blind."

His wife swatted his arm playfully. "Don't be ridiculous. She's far too calculating to fall for a cheap trick like that."