The Announcement

The grand dining hall of the Voss estate glowed under the light of a massive crystal chandelier. The long mahogany table was set with fine china and silverware for a formal family dinner the kind that happened rarely and always carried weight. Heavy velvet curtains framed the tall windows, and the air smelled of roasted lamb, red wine, and old money.

Theodore Voss stood at the head of the table, tall and imposing in a tailored black shirt that stretched across his broad, muscular chest. His dark hair was perfectly styled, jaw sharp, grey eyes unreadable. Beside him stood Valentina.

She looked breathtaking.

Maria had helped her choose one of the few elegant dresses available in the estate's guest wardrobe,a soft emerald green silk that hugged her young, voluptuous body. The modest neckline still accentuated her full, rounded breasts, while the cinched waist highlighted her hourglass figure and the gentle flare of her hips. The dress fell to just above her knees, showing off smooth, toned legs.

Her long dark hair cascaded in loose waves down her back, and minimal makeup made her hazel eyes look large and luminous. She was the picture of innocent beauty,sexy without trying, soft and delicate next to Theodore's raw power.

She kept her gaze lowered, fingers nervously twisting the fabric of her dress, cheeks flushed with anxiety.

Eleanor Voss sat at the opposite end of the table, lips already pursed in disapproval. Next to her was her husband, Victor Voss, a stern, silver-haired man in his late fifties who still carried the authoritative air of someone who had built an empire. Austin lounged in his seat midway down the table, dressed casually in a grey sweater, one leg stretched out.

"Since everyone is here," Theodore began, his deep voice cutting through the room like a blade, "I'll make this quick."

All eyes turned to him.

"I am getting married. To Valentina."

A stunned silence fell.

Austin, who had just taken a sip of his red wine, choked violently. He coughed hard, spitting the wine across the table in a messy spray. "What the---?!" He grabbed a napkin, wiping his mouth and chin, eyes wide with shock as he stared at his brother and then at Valentina. "You're marrying the maid's daughter?"

Valentina flinched at the words but said nothing, her body trembling slightly beside Theodore.

Eleanor's face twisted in outrage. She slammed her wine glass down. "Have you lost your mind, Theodore? This… this servant girl? Low-class Italian blood in our family line? Absolutely not. We have standards. The Harrington girl, the Moreau heiress—there are options!"

Victor's expression darkened. "Your mother is right. We tolerated her mother working here, but marriage? This is ridiculous. She has no name, no connections, no breeding. You'll make us a laughingstock."

Theodore's jaw clenched, his famous temper simmering just below the surface. He placed a large, possessive hand on Valentina's lower back, pulling her closer to his side. The touch made her shiver.

"I don't need your permission," he said coldly. "But for the sake of the family trust and the board, I'm informing you. She is young, healthy, intelligent, and beautiful. That is more than enough."

Valentina's cheeks burned with humiliation. She wanted the floor to swallow her whole. These people had known her since she was a child, yet now they spoke about her as if she were livestock.

Eleanor turned her sharp gaze on Valentina. "Look at her,can barely speak. She'll embarrass us in every social circle. This is absurd."

Austin, still recovering from his spit-take, stared at Valentina with a mix of disbelief and something softer,almost concern. He had always been kind to her, treating her like a little sister. Seeing her standing there like a sacrifice beside his cold older brother unsettled him more than he wanted to admit.

Victor leaned back, rubbing his temple. The room grew tense. Theodore's temper was legendary, and everyone knew pushing him too far could lead to explosive consequences.

Finally, Victor exhaled heavily. "We have no suitable matches left because of your… reputation, Theodore. The lawyers have been clear,the succession must be secured soon. If this girl can give you legitimate children and stay out of trouble…" He shot Valentina a warning look. "Then we have no choice but to accept. But she will be expected to learn her place. No more working like a servant. And God help you if she drags this family's name through the mud."

Eleanor looked furious but stayed silent, lips pressed into a thin line. She clearly planned to make Valentina's life difficult later.

Theodore gave a single, satisfied nod. "Good. The wedding will be in three weeks. Private ceremony, then a formal reception for appearances. Valentina's mother's medical expenses will be covered immediately."

Valentina's eyes filled with tears of relief for her mother, even as dread coiled in her stomach. Three weeks. She would be Theodore Voss's wife in three weeks.

Austin caught her eye across the table. For a brief moment, his usual cold mask slipped and he mouthed, "You okay?"

She gave the tiniest nod, though it was a lie.

The rest of dinner passed in icy silence, punctuated only by the clink of silverware.

Eleanor made several pointed comments about "appropriate table manners" clearly aimed at Valentina. Theodore ate calmly, one hand occasionally brushing Valentina's waist under the table,whether to steady her or remind her of their deal, she wasn't sure.

When the meal finally ended, Valentina excused herself as quickly as possible, nearly fleeing the dining hall.

Theodore watched her go, his gaze dark and lingering on the sway of her hips in that emerald dress.

Austin wiped the last traces of wine from his shirt and muttered under his breath, "This family is fucked up."

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***