章 78: Worn Shoes

"Matteo!" Charles hissed, stepping forward only to be held back by Horace's cane.

"Is there a reason for your change of heart?" Horace calmly asked. He was no longer wearing a warm smile, and instead, his expression was that of a cold-cutting and ruthless businessman on the prowl for the best interest.

"I never had a change of heart," Matteo replied, finally tearing his gaze away to meet Horace's straight-on. "I never agreed to marry Emmeline. Time and time again, I've expressed that Amelia is the woman who will be my wife."

He didn't falter and instead continued, "The engagement was agreed upon between our families. It could've been Aiden that Emmeline married, but he wasn't her choice. In this case, Emmeline isn't my choice." He looked at Amelia when he spoke the next sentence. "Amelia has been recognized as a Hawthorne heiress. In that case, even if I married her, there should be no difference."