"Are they that desperate for cash?"
Claire couldn't think of a single other reason.
"Is it your mom's medical bills?"
"No." That was what made it so laughable to Lex.
She had secretly called her cousin to get the real story.
Her family wanted her back for this setup because her status as a college student meant they could essentially auction her off to the highest bidder.
Worse yet, her brother Julian had gotten himself into trouble and owed a massive settlement. Since her parents couldn't afford it, they decided to use her as a pawn to pay off his debts.
Either way, it was a shockingly short-sighted and toxic move.
They were treating their daughter like property, not a person.
"Don't they realize you could bring in way more money once you graduate?"
A degree from The Cabinda University guaranteed a limitless future. Surely that was worth more than a one-time hefty dowry payout?
Of course, that assumed the daughter would remain obedient and subservient.
"Do they suspect you're planning on cutting ties?"
Why else would they force her into a marriage arrangement now?
"Probably," Lex agreed, her tone hollow.
They likely sensed they were losing their grip on her. Instead of letting her spread her wings, they wanted to clip them before she could fly away.
It didn't matter what university she attended. To them, the 'college student' label just proved she had good genetics, which meant a higher price tag.
There were plenty of wealthy families with useless sons who needed a smart girl to improve their bloodline.
Her parents probably didn't know the phrase "improving the bloodline."
But they definitely knew a smart daughter meant a bigger payday.
"Then you absolutely cannot go back!" Claire said, her brow furrowing. "If you know they want to sell you off, going back is just walking straight into a trap."
Claire had heard from Nanette that Lex's hometown was incredibly backward and conservative.
The more impoverished the area, the more ruthlessly they oppressed women.
If Lex went back, she might never escape again.
She would be forced into marriage, locked away by her new husband's family, while her parents formally withdrew her from school. Her life would be over.
Lex had fought so hard for this chance at a real life, and Claire refused to watch her throw it all away.
Besides, Lex was already running a successful side hustle on campus. She had the drive to start her own business one day.
It would be a damn tragedy to see such a strong, capable woman ruined by a forced marriage.
"I don't want to go back. I just feel so betrayed."
"My parents might have been manipulated into this by someone else, or maybe this was their plan all along."
"Whatever the reason, I can't accept them using my future as a bargaining chip and trying to ruin my life."
"Is there really no legal way for me to sever ties with them?" Lex couldn't help but wonder if she was even biologically theirs.
Was she adopted? Was that why they treated her so callously?
But the painful truth was that she was their biological daughter.
Lex was absolutely certain of that.
"Legally, no. But moving forward, you could just refuse to send them any financial support and force them to take you to court."
"Once they sue you, you can just pay the absolute legal minimum."
Lex seriously considered the viability of Claire's unconventional advice.
Lex remained in a funk. Even whent Skylar Sommers returned with takeout and Zara Zeller walked in carrying a massive bouquet of
flowers, Lex barely blinked
"Looks like the princess has another admirer?"
Claire wasn't surprised in the
slightest. Zara was stunning andet
vibrant Even with her slightly.
spoiled attitude, it was obvious she came from old money.
It was no wonder guys were constantly throwing themselves at her.