Chapter 506-Playing In Their Faces

Chapter 506: 506-Playing In Their Faces

Verity:

I wasn’t nearly as terrible as he kept making me out to be.

"So, have you made your decision?" Jaguar asked.

I nodded and walked around the table to settle into my lonely chair, facing everyone once again.

"But before I tell you, there’s something I want to make clear," I began, taking a deep breath and placing both hands firmly on my knees.

"Whoever I choose and whoever I reject, it will be my decision, and I expect everyone to respect it."

I glanced at Jaguar and Theodore before shifting my attention toward Ragnar.

He set his teacup and saucer down, uncrossed his legs, and adjusted his posture with a slight jerk, straightening his coat as he settled back on the couch.

"And once I’ve made my choice, I don’t want anyone questioning me or interrupting me," I warned.

Jaguar and Theodore nodded, but I could see the uncertainty written all over their faces.

The mere thought of being rejected seemed painful enough for both of them.

But at this point, I’ve already given them enough hope to think this deal would be beneficial for them.

Hence, they were willing to go with my demands.

"Now, I want you to promise me something. Whoever gets rejected will continue living his life normally. There will be no unnecessary drama, no reckless decisions, and certainly no disappearing after abandoning everything. I don’t want anyone neglecting the business, turning his back on his responsibilities, or causing losses to the territories because he couldn’t handle rejection. I won’t tolerate any of that."

My voice was firm enough to leave no room for argument.

That finally brought a serious expression to both Theodore’s and Jaguar’s faces.

"I’ve already suffered once because of the accusations against my brother. I’m not going to let anyone blame me again because some man couldn’t control his anger or decided to throw a tantrum over my decision."

I gave them both a stern look.

This time, they nodded with genuine understanding, as though they finally realized where I was coming from.

But, of course, that was just me playing along.

Because seriously, if they packed their bags and disappeared after being rejected, who the hell was going to burn with jealousy every time they saw me with Ragnar?

Where would the fun be in that?

The whole game would lose its charm.

When I glanced at Ragnar again, I noticed a slight frown forming on his forehead.

He was probably wondering what the hell I was trying to accomplish.

After all, I had practically told him to his face that I was here to destroy everyone.

So why was I suddenly encouraging his brothers to stay strong, move on, and avoid ruining their lives after being rejected?

Little did he know, they wouldn’t have to ruin their lives themselves.

Because I was going to do that for them.

"Then hurry up and tell us," Jenna blurted out, only to fall silent when Jaguar shot her a look.

I could tell how desperately she wanted to know whom I would choose.

At the same time, I knew she was afraid I might pick Theodore.

I knew she no longer saw Theodore the way she once had. That much was obvious.

But it must still hurt to watch someone who you had destroyed your life to just go on living a happy life while you still suffer from the consequences.

I took a deep breath and rose from my seat.

Every pair of eyes was fixed on me now, and my heart began pounding faster with each passing second.

"I don’t even know if the person I’m choosing will choose me in return."

That was all I said at first.

When I looked up, I saw fear wash over Theodore’s and Jaguar’s faces, but I didn’t give either of them a chance to process my words before adding,

"I want to choose Alpha King Ragnar."

The moment those words left my mouth, the cup Theodore had been holding slipped from his hand and shattered against the floor.

I instantly stepped back, startled by the sudden noise. Jenna flinched, while Grandma Lucille immediately covered her ears.

But I doubted the sound of that cup breaking was nearly as loud as the sound of their hearts shattering.

"What the hell are you saying?" Jaguar yelled.

Theodore stretched his arms out in disbelief, while Ragnar merely tilted his head back and took a deep breath.

I had nothing more to say to them.

What else was there to explain?

They had asked me to choose, and I had made my choice.

"You’re choosing a man who’s already about to get engaged? A man who has a girlfriend? Do you even understand what you’re doing?" Jaguar shouted, springing to his feet.

"Jaguar," Ragnar called.

His voice was enough to silence the entire room.

He extended his arm and pointed two fingers toward the couch, ordering Jaguar to sit down.

"No, this isn’t right!" Jaguar protested.

But one look at Ragnar’s stern expression was enough to make him reluctantly lower himself back onto the couch.

Even then, he refused to let the matter go.

"How can she do this? How can she sacrifice both of us for you when you’re just going to reject her?"

I couldn’t understand why Jaguar was so convinced of that.

Did they seriously believe Ragnar was only playing around with me?

Then again, of course they did. As far as they knew, he was still caught between Gigi and me, and now he would have to make a choice.

"Wait a second. If Ragnar rejects you, then which one of us will you choose?" Theodore asked, gesturing between himself and Jaguar.

I couldn’t tell whether they were furious because neither of them had been chosen, terrified of losing me, or simply more hurt by the fact that I had picked Ragnar over them.

"Why wouldn’t Ragnar accept her?" Lady Lucille suddenly asked.

Both brothers turned toward her.

She was still sitting between them, holding a biscuit in her hand.

She casually brought it to her mouth, took a small, crunchy bite, and gave them an innocent look, as though she had merely asked a harmless question.