A wealthy tycoon made his son tie the knot with a down-to-earth farmer as a tough lesson. But he was blown away by what his son pulled off…

You’re throwing everything away, Richard. For what? A farm? A woman you barely know. This is a mistake.

Richard’s jaw tightened, but his resolve didn’t waver. Maybe it is, but it’s my mistake to make. Henry’s silence was deafening, and for a moment, Richard thought his father might hang up.

But then… Henry spoke again, his voice low and dangerous. If you walk away from this, you’re on your own. No money, no support.

You’ll be cut off for good. Richard took a deep breath, letting the reality of his father’s words sink in. He had known this was coming, known that Henry would never let him go without a fight.

But now, standing in the small farmhouse that had become his home, with Emma by his side, the threat didn’t scare him anymore. That’s fine, Richard said quietly. I don’t need your money.

For the first time in his life, Richard felt free. The conversation with his father left a heavy weight on Richard’s chest. But as he hung up the phone, he felt an unfamiliar sense of peace.

It was strange, cutting ties with the life he had known for so long. The luxury, the power, the sense of control. It was all gone, but in its place was something else, something more solid, more real.

He walked out onto the porch, where the late afternoon sun bathed the fields in a soft golden light. Emma was in the distance, tending to the animals as usual, and Richard couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her. Everything about this life, about her, felt right in a way he couldn’t quite put into words.

Just as he was about to join her, a familiar black car pulled up to the farmhouse, its sleek form so out of place in the rustic setting. Richard’s stomach turned when he saw who stepped out of the car. Henry Thompson, looking as sharp and intimidating as ever, walked toward the house with a purpose.

His suit was immaculate, not a hair out of place, as if the dirt roads and fields didn’t exist in his world. Richard hadn’t seen his father in months, and the sudden appearance felt like a punch to the gut. Emma noticed Henry from the distance and stopped what she was doing, walking toward the house with a cautious expression.

She could sense the tension even from afar. What are you doing here? Richard asked, stepping off the porch and meeting his father halfway. Henry’s eyes were cold as he looked around, his gaze settling on the farmhouse, the fields, the animals.

I had to see for myself, to see what could possibly make my son turn his back on everything I’ve built. Richard clenched his jaw, his hands bawling into fists at his sides. I’m not turning my back on anything.

I’m making my own life, something you’ve never let me do. Henry gave a bitter laugh, shaking his head. Your own life, out here, with this farm? You think this is some grand rebellion, Richard? But it’s not.

You’re throwing everything away for what? A woman you don’t even know? A life you’re not built for? Emma stepped up beside Richard, her expression calm but wary. She met Henry’s gaze, her chin held high, not backing down from his intimidating presence. Richard couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for her in that moment.

This isn’t a rebellion, Richard said, his voice steady. It’s me choosing something different, something real. Henry’s eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a cruel smile.

You think this is real? You don’t even know the truth. Richard frowned, his heart pounding. What are you talking about? Henry glanced at Emma, then back at Richard, his gaze icy.

The marriage, you think it was my idea? You think I was the one who arranged it? Richard’s stomach dropped, confusion and dread swirling in his gut. What are you saying? Henry crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. Emma came to me first.

She needed the money to save this place. The farm was failing, and she was desperate. She proposed the marriage, said she’d do whatever it took to keep this farm.

I just happened to see an opportunity to teach you a lesson. The words hit Richard like a physical blow. He turned to Emma, his heart racing.

Is that true? Emma’s face paled, but she didn’t look away. Her expression was calm, but her eyes held a sadness that Richard hadn’t seen before. It’s true, she said quietly, her voice steady.

I did go to your father, but it wasn’t because I wanted to manipulate you. It was because I didn’t have a choice. The farm was in trouble, and I couldn’t let it go under…