His Destructive, Toxic Love

**The Welton Family**

Tristan and Nova had a little business discussion.

He promised Nova that if she handed over 10% of Falconridge Department Store shares, owned by the Henderson family, he'd ensure her engagement to Casper would go off without a hitch.

Nova agreed without much fuss. In her eyes, shares in a department store, no matter how valuable, couldn't compare to having Casper, a real cash cow. Besides, those shares weren't exactly hers to begin with; it was like giving away borrowed goods.

Pleasing Tristan would mean she could strut around the Welton family with more confidence in the future.

With the transfer document in hand, Tristan also took it upon himself to pick the venue for the engagement party. He even nailed down the date - the 18th of this month.

"Thank you, Mr. Welton. I really love the venue," Nova said, both flattering and polite.

Tristan, still eyeing the Henderson family's piece of land, was considerate towards Nova. "We're almost family now. This is what a father should do."

"Mr. Welton, don't worry. Once I'm a part of the Welton family, what belongs to the Henderson family will naturally become part of the Welton family," Nova said, pouring him a cup of coffee, "and naturally, it becomes yours."

Tristan really appreciated Nova's sensibility and tact. She was leagues ahead of Eliza in that department.

"You truly are the perfect fit for the Welton family and Casper."

"Thank you for your acknowledgment, Mr. Welton."

...

**The Welton Family Mansion**

Caroline, back from a long business trip abroad, rolled her suitcase into the mansion. The first order of business was to call Eliza.

"Strange, why's her phone off?"

Unable to reach her, she dialed Casper next.

"Casper, I can't get through to Eliza, and she hasn't been at the office. What's going on with her?"

"You just got back, and you're already looking for her? Skip the jet lag?" Casper's patience was wearing thin.

Caroline sensed something was off. Her tone shifted to one of worry and irritation. "Of course, I want to see her. Maybe we can have dinner together. What's wrong with that?" "I've got a meeting. We'll talk later."

Casper hung up abruptly.

Caroline, puzzled by the sudden end to the call, turned to Audrey, confused. "Mom, is Casper bullying Eliza again?"

"Just look up the news online, and you'll understand," Audrey said, shaking her head in disappointment. She felt so let down that she couldn't sleep these past few days.

"What?" Caroline's eyes widened as

she read the news of Casper and Nova's engagement. "He's really getting engaged to Nova? Has he lost his mind? He's not even divorced yet!"

It seemed likely.

Audrey had given up on managing her son. "Well, it's for the best. Eliza leaving him means she can finally have some peace."

Unable to contact Eliza, Caroline was left worrying. She guessed Eliza was probably locked up to stop her from causing a scene at the engagement party. It made the most sense.

Trash. Absolute trash.

The news about Casper's engagement was causing a storm online.

ev

Holding some media detail sheets, Dillon said, "Mr. Casper, these media outlets are the noisiest. I checked their background shareholders, and they att have one name in common: Tristan. No wonder they're so bold with your father backing them."

"Let them make a fuss. We'll take them all down at once when they can't back down anymore. Let's see how long they can keep it up."

Dillon nodded. "Alright, Mr. Casper."

"Come on, let's go to Mercy

Hospital. Casper hadn't visited in a while and heard that Zach had been there a few days ago. He was eager to know what this illegitimate son had said to his wife.