Chapter 6: Intimidation

It's not that he hadn't thought about standing before her openly and honestly.

It's just that every time he thought of Trevor's methods, thought of his parents' tragic deaths ten years ago, he could only push that desire down.

What he wanted wasn't a brief reunion, but the ability to protect her for a lifetime.

Caroline shook her head, tears falling faster and faster.

"I'm not afraid of being dragged down. I'd rather suffer with you than hold onto hope every day, waiting without knowing if you're dead or alive. That feeling is too painful."

She leaned into James's embrace, hugging his waist tightly, burying her face in his chest as tears streamed down uncontrollably.

"I thought you were really dead. When Grandpa forced me into an arranged marriage with Edward, I felt like the sky was falling. I thought about running away, but I couldn't abandon the Collins family. I could only agree. I even thought that after marrying Edward, that would just be my life forever."

James lifted his hand to hold her, gently patting her back, one pat after another, his movements tender. "I'm sorry for making you suffer."

His chin rested on the top of her head, breathing in the faint fresh scent from her hair, his heart melting completely.

These ten years of dangerous living, ten years of bloody battles—all the hardship and exhaustion vanished in this moment.

"It won't happen again."

James's voice was soft, carrying a promise. "From today on, with me here, no one will dare force you, no one will dare bully you. I'll protect the Collins family, and I'll protect you even more—for a lifetime."

Caroline's heart trembled. Through tear-filled eyes, she nodded. "I believe you, James."

James let out a soft sigh, holding Caroline's hand tightly until they reached The Collins Villa, only then letting go.

By this time, Landon and his group had already arrived and were standing respectfully at the entrance.

Seeing James's car, they hurried over, their faces wearing careful, cautious smiles.

James pushed open the car door and got out first, then walked around to the other side, extending his hand to help Caroline out of the car, his fingertips constantly protecting her arm, his movements natural and gentle.

Seeing this, Landon quickly stepped forward, immediately changing how he addressed him.

"Mr. Anderson, you must be tired from the journey. Please, come inside."

His voice trembled slightly, his eyes not daring to look directly at James. Thinking about how he'd previously forced Caroline into the arranged marriage made his back run cold.

The Harris family's fate was right there in front of him—how could he dare show even the slightest disrespect?

James didn't move, just gave him a light glance. That look held no warmth, yet it made Landon freeze instantly in place, not even daring to move his feet.

"Landon."

James's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an intimidating pressure.

"What happened today—I don't want there to be a second time."

"Yes, yes, yes, Mr. Anderson, rest assured, it will never happen again."

Landon nodded repeatedly, fine sweat breaking out on his forehead.

"If there's a next time, if you force Caroline to do something she doesn't want to do, the Harris family's current state will be the Collins family's fate."

James's words came out one by one, leaving no room for negotiation. His gaze swept over Doyle and Bronte, and both immediately lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.

Caroline tugged at the corner of James's clothes, gently shaking her head, signaling him to stop.

James looked down at her, the coldness in his eyes instantly dissipating. He lifted his hand to ruffle her hair and said nothing more.

"Mr. Anderson, please come inside and sit."

Landon quickly tried to ease the atmosphere, making a welcoming gesture.

"No need. I'll accompany Caroline for a walk inside."

James took Caroline's hand and walked straight toward the villa. As they passed the three men, they didn't even dare breathe heavily.

Caroline led James toward the backyard. The stone path was still the same as it had been ten years ago, with flowers blooming brilliantly on both sides. When the wind blew, it carried a faint floral fragrance.

Walking deeper into the courtyard, a parasol tree stood prominently before them, its branches and leaves flourishing, its shade covering more than half the yard.

This was where they had parted ten years ago.

That day, James was leaving the country. She had stood under the parasol tree, pulling at the corner of his clothes and crying. He had crouched down, ruffling her hair, saying that when he came back, he would marry her.

Caroline stopped, looking up at the parasol tree, her eyes slightly reddening.

"James, do you still remember? Ten years ago, you said goodbye to me under this tree."

James looked up, his gaze falling on the parasol tree. Memories surged instantly. He reached out to gently stroke the rough trunk, his fingertips touching the familiar texture.

"I remember. You were crying then, pulling on my clothes and wouldn't let me go. You even said you wanted to go abroad with me."

Caroline pressed her lips together and leaned on his shoulder.

"I was young then, afraid that once you left, you wouldn't come back."

The two sat side by side on the stone bench under the parasol tree. The bench was warmed by the sun, like the warmth he had given her ten years ago.

Caroline grabbed his hand, her fingertips tracing over the calluses on his palm—marks left from years of holding guns and fighting. Her heart ached as she gently caressed them.

"You must have suffered a lot these years."

James gripped her hand in return, wrapping her hand in his palm.

"A little suffering is nothing. As long as I could come back, as long as I could see you, it was all worth it."

He looked down at her, his eyes full of tenderness.

"I will find out the truth about what happened ten years ago. What Trevor owes me, what he owes my parents—I'll collect it all, bit by bit."

Caroline nodded, her eyes full of trust.

"I believe you."

"Once everything is settled, I'll give you the grandest wedding."

James's voice was soft but incredibly firm.

"I'll let everyone know that you're my wife. In this lifetime, you're the only one I'll marry."

Tears instantly welled up in Caroline's eyes—not from sadness, but from pure joy and emotion.

She nodded forcefully and threw herself into James's arms, hugging him tightly.

"I'll wait for you, no matter how long it takes."

James held her, his chin resting on the top of her head, feeling the warmth in his arms. His heart felt completely at peace. These ten years of restraint and fighting finally had a place to return to.

Just then, the phone in James's pocket suddenly rang. It was a call from Kevin.

He lifted his hand to answer, his voice returning to its usual coldness.

"Speak."

Kevin's tone on the other end was urgent, carrying a hint of gravity.

"Mr. Anderson, we've found out—that bastard Trevor hired Steel Serpent Mercenaries. The target is clear: you and Ms. Collins. They've already entered Silvermoon City and will probably act soon."

Steel Serpent Mercenaries.

An internationally notorious mercenary organization.

Ruthless methods, no regard for consequences. To kill him, Trevor was willing to hire people like this.

After listening, James's lips curved into a cold smile, killing intent churning in his eyes. His fingers lightly rubbed the edge of his phone, his voice cold as ice.

"Since they dare to come, perfect. Old grudges and new—we'll settle them all together."

He hung up the phone and looked down at Caroline in his arms. The killing intent in his eyes instantly disappeared, leaving only tenderness. He lifted his hand to wipe away the tears at the corner of her eyes.

"It's nothing, just a small matter. I'll handle it."

Caroline looked up, a trace of worry in her eyes.

"Don't worry, they're just clowns jumping around. They won't affect me." James pinched her cheek, his tone relaxed. "With me here, no one can hurt you in the slightest."