Chapter 609
Whoever possessed the Russell family’s seal would gain control over their empire.
With it, one could access the Russell family’s billion–dollar treasures locked away in bank vaults. There were antiques, gold, and countless other priceless items inside. Any one of these would have people fighting over it.
Archie was practically itching to grab Imogen by the shoulders and force her to reveal the seal’s location, but his last shred of reason held him back. He couldn’t
blow his cover yet.
Years of serving the Russell family had taught him patience.
But while he endured, his ambitions grew. Staying a subordinate in the Russell family would never allow him to rise through the ranks, so he schemed his way into Imogen’s life and won over her heart.
Even after marrying into the Russell family, he only managed to confirm one thing. There were two seals, one with Stephan and one with Imogen.
Unfortunately, Stephan had been suspicious of him from the start and guarded against him at every turn.
Out of desperation, Archie faked his death and stole a map. But fate had other plans. Even with the map, he couldn’t locate the treasure.
Everything changed when he learned that Imogen was pregnant with his child. He came up with a new strategy, forming a secret alliance with the Carrells before returning to the Russell family.
He struck a deal. He would help the Carrells eliminate Stephan. In return, they would support him as the new head of the Russell family.
Things had gone smoothly. He successfully poisoned Stephan, removing the greatest threat. Now, only Imogen stood in his way.
“Darling, why should there be boundaries between us? I’m your husband–the most important person in your life! Besides, I just want to help you bear the burden. As your husband and the father of our child, it’s my duty to protect you both. Darling, give me the seal.
“Once everything has settled, I’ll return it to you, okay?” Archie sounded sincere.
If anyone heard this without context, they might be moved by his supposed devotion.
Imogen sneered to herself, but her face didn’t betray her emotions. “Archie, why are you being so formal? Does it really make a difference whether the seal is with you or me? Surely, there’s no need for us to draw lines between each other.”
She used his words against him.
Archie nearly growled with frustration. Of course, it made a difference! As long as the seal was with her, he would remain nothing more than a son–in–law of the family. Only with the seal in his hands could he claim the Russell family’s wealth as his own.
Damn it! Wasn’t Imogen easy to manipulate before? Wasn’t she hopelessly in love with him?
Why was she suddenly so clear–headed?
Archie was about to say more when Imogen changed the subject. “Archie, I think Johanna’s getting older. What do you think about me introducing her to a boyfriend?”
Archie froze, and his expression darkened. “She’s still young. There’s no rush. Besides, she might not even like the ones you introduce.”
“Really?” Imogen’s tone remained gentle. “But she once told me she wanted to be my sister–in–law. Did I misunderstand her intentions?”
It wasn’t a misunderstanding. It was a backup plan.
While Archie worked to win Imogen’s heart, Johanna had set her sights on Stephan. Unfortunately, Stephan was far colder and more ruthless than anyone imagined. Though Johanna won Imogen over, she couldn’t get close to Stephan no matter how hard she tried.
“Alright, let’s drop the subject. I’m feeling a bit tired and want to nap. Archie, you should go rest too.” Imogen yawned, dismissing him.
Archie found her behavior odd. In the past, she wouldn’t sleep without holding his hand. Why was she suddenly so distant?
Still, he didn’t dwell on it for long. He was preoccupied with Johanna and left the room without hesitation.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Imogen’s sleepiness vanished.
