Chapter 298

Mari skipped toward the snowman, giggling as Coco playfully knocked it over.

She scooped up the large snowball, stood on her tiptoes, and carefully placed the "head" back on. Coco wagged his tail excitedly, circling around her before rolling at her feet.

"Coco, aren't you cold?" She laughed. "I should knit you a sweater!"

"Woof!"

Coco seemed to understand, his tail wagging furiously. He leaped at Mari, licking her cheeks with unrestrained joy.

"Ahaha! That tickles! Stop it, Coco!"

Mari tumbled into the snow, laughing as the dog playfully wrestled with her.

Jareth watched the scene, warmth flooding his chest. His gaze softened with affection.

He had never imagined he could experience such simple happiness.

But Mari had given him that.

She had given him everything other men took for granted.

"Mr. Jareth," Lily approached with a smile. "I never thought Coco, who used to bite strangers, would get along so well with Ms. Mari."

Jareth smirked. "Because he's smitten."

Lily muttered under her breath, "Dogs really do take after their owners."

Jareth's eyes darkened as he watched Coco nuzzle against Mari. A strange ache twisted inside him.

Was he… jealous of a dog?

"Coco! Go cool off somewhere else!"

He strode forward, pulling Mari to her feet. Snow clung to her clothes, and he brushed it off carefully.

"It's cold on the ground. You'll catch a chill."

"Thank you, Jareth."

"Don't mention it."

His fingers lingered on her arms, his breath warm against her flushed skin. "Mari, you mean everything to me. I should be thanking you."

"But… I didn't do anything."

"You did more than you know."

He took her freezing hands between his, rubbing warmth back into them before pressing them to his lips.

"Come here."

He opened his coat, and she nestled into his embrace without hesitation.

The scent of him—warm, masculine, safe—wrapped around her. She closed her eyes, sinking deeper into his hold.

Jareth's pulse quickened. His grip tightened.

"Mari."

"Hmm?"

"From now on, you only act like this with me." His voice was rough, possessive. "If I see you like this with anyone else, I'll lose control."

Her breath hitched. "How… how scary would that be?"

His lips hovered dangerously close to hers. "Very. Want to find out?"

She shook her head rapidly, heart pounding.

"Then remember. Only me."

These past days, Jareth had spoiled her rotten—buying her beautiful clothes, feeding her delicacies, drying her hair, even sharing his bed (though nothing more).

She didn’t want to anger him. Not when he treated her so kindly.

"Good girl."

Her wide, innocent eyes sparkled, and Jareth nearly kissed her right then.

A sudden realization struck him like ice water.

What am I doing?

But the thought of her marrying someone else—being held, kissed, carrying another man’s child—made his chest tighten painfully.

"Mr. Jareth!" Lily’s urgent voice snapped him back.

He turned. "What is it?"

Lily glanced at Mari, lowering her voice. "Gordon just called. Mr. Thaddeus’s condition has worsened."

Jareth stiffened. "What?"

Mari looked over in confusion.

"Gordon didn’t give details. Thaddeus is recovering at his private villa and hasn’t told anyone. Gordon asked you to come immediately."

"Prepare the car. Now."

Not wanting to worry Mari, Jareth simply told her he had urgent business and might not return tonight.

"I'll wait for you," she said softly at the door, eyes brimming with reluctance.

His heart clenched. He gave her a reassuring smile before turning to the maid. "Take care of her."

As Jareth’s car disappeared, three luxury vehicles pulled up to the villa—escorts meant for Edith’s return to the Fairhaven estate.

"Miss Edith, we’re here," Manny said quietly.

Edith glared at the lavish villa, trembling with rage. "All for that little tramp. My brother is insane."

"Please calm down. Mr. Jareth has never been serious about any woman. This infatuation will pass."

"You don’t understand! This time is different!" Edith’s face flushed crimson. "He’s obsessed with that idiot! He’d even taint our bloodline with her!"

Manny stayed silent.

"I won’t let her become my sister-in-law. It’s her or me!"

Edith stormed out, ordering Manny to keep spying on Jareth.

"Of course, Miss Edith."

Edith marched to the villa with her guards and secretary in tow.

Be rushed out, paling at the sight of her. "Miss Edith! Mr. Jareth isn’t here—"

"Then where’s that shameless Mari?"

"Mr. Jareth gave strict orders—"

"Break the door down!"

The guards forced their way in, restraining Be.

Edith barged into the living room, murder in her eyes.

Mari sat curled on the sofa, watching cartoons with Coco. At the sudden intrusion, she froze, then instinctively covered her head.

"Don’t hit me!"

"You dare seduce my brother? I’ll kill you!"

Edith yanked Mari’s hair, slapping her hard.

Mari whimpered, her barely healed injuries flaring with fresh pain.

"Drag her out! This is my house!"

The secretary grabbed Mari’s arm—until Coco lunged, sinking teeth into her.

"Ahh! Let go!"

"Don’t hurt him!" Mari shielded Coco with her body.

Edith seized the chance to kick her—

"Edith."

A voice like frozen steel sliced through the room.

Edith’s blood ran cold.

Jareth stood in the doorway, fury radiating off him in waves. His eyes burned with hellfire.

Mari, still trembling, hadn’t noticed his return.

The secretary nearly fainted from terror.

"Did you hit Mari?" Jareth advanced, each step deliberate.

Edith shivered. She’d never seen him like this.

But she was his sister. Family came first—always.

"Yes! And you deserve this! You abandoned me for her!"

Before she could finish—

SLAP!

The sound echoed through the villa.

Edith’s head snapped to the side, her cheek flaming red.

Lily, who had just entered, gasped.

Jareth had never struck his sister.

"Edith," he said coldly, pulling Mari protectively against him, "I’m starting to wonder if the cruel woman before me is truly my sister—or if I’ve spoiled a monster."