Chapter 230 Mark drove me home . As I glanced at the scenery blur past the window , my feelings were tangled and complicated . It wasn't exactly hatred , but it wasn't love either . It was just a strange emptiness after seeing my parents today . " When we got home , we sat on the sofa in silence , sipping water . After a long pause , I turned to Mark and whispered , " Thank you for today . " Mark's hand froze for a second before he glanced sideways at me . His brows slightly furrowed . After that , he responded , " Didn't I tell you before ? You don't need to thank me . " I gave him a faint smile . " I know ... but I really do want to thank you . " He sighed as the corner of his lips lifting slightly while he shook his head . Somehow , I had this urge to ask him question . But at the last second , I swallowed it back . There were so many rumors about him . His ruthless reputation , the mysterious disappearances of the women who were once engaged to him . I wanted to know the truth . But then I remembered ... our relationship was based on mutual benefit . Asking something so personal felt too intrusive . As if sensing my hesitation , Mark turned and fixed his deep gaze on me . After a moment of silence , he said softly , " Whatever it is you want to ask , just ask me . " My heart skipped a beat . I slowly met his eyes . But before I could speak , his steady voice filled the room as he talked , " A family like ours ... if we aren't vigilant , we'll be destroyed sooner or later . " " Yes , I can be ruthless . But only to those with bad intentions or those who've made unforgivable mistakes . " He paused , his tone turning cold . " Those old men I've crossed , they've been spreading lies about me . I rejected every marriage proposal they forced on me . They were angry and resentful , so they twisted the truth and made things worse . " ! " I couldn't care less about their gossip . Their rumors mean nothing to me . " I listened quietly , nodding . A heavy weight lifted off my chest , my doubts dissolving with his calm explanation . Just then , his gaze grew even sharper , his eyes locking on me . " But the Wyatt Family proposal , that one was different . I was the one who initiated it . " I froze , my eyes widening in shock . Mark's lips curved slightly , his expression softening as he spoke , " We actually met once before . At the Heathrow Airport . I was on a business trip . I saw you at the terminal ... yelling at your adopted sister . " His voice grew lighter , as if recalling something precious . " I thought to myself , how could there be someone so dazzling ? Even when you were angry , there was this strength in you ... an unyielding spirit . " I stared at him , stunned . My mind was completely blank . Mark's smile faded . His tone turned serious , continuing , " Don't feel pressured , Lilian . My feelings for you are my own . Whether you accept them or not ... that's entirely up to you . " " My lips parted , but no words came out . All I could do was nod faintly with my heart pounding . Mark then stopped smiling as he gently said , " You've had a long day . Get some rest . " I quickly retreated to my room , washed up and crawled into bed . Sleep came almost immediately . When I woke the next morning , the internet had been shaken by breaking news . [ Breaking News : Herbert Corporatio nHad Lost Their Capital Chain! ] [ Wyatt Corporation Under Investigation for Illegal Operations ] The moment I read those headlines , I hurried to the study . When I pushed open the door , Mark was sitting on the sofa , calmly reading a document . He glanced up at me and asked casually , " You've woken up , huh ? " I nodded with full of determination . " Yes , Mark . it's time to end the game . "