Trading My Ex for His Uncle

A cold glint flashed in Darcy's eyes when he saw that Emerald remained completely calm and could even smile.

"Emerald, we've known each other for so many years. I don't want things to get ugly. You already have more wealth than you could spend in a lifetime, and with Brian losing a leg, he's no longer a viable successor to the Nixons. If you step down now, I won't make things difficult for you," Darcy said.

Emerald set down her teacup, her expression steady as she met Darcy's gaze. "I've told you before-my chosen successor is my eldest daughter, Nyla, not Brian. So whether or not Brian is injured has nothing to do with the future of the Nixons."

Darcy's face darkened. "So you're refusing to settle this peacefully?"

"The moment you came to my estate and kidnapped my daughters, a peaceful resolution was off the table," Emerald replied.

As soon as she finished speaking, more than a dozen men in black emerged from the shadows, swiftly surrounding them.

Darcy's expression changed instantly. He gritted his teeth. "Emerald, what the hell do you think you're doing?!"

Emerald smirked. "I'm making it very clear who's really in charge."

At her signal, the black-clad men surged forward. Within two minutes, Darcy was pinned to the ground.

Restrained and furious, he leered at Emerald. "You think I came herenoveldrama

unprepared? Before I arrived, I ordered Tony to rally our forces. Right now, this estate is completely surrounded!"

He expected Emerald to panic at this revelation, but instead, she simply chuckled. "Darcy, do you really think Tony works for you?"

Darcy's eyes widened in shock. "What?! That's impossible!"

Tony Auger had always been on his side. They had spent years strategizing together, plotting against Emerald with ruthless precision. He despised her- Darcy was certain of it.

Emerald's gaze was almost pitying. "How sad. You only figured it out now? If you don't believe me, I'll let Tony tell you himself."

She dialed a number. "Come to the estate. Now."

Tony had been waiting just outside. Within five minutes, he strode into the pavilion. He spared a glance at the restrained Darcy before turning to Emerald. "Madam, you called for me?"

At the sight of Tony standing so calmly by Emerald's side, Darcy finally understood. His face twisted in fury and disbelief. "Tony, I treated you like a brother! And you were Emerald's man all along?! You're a traitor!"

Tony met his gaze with calm indifference. "Darcy, have you forgotten who gave us a place to belong in the first place? I haven't. Madam helped me. I would never let anyone harm her-not even you."

Darcy was stunned for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh.

"She may have given us an opportunity back then, but everything I've achieved is because of my own effort! I owe her nothing! Our loyalty belongs to the Nixons, not this woman!" His tone was mocking.

Tony shook his head. "Darcy, stop pretending this is about the family. You kidnapped Ms. Nixon for one reason only-Mary, the woman you're obsessed with."