THE DISABLED HEIRESS, MY EX-HUSBAND WOULD PAY DEARLY.

At that moment, upon hearing what Cora just said, William let out a dry chuckle. His laugh wasn't joyful it was forced, strained, and oddly defensive. He tilted his head a bit, squinting at her as though trying to read deeper into her sudden fury. Then, with a smooth tone that carried both charm and desperation, he replied, "Cora, I am not Samuel. Don't ever compare me to that madman. I could never hurt you… not even in my worst moments. Why would I hurt the only woman I truly love?"

Immediately he took a step closer, placing a hand gently on his chest as if to emphasize his sincerity. "If I didn't love you, do you think I would be going through all of this trouble? Fighting everyone, arguing with my own family, pulling strings, making calls, doing everything in my power just to make sure you are okay and still standing here hoping you'll look my way?" His voice cracked ever so slightly, but he quickly masked it with another smile. "I love you, Cora. And I swear, I'll never hurt you."

But just as quickly as the tenderness came, the bitterness returned. He scoffed lightly, waving a dismissive hand. "As for Oliver?" His lips curled into a sneer. "That proud little brat still thinks the world owes him something. Always acting like he's better than everyone, like he's some self-made genius or whatever. Let me tell you something that boy is no longer my brother. And very soon, not even a Victor."

Cora's eyes narrowed, but William didn't notice or maybe he didn't care. He was on a rant now.

"My father… he's done with him. In fact, I can confirm to you right now, two days from now, maybe even sooner, Oliver's name will be completely removed from the Victor family. That's the reality. The man told him to come home, to talk things out. And what did Oliver do? He insulted our father. Can you believe that? The same father who made him who he is today."

William's voice grew more animated, like someone who had waited too long to unleash his frustration.

"He had the audacity to say he's done with the family, that he doesn't want anything to do with us because we didn't support his foolish plans. That's the level of pride we're talking about. Pride that blinds. Pride that destroys."

He took a deep breath and looked at Cora again, his gaze sharp now. "So yes, Oliver will not be a Victor anymore. That name will be taken from him. He will no longer have anything to do with this family, or with the legacy we carry. That's what happens when you spit on the very hand that fed you. So please, Cora… stop wasting your energy thinking about that wasteful boy."

Cora's brows lifted, her entire body tensing at the revelation. Her voice came out in disbelief, trembling slightly but firm in tone: "So you are telling me that Oliver will not be part of the Victor anymore."

At that moment, hearing what Cora just said, William gave a slow nod, his lips slightly twitching into a smug smile, as if what he was about to say would impress her even more. "Yes, Cora," he said calmly, "Oliver won't be part of the Victor family anymore. He made that decision himself. He walked away. He insulted our father. He gave up everything. That's not what a man does, not a responsible one. I'm the one who stayed, the one who fought for the family."

Again he took another step closer to her.

"I'm not like him," he added, now reaching out slowly to hold Cora's hand. "I'm not some proud brat with childish ambitions. I'm a man who knows what he wants, and what I want… is you."

Cora remained seated on the bed, her arms folded tightly, eyes watching him with growing discomfort. She could feel the tension building in her chest. She had already told him how she felt, had already drawn the line, but here he was again, pushing past it.

William continued, gently trying to take her hand. "Cora, look… I know I've made mistakes. But you have to understand, everything I've done… it's because I love you. I would never hurt you. I'm not Samuel. I would never lift a finger to cause you pain. Can't you see that? Please, just give me one chance to prove it."

But the moment his fingers brushed against hers again, Cora quickly pulled her hand back with force. Her voice was cold and sharp. "Stay back, William," she warned, her eyes narrowing. "Don't come any closer."

William's expression cracked slightly. The calm confidence he had just moments ago faltered. "Why are you being this hard on me, Cora? What else do you want me to do?" he pleaded, taking another hesitant step closer. "How else can I show you that I love you more than anything? That I would give up everything just to make you mine?"

He reached out again, but this time, Cora stood up sharply from the bed. Before William could react, before he could utter another word or take another breath.

"SLAP!!"

A loud, resounding smack echoed in the room as Cora's palm connected with the side of his face. William staggered slightly, stunned. His head turned from the impact, and for a few seconds, silence took over the room. A thin line of blood welled up on the corner of his mouth where her finger had scraped his skin.

He blinked in disbelief.

Cora's chest was heaving, her anger radiating from every inch of her body. "I warned you," she said in a voice filled with fire. "Don't you ever, ever come close to me again."

Again William slowly reached up to touch his lip, staring at the blood on his fingertip before turning his eyes back to her.

"I've made myself clear," Cora said again, stepping aside and pointing toward the door. "Take your basket of fake affection and leave my room. Now."

Still silent, William looked at her, stunned.

"Don't make me repeat myself," she snapped. "Take your gift and leave my room immediately, or I will call security and have you dragged out of here like the lowlife you're acting like."