The Heiress Spoiled by Four Brothers and One Devilish CEO-Chapter 171 Megan. Why Don’t You Love Me?

Karl opened the car door from the inside as he watched the woman walking toward him.

His gaze lingered on her with a faint smile. "Right on time. Good girl. From today on, you’re mine."

Just as he was about to grab her fair hand, Megan raised her wrist to him and said coolly, "You should’ve guessed it."

"You used the Lover’s Link sorcery worm?" Karl tightened his grip on her wrist, a sharp glint flashing in his narrow eyes. "I thought that thing was only in Tristan?"

Her eyes burned with resentment. "Feel like you’re winning now?"

"I don’t care that you’re carrying his baby. I can be a father to his kid, as long as you’re with me," Karl said as he grabbed her chin, his tone low and tense. "You’re pushing me, testing how far I’ll go."

Megan’s lashes trembled slightly. "I’d rather die with him than spend another second pretending with you."

"I love you too—why can’t you see that?"

"Because that isn’t love. It’s twisted, and I want no part of it," her voice cracked slightly, eyes rimmed in red. "If you ever truly loved me, you’d let me go."

"Then I guess I’ll just wipe your memories clean."

Megan clutched the front of his shirt tightly. "Even if you erase everything, I still wouldn’t love you! What’s the point of turning me into some puppet? Karl, real love isn’t possession. What you feel—it’s nothing but control. Let me go. I have a child now. My baby needs a real father, and that’s not you."

Karl pulled her close, pressing her against his chest. "I’ve loved you through two lifetimes. How am I supposed to just let it all go? Tell me!"

She didn’t push him away—provoking him now would only stir the storm further. He needed an outlet.

"Karl, this isn’t your path. I’m not the one for you. I’m not going to talk you out of revenge—that’s not my place. The Freeman family paid a huge price, and those behind it should face justice. But do it the right way. If there’s anything I can do to help, I will."

Karl’s voice came out hoarse. "But all I want is you, Megan. Why don’t you love me?"

Megan gently patted his back. "I’m sorry. My heart has always belonged to someone else."

He let go of her and moved to sit further away. From his pocket, he pulled out a cigarette, bit down on it for a second, then shoved it back.

Turning his face away, he said quietly, "Megan, just...stay with me a little longer, okay?"

Hearing that, Megan knew—he’d given in. He was letting go.

She knew he needed space, and she didn’t press him.

Back at the base, Karl never showed up in front of Megan again.

A week later, he had the kitchen prepare a Western meal.

He held her hand and led her into the dining room. Everything—the fine china, silverware, red candles, crisp white tablecloth—was meticulously arranged.

"What’s the occasion?" Megan asked.

"The Bennette and Channing family heads are down," Karl said calmly.

She wasn’t surprised. After all, Wyatt had pulled a fast one on them at Sky Lounge. "What else?"

"I found Nathaniel Cooper’s weak spot. He’s the one behind it all."

Karl sliced her steak and set the plate before her. "Well done, just how you like it."

Megan lowered her head and began to eat. "When do you plan to move on him? He’s the Minister of Defense now—it’s not gonna be easy."

"Can’t act just yet. Too much heat outside. Let’s finish dinner first, then I’ll take you back to Dreamscape Manor."Megan’s fingertips paused mid-air, and she suddenly lifted her gaze toward the man calmly eating steak across from her. Karl might’ve done a ton of horrible things, sure, but those all tied back to the fact that he grew up without love.

Seeing her stunned look, Karl curled his lips into a half-smile. "I shouldn’t drag you into this again. Who knows, I might just decide to take you back one day."

When he saw the shimmer in her eyes like tears threatening to fall, he let out a quiet sigh. "When you’re ready to leave, I’ll give you the queen worm. Just make a tiny cut on his wrist, and the sorcery worm will be drawn out on its own."

Megan wiped her eyes. "Thank you."

She’d seen the ruthless side of Karl—cold, sharp, downright cruel—but this version of him, calm and almost gentle, was new to her. They didn’t spend much time together, but he’d shown her every facet of who he was.

Maybe if he hadn’t grown up consumed by revenge, maybe he’d be a different person entirely.

"Your grandpa’s back, isn’t he?"

Karl’s hand paused for a second. "Can’t hide anything from you, huh?"

Megan set down her fork. "Your grandpa doesn’t want you tangled up in feelings—especially not for me, Tristan’s woman. He definitely doesn’t want these feelings softening your will for revenge. You’re scared you can’t protect me, so you’ve decided to send me back."

Karl let out a helpless chuckle. "Megan, you really see straight through me."

"Karl, it’s the first time I’ve ever called you that. Don’t go down this path, don’t let your hands get stained any more. Even if the people you hate are guilty, that’s what the law’s for—you don’t need to become judge and executioner. That’ll only stack up your own guilt."

A hint of a smile tugged at his lips. "Are you worried about me now? That just makes it even harder to let you go."

She shook her head. "It’s the kind of worry a friend would have. I don’t want you to keep making mistakes. The grudges of the previous generation shouldn’t fall entirely on you. If your parents could see how you’ve lived wrapped in hatred... they’d be heartbroken."

"You were the only light in my life. Problem is, I was always the only one running toward you."

Megan lowered her head. "I’m sorry. All I can say is sorry. Karl, is your grandpa even really your grandpa?"

Karl’s brows furrowed.

She kept going. "Have you seriously never questioned it? What kind of grandfather would let his own grandson live a life this full of pain?"

Karl looked at her quietly. "Eat a little more. I’ll get you out of here soon."

The food tasted like cardboard in Megan’s mouth, but she could tell—he had doubts too.

Just then, Karl’s phone rang. His expression darkened the second he saw the screen, and he looked over at Megan. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

He hung up and walked to her side. "Megan, we’re leaving. Now."

He didn’t explain further, but she knew—whatever it was, it had something to do with her safety.

Back in the bedroom, Karl grabbed a thick puffy down jacket and helped her into it. She looked like a tiny walking marshmallow.

He lifted his hand to touch her cheek but stopped right before his fingers met her skin.

"Megan... I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken you."

She smiled gently. "Karl, if it weren’t for you, I’d never have come back to myself. Honestly, I should be the one saying thank you."

"Megan..."

"Boss, Old Master’s car just pulled into the woods," Keith’s voice called from outside.

Karl looked at her again, eyes filled with something heavy and bittersweet. "Megan, the time I spent with you... it’s been the best part of my life. If you had met me first, do you think... would you have chosen me?"