Within days, the news spread far and wide about how the emperor sanctioned the marriage between Harper and Matthew. Everyone had different reactions, but the most worried would have to be the Bu Clan.

At that time, Isabella was pacing back and forth in the room. The anxiety was so apparent on her face. Meanwhile, Franklin's temples had started to ache, and so did Caroline's.

"Father, Prince Matthew's fiancees all died before they could get married to him. With this, I can't help but feel afraid that Harper might die in her boots too." Caroline openly surmised her worries.

"If that's the case, it's honestly not the worst thing that could happen to Harper," Zack responded with a bitter smile on his face.

"Zack, what do you mean by that?" Caroline asked in confusion.

Franklin and Zack looked at each other and as if on cue, the father and son shared tacit understanding. Charles was loyal to the emperor. The emperor wanted Harper to marry Matthew so that she would be able to spy on him. If she was tasked to

ough he has his disabilities right now, it doesn't mean that he will always have these—for the lack of a better word—disadvantages. Moreover, he is not a weak person. It's not wise for the Bu Clan to stand up and turn against him."

Zack remained silent. He had to admit that Harper made some good points. Although the Bu Clan had always been strong and powerful, Matthew was undeniably a very influential person, whom the Bu Clan couldn't afford to offend.

"But do you have an idea about His majesty's real intentions? You know why he wants you to marry prince Matthew?" Zack ceased to give up. In his perspective, Harper getting married to Matthew would be like a sheep being placed into the tiger's mouth. Clearly, the emperor and the Chu Clan only regarded her as a pawn. Once she got married to Matthew, she could begin counting down the days leading to her death. On top of it all, it was known that Matthew was extremely cruel and ruthless that it was very likely that she would end up in tragedy, one way or another.