The Shield of His Love
Chapter 1
“Captain Grant, that’s Barton Fields over there. The family holding the funeral is the Batton family.”
*1 ser “Christopher Ciant, seated at the back of the jeep, litred his gaze. He got out of the car once it came to a stop. As he walked past the Barton residence, he overheard voices coming from inside.
“Rebecca, looks like you’re heading to the city to live the good life, hold? Your father’s gone, and somehow, you’re the one benefiting from it–getting adopted by
persligious family in Orkney.” The woman’s tone was laced with jealousy and bittemess
“Poor Leroy got dumped by you! Tossing aside your anof just to climb the social ladder, you’re really a cold–linated person!”
Hearing Rebecca Barton’s name, Christopher paused. His footsteps halted by the window. Not long after, he caught a soft cough from inside, followed by acalm,
“Layla, this jealousy of yours is eating you alive, lan’t it? Let me guess you wish it was your father who died and that you’re the one getting adopted?” Rebecca’s words struck a nerve, exposing her cousin, Layla Barton’s, unspoken thoughts.
“Y–You stop talking nonsense!” Layla snapped.
“Oh really? You look jealous to me. Let me tell you something, Layla. So what if I’m climbing the social ladder? I’m going to the city to live my best life while
you’re stuck here with nothing but envy!”
Though her voice was soft, Rebecca’s words were sharp. Each word cut into Layla’s pride like a blade.
“And another thing, do you think I can’t find a decent match in the city? If you like Leroy that much, you can have him.”
Leroy Smith was the man Rebecca married in her past life. He had beaten her, tommented her, and eventually left her trapped in the Smith residence, where she died an early, miserable death before even reaching 40.
Rebecca had been rebom. She didn’t know why, but her new lite began the year her father, Vaughn Burton, passed away.
This time, she wore she wouldn’t squander the future Vaughn had sacrificed his life to secure. She closed her eyes, and the walling of the mourners outside made her eyes red..
Layla crossed her Simms and snapped back. “You’re a shameless flirt! I bet you’re already plotting to seduce the three sons of the Grant family and insery into wealth!
H
Rebecca chuckded as she looked at Layla. Layla only had men in berhead. But Rebecca knew how to strike where it hurt.
“Exactly,” she said with a smirk. “I’m going to charm one of the Grant family’s sons and become his wife. Too bad you’ll never get a chance like that in your
Layla was about to explode with rage while Christopher remained silent outside the window.
The driver behind him thought Rebeccasure had some lofty ambitions
Christopher’s expression darlumed. He had come on his father, Duncan Grant’s, orders to pick up the orphaned daughter of the Bacton family. Adopting a daughter wasn’t a big deal for the Grant family
But he hadn’t expected her to be so greedy, even scheming to latch onto the Grant family for wealth and power. He sneered as he strode toward the front door
Funerals in rural areas were still simple affairs in this era. Vaughn had died in the line of duty, so the entice area had come together to arrange a proper sendoff.
When word spread that someone from the Grant family was bese, Rebecca’s uncle, Thomas Harton, quickly came out to greet them
Christopher barely acknowledged him. He offered only a slight nod before making his way to vaugh’s coffin..
Vaughn had been Duncan’s comrade–in–arms. His death carried its own complexities. Duncan had personally instructed Christopher to pay his respects. Christopher bowed before the coffin. His demeanor shifted from earlier. He was no longer indifferent but solemn, and he carried an air of hostility that kept others at a distance.
A cold sweat broke out on Thomas‘ forehead, Christopher’s presence was downright intimidating.
“Rebecca, come herel Someone from the Grant family is here to take you!” Marge Jensen’s voice rang out. She was Thomas‘ wife.
Just then, someone came out of the house. She was dressed in black as she was in mouming. Her face was bare of makeup, and her hair was tied back in a simple ponytail with a tew stray strands framing her cheeks.
At a glance, Rebecca saw the tall figure standing before the coffin. Even with his back tumed, he radiated power and authority. His presence silenced the crowd around him.
Christopher tumed slowly and locked his gaze on Rebecca.
