Chapter 2

The next morning, as soon as I reached the top of the stairs, cheerful laughter echoed from the living room.

My mother-in-law in name only, Marissa, was holding Reyna’s hand, grinning so widely her mouth wouldn't close.

"Reyna is truly the thoughtful one, running over first thing in the morning to give me a massage and make breakfast."

"Unlike certain people who can't even produce a child after three years of marriage and only know how to lounge around the house playing the wealthy lady."

Reyna’s voice was sweet and delicate. "Marissa, please don't say that. Karla works so hard normally, so it’s only natural she sleeps in a bit longer."

Keegan, sitting nearby reading the newspaper, looked up as I walked downstairs, his eyes instantly cooling.

I adjusted my hemline, looking at the Eggs Benedict and organic green juice on the table with a remarkably sincere smile.

"Ms. Goodwin’s culinary skills are impressive. It seems I can safely hand over the kitchen duties to you from now on."

Reyna’s smile froze instantly. She had intended to establish a persona as a gentle and sensible victim, but she hadn't expected me to frame her directly as a free maid.

"Karla, what kind of attitude is that?" Marissa pointed a finger directly at my nose and scolded, "Three years of marriage, and you haven't borne a child, nor have you served your in-laws. Tell me, what are you actually good for?"

I pulled a stack of pre-prepared documents from my bag and placed them on the table.

Looking at Marissa, I smiled calmly.

"Marissa, let’s get one thing clear. Three years ago, I signed that agreement to fulfill a business wager with the old patriarch, Mr. Armstrong, and to help your family manage your debt."

"Playing the role of 'Mrs. Armstrong' over these three years was a matter of professional ethics, not because I ever needed the title."

"Furthermore, regarding the issue of having children." I turned my gaze to Keegan, my voice even. "Over the past three years, Mr. Armstrong returned home an average of less than twice a month and never shared a bed with me. According to basic medical science, unilateral conception is impossible, so I won't take the blame for that."

"You... what kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Keegan’s face flushed bright red, and he nearly choked on his coffee.

Marissa trembled with rage, turning to yell at Keegan. "Keegan, look at this woman who speaks of nothing but money! Are you just going to sit there and let her bully your mother?"

Keegan issued a thread of threat toward me. "Karla, apologize to Mom and Reyna right now, and I can act as if nothing happened. Otherwise, I will freeze every supplementary card you hold."

I drew an Amex Black Card stamped with the Vance Capital logo from my bag and handed it to the maid.

"Please call an Uber Black for me. As for the supplementary card Mr. Armstrong mentioned—"

I turned back to Keegan. "I never even activated it three years ago."

"All luxury public relations expenses for the family over these three years were billed to my independent American Express account. The detailed statement was sent to your email inbox this morning. Please remit payment within seven business days."