Chapter 3
Edward's eyes narrowed sharply.
His biggest secret, the one he'd always been so proud of, was just casually exposed by me.
His so-called new energy project had already swallowed up a fortune in upfront costs, turning into a bottomless pit.
It was only because my family kept bankrolling it nonstop that it managed to keep up the illusion of success.
Andrew and Fiona looked visibly shaken.
They clearly had no idea that the son they were so proud of had gotten himself into such deep trouble without them knowing.
Edward stammered, "H-How do you know?" His voice was trembling.
I smirked, a hint of mockery in my smile.
I said, "If you didn't want anyone to find out, maybe you shouldn't have done it.
"Edward, you took my family's money to bankroll Lily, and now you think you can use me as your stepping stone to climb higher? Do you really think the world works that way?"
My father's face turned stone cold. After fighting his way through life, nothing pissed him off more than being made a fool of.
"Bravo, the Sinclair family. Really impressive!" he spat, voice thick with sarcasm.
My dad let out a laugh, cold and furious.
He said, "The engagement's off. And so is our partnership."
Andrew, flustered, sent a swift kick to Edward's leg.
He barked, "You ungrateful brat. Apologize to Mr. Grant and Stella, now!"
Edward stood his ground, defiant as ever, refusing to yield.
My father snorted dismissively and stepped aside.
He said coldly, "I don't need his apology.
"Mr. Sinclair, since your golden boy is so full of himself, why not let him patch up that multi-billion-dollar hole all on his own?
"We are done playing your game."
My dad showed Andrew and Edward the door, and Fiona followed after them, her head hanging low in humiliation.
Chloe's message popped up again.
She texted: [You nailed it. But Stella, the Sinclair family won't let you off that easily. Be careful.]
I watched the Sinclairs' car drive away and texted back: [I know.]
Edward had more backbone than I ever gave him credit for.
Or maybe he was just cornered, ready to burn his bridges and go all in.
That night, Lily started a livestream.
She was bare-faced, wearing a simple white T-shirt, sitting in a rundown rental apartment.
On camera, tears streamed down her face, making her look heartbreakingly fragile.
She sobbed, "I never wanted to come between Edward and Ms. Grant.
"Edward and I grew up together. My family never had much, and he's always been there for me.
"I know I shouldn't have crashed the engagement party.
"But when I heard he was getting engaged, it hurt so bad that I could barely breathe. I swear, I didn't do it on purpose.
"Ms. Grant is from such a powerful family. With just a word, she could wipe out everything Edward and I have. We never stood a chance against her.
"Please, everyone, stop blaming Edward. All of this is on me. I'll take whatever comes."
With those words, she turned herself into the perfect victim, innocent, fragile, and oppressed by the powerful elite.
And me? I was cast as the villainess, the spoiled heiress who crushed others just because I could.
Public opinion did a complete 180 in seconds.
One commented: [See? It takes two to make a mess. If there wasn't something shady going on, none of this would happen.]
Another commented: [Feeling for Lily, sending virtual hugs. Rich girls like Stella are just untouchable.]
Someone else commented: [All Edward did was take the girl he cares about to the hospital. Is it really that unforgivable? Stella is just making a huge fuss over nothing.]
Chloe was so pissed that she almost chucked her brand-new phone across the room.
She fumed, "Seriously, if Lily doesn't get an Oscar for that performance, it's a total injustice. I'm getting her livestream nuked right now."
I said, "Don't.
"Let her play the victim.
"Everyone loves a good show. Let's make the stage even bigger for her."
Edward's counterattack came faster and hit harder than I ever saw coming.
The very next day, an alleged "internal financial report" from the Grant Group blew up all over the internet.
The file accused my father's company of dodging taxes and screwing over its workers.
It was a complete forgery, but so convincing that even the pros would be fooled.
Suddenly, the Grant Group was under fire, caught right in the middle of the storm.
The stock price started tanking, and our partners were blowing up our phones, all desperate to know what was going on.
My dad was so pissed that his blood pressure nearly exploded. He pulled an all-nighter with the board, scrambling to put out the fire.
Right then, my phone lit up with a call from Edward.
His voice oozed with smug satisfaction and the thrill of payback.
He sneered, "So, Stella, how does it feel to be dragged through the mud for once?
"I warned you, Stella. Don't ever back me into a corner.
"Here's your chance.
"Hold a press conference right now. Apologize to Lily, and announce that our engagement is still on.
"Marry me, and we're family. Your father's little crisis? I'll make it disappear."
He paused, his voice dropping to a condescending murmur.
He said, "I'm even generous enough to let you keep pouring money into my project. You can even call yourself Mrs. Sinclair.
"So? How about it? Tempted?"
Listening to Edward gloat, I just found it ridiculous.
I asked, "Edward, do you really think you've won?"
"Isn't that obvious?" he fired back, all cocky.
I chuckled lightly.
"You'll find out soon enough. You really picked the wrong person to mess with," I said, my tone icy and full of warning.
After hanging up, I dialed another number.
I asked, "Interested in a little collaboration?"
The man on the other end let out a low chuckle.
He replied, "Of course. I never say no to you.
"So, how do you want to play this?"