Chapter 3

Kyle clearly hadn’t expected such resolve; his face twisted in frustration.

Seeing this, Secretary Lisa quickly intervened.

“Mr. Carter, don’t worry. I’ll handle this with your father.”

“A delusional nobody like her—you’re better off without the hassle!”

Kyle nodded slightly, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

“But the invitations went out. Calling this off now could damage the family name.”

Before he could finish, Lisa pounded her chest confidently.

"Mr. Carter, I'm right here, aren't I?"

Kyle's eyes lit up instantly.

"Lisa, you mean..."

The secretary nodded eagerly, practically glowing with excitement.

"The party goes on as planned! I'll be the guest of honor!"

Kyle looked ready to hug her.

"Lisa... thank you so much for bailing me out!"

"Don't worry—after this, the Carters won't forget your loyalty!"

Watching this display, I let out a cold laugh.

"Alright, that's enough."

"Mr. Carter, now that the party's all set up, shouldn't we discuss compensation?"

I gestured toward the chaotic ballroom and that ridiculous pet birthday banner.

"This engagement was an important agreement between the Vincent and Carter families. You've turned it into a farce—how do you expect my family to save face? You owe me an explanation today!"

My words triggered immediate laughter from the crowd.

"Is she serious? Trying to extort the Carters because her engagement fell through?"

"Right! The Carters are loaded. They'd pay her off without a second thought."

I scanned the room, my voice turning icy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my family's honor isn't for sale."

Kyle still didn't grasp the severity of the situation.

"So you're embarrassed? Big deal."

He said, sauntering toward me.

“All this posturing—you just want more money, don’t you?”

“How much do you want? Ten grand? A million? Name your price.”

I clenched my jaw to contain my anger, fixing him with a stare.

“Mr. Carter, do you honestly believe money solves everything?”

Kyle quirked an eyebrow, looking at me like I was beneath him.

“Doesn’t it?”

“Listen here, Vincent—this is Carter territory!”

“One call from me, and you’ll be run out of Seattle!”

I fought the urge to punch him, speaking slowly and clearly.

“Mr. Carter, that sounds like a threat.”

Before Kyle could answer, Lisa jumped in, eager to defend him.

“You bet it is! What are you gonna do about it?”

“Go ahead—make a move!”

I turned to her, my voice cold and flat.

“You actually take pride in being his yes-man?”

Lisa’s face turned crimson. She pointed at me, sputtering but unable to form words.

Kyle stepped in front of her protectively.

“Who the hell do you think you’re calling a yes-man?”

“Lisa’s been with me since college. She’s practically family.”

“Apologize to her right now, or you’re not leaving this room!”