Chapter 3

Brian's voice, thick with booze, drifted over. He said, "We're about to become family, so let me be honest with you. I'm actually a Carter. My real dad pulled some strings to get my mom into the Collins family.

"He's always looked out for me behind the scenes, but can't admit it publicly because of his image. Once Edward kicks the bucket, he'll take me back in.

"So, you guys definitely made the right call choosing me. I'm the true heir to the Carter family."

My dad heard all this and gave a knowing smile.

He said, "I know. Do you really think the Carter family chose us for this alliance by accident? I helped your dad out back then. And that's why you had it smooth growing up.

"You've always been a good kid, and after all these years, I believe in you even more.

"Come on, let's discuss this heir project. We'll have Lily steal the core data, push Edward aside, and slowly take over the Carter Group. Brian, I'm pinning all my hopes on you."

After a long back-and-forth, they finally settled on the specifics.

My dad and Brian headed off to the study to get things ready, leaving Nancy and Jessica behind.

For a while, there was nothing but silence. I moved my finger, ready to hit the stop button.

But Nancy suddenly spoke up, "You heard all that, didn't you? Those men never think about us when it comes to making money. You know you're not your dad's real daughter.

"I only married into the Turner family to give you a decent life. But now, it's time for you to start looking out for yourself.

"Keep Brian sweet. See if you can skim some cash off that project."

Jessica smiled and replied, "Relax, Mom. Brian's already under my spell. He does whatever I say."

Nancy smiled, tapped Jessica on the forehead, shot a quick look around to make sure no one was watching, patted her on the shoulder, and walked back arm in arm with her.

I hit the stop button, let out a long breath, and couldn't help but smirk to myself.

I really scored big today.

I figured maybe I didn't have to go it alone anymore; instead, it was time to propose a partnership.

Soon enough, the day of the engagement party rolled around. I ducked into the changing room, using the excuse that I needed to fix my outfit.

I crouched there for five minutes, and sure enough, Edward rolled in to get changed, too.

Edward came to a sudden stop in his wheelchair, giving me a smirk. He said, "I thought the Turner family would send Jessica. Why are you here instead? Did they swap out the heir or something?"

I didn't really catch what he was hinting at. I just met Edward's gaze, dropped all my pretenses for the first time, and said, "Mr. Carter, interested in a partnership?"

Before he could respond, I slipped him an earbud. He took it, a bit unsure, and put it in.

I hit play, letting the recording roll. I watched as Edward's face grew stormier by the second, until finally, he let out a cold, mocking laugh.

He sneered, "That's some next-level plotting. I knew my dad had a secret son, but I never thought he'd go this far for his boy. So, what's your plan?"

Seeing his expression turn cold, I said, "I want to broadcast these recordings on the big screen during the wedding. Of course, I'll cut out the part about the secret son; just leave the section where they're scheming together.

"I heard your grandma really loves you and has a lot of influence in the Carter family. You could have her there to make sure everything goes smoothly.

"That way, I get my revenge, and you get the company handed to you on a silver platter.

"Once it's done, give me 2 million, and we'll divorce. Then we're both free."

I laid all my cards on the table, betting Edward wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.

Sure enough, Edward nodded.

He said, "Alright, it's a deal. When it's done, the 2 million is yours."

Our engagement went off without a hitch, and we set the wedding for a week later.