Chapter 1
My fiancé, Adam Houston, wanted me to step down from the succession race and give up my 5% stake, just so he could become the biggest shareholder in the company. He promised me a wedding of the century in return.
I agreed, but the very next day, his lover posted a share transfer agreement for everyone to see.
And the signature at the bottom? It was Adam's.
I paused for a couple of seconds, then casually commented: [Since you've already got the engagement gift, when's the party?]
His first love had a meltdown and dramatically threatened to jump from the 22nd floor.
To calm her down, Adam demanded that I delete my comment, apologize to her publicly, and hand over three months' salary for her emotional trauma.
My colleagues were all gossiping, just waiting for me to embarrass myself.
I let out a cold laugh. Not only did I apologize in front of everyone, but I also handed my project over to his lover.
Seeing how "understanding" I was, Adam looked pleased. "At the wedding in two weeks, I'll make sure you're the center of attention. And as a reward, I'll take you on a honeymoon around the world."
But what he didn't realize was that the moment he reclaimed those shares, the so-called wedding was nothing but a fantasy.
*****
As soon as my apology statement went live, the comment count shot past 99+ in under three minutes.
Adam's lover, Kylie Scott, slid into my DMs, mocking me. [Chloe, the only thing you have over me is luck. You just met Adam first. What else makes you think you're better than me?]
[All I had to do was shed a few tears, and he instantly made you apologize to me.]
[Who cares if you're engaged? If I don't want it to happen, you two are never tying the knot.]
After that, she bragged that Adam was taking her on a trip to unwind, and sent me a picture of their tickets to Timeston.
Just as I was about to lock my phone, a new comment from Adam's first love popped up. [Guys, don't be so hard on Miss Ferrell. I was at fault too...]
Less than a minute later, Adam replied to her comment: [Don't take all the blame yourself. Chloe was the one at fault here.]
My colleagues piled on, saying my apology was anything but sincere. Every line was just me throwing shade at Kylie.
Some people tagged me, but I just ignored them.
Not long after, Adam started calling me, one call after another, clearly coming after me.
Thinking about Adam's blatant favoritism toward Kylie, I just switched off my phone, silencing the nonstop calls.
Adam and I had been promised to each other since childhood, with 5% of the Houston Group's shares as my dowry, sealing my place in the Houston family.
But ever since Kylie joined the company, Adam only had eyes for her.
No matter what Kylie wanted, Adam would bend over backwards to give it to her. Even the project I'd poured months of hard work into became nothing more than a gift to cheer her up.
Not long after, Adam suddenly came home and told me to pack a few outfits for him. He was going on a business trip.
Thinking about those Timeston tickets Kylie sent me, the ones for both of them, I couldn't help but throw some shade, "So, is this really a business trip, or just a little getaway?"
Adam caught the edge in my voice and assumed I was still upset about having to apologize to Kylie.
He frowned and said, "It was your fault in the first place, and you still have the nerve to be mad? If I hadn't stepped in, your colleagues would've kicked you out of the company by now.
"This is a major project for the company, and I have to go in person. Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as it's over. I won't let it mess up our wedding."
When I stayed quiet, Adam breathed a sigh of relief, thinking I finally got where he was coming from and wouldn't hold it against him anymore. He took the opportunity to ask me what I wanted as a gift this time.
Every time Adam went on a business trip, he'd bring me some local treat. It always made my day when I got one.
But later, I happened to find out that every gift he gave me was just something Kylie had rejected or dismissed as worthless.
Thinking about it, I replied indifferently, "Whatever."
Seeing my lack of interest, Adam asked the housekeeper to pack his clothes, then turned and took a gift box from the butler.
He handed it to me. "This is a reward for handing over your shares."
I glanced at it. It was a bangle, rare and antique.
But I'd seen the same bangle on Kylie's wrist recently.
So he was just passing off something Kylie already wore as a reward?
When he saw me smile, he assumed I was pleased and reached out to slip it onto my wrist.
But as he picked up the bangle, I instinctively pulled back.
He paused, looking uncomfortable. "Don't you like it?"
I saw the guilt flicker in his eyes. After a pause, I replied coolly, "Looks expensive."
He let out a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to say something to comfort me, his phone started ringing urgently.