Chapter 1

The paternity test report lay on the table. My husband Michael Carter stared at the words [not biologically related] and let out a long sigh.

He peeled the last shrimp for me, his voice full of resignation.

He said, "Honey, now that you're not the real heiress, the Linwood family won't let you inherit anything.

"We're drowning in mortgage payments. To keep me and our son from getting dragged down, let's get divorced. You leave with nothing.

Watching him act all high and mighty, I nodded through my tears. "Okay, I'll do whatever you say."

But he probably forgot to check whose names were actually on the report.

The report showing [not biologically related] was actually a DNA test between him and his dad.

*****

Michael Carter gently placed the peeled shrimp in my bowl. "Lottie, please don't blame me.

"I'm just trying to do what's best for our family."

I stared at the shrimp in my bowl and nodded quietly.

"I understand." I said.

He seemed surprised at how quickly I went along with it.

But any trace of guilt in his eyes disappeared just like that.

He said, "Good, as long as you get it.

"The kid stays with me, and the house is mine. I'm the one paying the mortgage, after all.

"With the way things are now, the Linwoods won't help you anymore, and you can't even afford to take care of him."

I asked, "So where am I supposed to live?"

Michael's brow furrowed.

He said, "Why don't you go back to the Linwood family for now? They've looked after you for more than twenty years. No way they'd throw you out.

"When I have a bit more money, I'll rent you a place."

I nodded. "Okay,"

He let out a breath, finally relaxing.

He started breaking down the money.

He said, "You've got about seven grand left in your account from those part-time gigs. You can use that for your living expenses.

"As for the rest of the savings, I earned all that. You can't get a cent.

"And all those things the Linwood family bought for you? It's only fair you return them,"

He finished speaking, then looked at me.

I nodded again.

"I understand," I said.

Michael finally managed a smile.

He reached out and ruffled my hair. "Lottie, you're always so sensible.

"Don't worry, if you ever need anything, I'll be there for you."

I looked at him.

I stared at the face I'd loved for the past five years.

I was the one who stood by him, watching him go from a broke nobody to the sharp, successful lawyer he is today.

Turns out, everything was built on me being the Linwood heiress.

Now that my identity is fake, so is his affection.

"We'll handle the paperwork tomorrow." he got to his feet, sounding almost cheerful. "I've got a client coming in, so I'm heading to the firm."

He walked to the door, then turned back.

He said, "Nathan was at my mom's place today. Don't see him until you've fully moved out.

"And don't tell him about the divorce. He's about to start middle school—he can't afford any distractions."

The door closed behind him.

Now it was just me, alone in the house.

I picked up the paternity test report off the table.

I flipped to the last page.

[Subject A: Richard Carter.

[Subject B: Michael Carter.

[Conclusion: No biological relationship.]

Richard is my father-in-law.

Michael thought this report was about me and Henry Linwood.

He didn't even look closely at the names, and he couldn't wait to cut ties with me.

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

I asked, "Hello, is this Arthur Smith?

"This is Charlotte Summers.

"I've decided to accept my father's offer. I'm ready to return to Summers Corporation and take over the company.

"Also, I need you to draft a divorce agreement for me.

"There's only one thing I want in the divorce settlement: I want Michael to walk away with nothing.

"And bring my son, Nathan Carter, back to me as fast as you can."

The next day, Michael and I went to the city hall.

He was buzzing with excitement the whole time, making calls non-stop.

"Mom, it's all done. Yeah, went off without a hitch," he said.

"Charlotte was super considerate. She didn't ask for a thing," he added.

He hung up and gave me a smile.

"Lottie, sorry you had to deal with all this," Michael said.

I shook my head. "I'm not upset,"

He was really happy with my attitude.

Once we got the divorce papers, he didn't even glance at them before shoving them into his briefcase.

He said, "I'm heading back to the law firm. You'll have to figure out dinner on your own.

"And don't forget what I told you—don't go sneaking off to see Nate,"

He practically skipped away, his whole vibe screaming excitement.

I stood outside the city hall, all by myself.

The sun shone on me, but I couldn't feel any warmth at all.

I took a cab to the Carter residence.

Sure enough, I was stopped at the door.

Michael's mom Mary Carter started yelling at me from behind the door.

She shouted, "What are you doing here? You bring nothing but bad luck!

"Listen up, Nate is a Carter. Don't even think about taking him away, you phony.

"Get lost! Or I'll call the cops."

I didn't bother arguing with her. I just turned and walked away.

That only made me more determined to crush them completely.