Chapter 2

Like I used to do, I would have thrown a fit in front of Mary Sullivan, demanding Charles get away from any woman who got close to him.

But now, I couldn't care less.

I was swamped with work.

I wasn't just adored by Mary—I was also the sole heiress of the Chapman family.

Fresh out of college, I was gearing up to take over my family business, drowning in work.

One particular deal required my full attention, so I arranged to meet the clients in a private room with the files.

Little did I expect to run into someone I knew all too well.

Chloe interrogated me. "Sylvia, are you doing this on purpose?"

Chloe sat among several business partners in a professional skirt suit with a slit up to her thighs.

I frowned, "Are you talking to me?"

Then, Chloe burst into tears right in front of everyone.

"I'm not lucky enough to live next door to the Sullivans or win Mrs. Sullivan's affection as easily as you do. But is it my fault that Charles loves me?

"Now you're even trying to steal my clients? Are you that scared I'll outshine you in both love life and career?"

The Sullivan family was influential. The clients instantly understood that Chloe was Charles' woman.

I tightened my grip on the files. Obviously, this deal was dead in the water.

But Chloe wasn't finished. "Charles told me how you've tried every trick to chase away his admirers over the years.

"Loving someone who doesn't love you back is truly painful, but you can't force things. And that doesn't give you the right to take it out on other girls.

"Sylvia, are you really this vicious? Stealing my clients just to make Mrs. Sullivan think I'm useless?"

I was not a pushover.

Without hesitation, I hit the record button on my phone. "Slander is illegal, Miss Jensen. Care to repeat that?"

To my shock, Chloe walked up to me and slapped herself.

"There, Sylvia. Happy now?

"You can have my clients. And you can do whatever you want to me, but Charles... I love him."

I was struck dumb, instinctively stepping back.

Then the door was kicked open as Charles stormed in, his face twisted with fury.

"Sylvia, what do you think you're doing?" he shouted.

A shadow loomed over me, and the next instant, Charles' hand struck my face with brutal force.

My vision blacked out—half my face turned numb.

I crumpled against the chair by the blow. Drinks from the table splashed all over me.

"Charles? What are you doing here? It's not what you think—" asked Chloe.

"She did lay a hand on you!" Charles cut her off.

Charles cupped Chloe's face, where a faint mark barely showed.

The hand he had hit me with was even redder than the mark on Chloe's face.

But when Charles looked at me, there was nothing but disgust in his eyes.

He glared at me. "If you don't want my grandma to hate you, apologize to Chloe."

"Charles—" I tried to defend myself but failed.

"Now! And beg for Chloe's forgiveness!"

Chloe buried her face in Charles' shoulder, her body trembling with soft sobs.

My face was badly swollen, and my waist throbbed where I'd slammed into the edge of the table.

Everyone in that room knew full well that I hadn't laid a finger on Chloe.

But no one would go up against Charles in the middle of his heroic rescue.

And Charles couldn't wait to "sentence me to death".

I met Charles' gaze with a mocking smile.

"Fine."

Charles froze for a second.

Then his eyes darkened.

"What about your family business? You don't care about that, too?"

Charles even thought about ending years of business partnerships for his girl and threatened me with it.

Clutching my throbbing waist, I pushed myself up and met Charles' gaze head-on.

"You can say that."

And I was also done with him.

Charles frowned under the intensity of my gaze.

But then, Chloe's honeyed voice murmured in Charles' ear.

Chloe persuaded him. "Let's forget about it, Charles. Miss Chapman has her pride. I won't hold it against her."

Just like that, Charles brushed aside all his doubts and scooped Chloe up in his arms, as if she were something delicate.

Then, he added, "Sylvia, don't think your compromises will change anything between us.

"Hurting Chloe only makes me hate you more.

"And don't even think about telling my grandma about this.

"Now, I know exactly what I want."

With that, Charles carried his beloved out in triumph.

The clients also left after that.

I started to drink all alone.

Until I vomited my guts out.

I got drunk and then sobered up.

This was how I punished myself for a decade of foolish devotion.

And after tonight?

The rotten seed that had taken root in my heart would be uprooted once and for all.

Charles, a man who knew what he truly wanted, started to make good on his threats.

His revenge against my family and me had begun.

He severed all business ties with the Chapman Group and introduced all his business partners to Chloe's barely month-old startup.

Chloe started making frequent public appearances with Charles.

He officially claimed her as his girlfriend.

I had no interest in those things, but people made sure I heard them anyway.

Back then, Charles would take me to formal events with an annoyed look.

He just needed a presentable and obedient companion.

And I let myself entertain foolish hopes just because of that "privilege".

Charles never explained it, but I convinced myself there was something real between us.

That was why I'd felt so jealous whenever another woman was around Charles.

And Charles never once corrected me.

But now, everything about them was just gossip to me.

I took a sip of my coffee—bitter, yet bracing.

The man sitting across from me chuckled.

He suggested, "I did warn you, Miss Chapman—coffee isn't really your thing. Let's get you some juice instead.

"So, maybe reconsider my proposal?

"We'd make a good match."