Chapter 1

The company landed a major client and was throwing a banquet to celebrate.

My fiancé, Liam, took me to his friend's boutique to pick out a gown.

"Yvette's a renowned designer. Just listen to what she suggests."

But when I tried on the dress, I discovered it looked absolutely hideous.

The waist was bulky and unflattering, and half my ass was exposed.

Just as I was about to protest, Liam looked at me with disgust:

"You really do look terrible in everything! Let Yvette go in your place as my fiancée to the banquet instead."

At his words, Yvette immediately pulled out a gown she'd prepared in advance and slipped it on.

I watched them walk out hand in hand, all lovey-dovey, and the realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

They'd been hooking up behind my back all along.

Too bad Liam had no idea—he only landed this deal because I was the client's daughter.

I tore off the rag of a dress and dialed my phone.

"Dad, cancel the deal we just signed with Liam."

"All right, take a look and see if you like it."

I opened my eyes at the sound of the voice, only to be startled by my own reflection in the mirror.

The elegant, haute couture gown had been transformed into tattered rags.

The waist had been deliberately taken in so tight it created rolls of flesh, making me look like a trussed-up slab of pork belly.

The fabric on the back had vanished entirely, leaving most of my rear exposed to the cold air.

Most insulting of all were the "artistic" cutouts across the chest, perfectly positioned to display both the edges of my bra and my excess flesh in all their glory.

"Yvette!" I grabbed at the precarious fabric, trying to keep it from falling. "You did this on purpose?"

The dressing room spotlights suddenly blazed to life, illuminating my humiliation in merciless detail.

Yvette covered her mouth and took a step back. "Miss Laurel, how can you say that? It's just that your figure... needs some adjustments in certain areas."

Her gaze swept pointedly over my waistline.

That's when I noticed she was holding up her phone, the camera pointed straight at me.

Blood rushed to my head. I lunged forward and snatched the phone from her hands. The screen clearly showed a video recording interface.

"Liam, look," came Yvette's deliberately lowered voice from the video, "I told you she couldn't pull off your taste..."

The dressing room door suddenly swung open. Liam stood in the doorway, one hand in his pocket.

His gaze raked over me like a scanner before landing on my hand gripping Yvette's wrist.

"Had enough of your tantrum?"

He loosened his tie, his Adam's apple bobbing with disgust. "Yvette's a featured designer at Paris Fashion Week. What are you?"

Yvette seized the opportunity to wrench free from my grip and scurried behind Liam like a frightened rabbit.

"Don't be angry, Liam," she said, her fingertips lightly tugging at his sleeve. "Miss Laurel probably just isn't used to haute couture..."

My eyes reddened with hurt and anger. "Liam, she deliberately cut up the dress like this, and she was secretly recording me..."

"Enough!" Liam cut me off sharply, his eyes cold as ice. "Yvette's been my friend since childhood. You really think she'd do something like that?"

Yvette's eyes glistened with moisture. "Miss Laurel, I know you have issues with my relationship with Liam, but you can't slander me like this..."

I clutched the ruined fabric, my nails digging into my palms.

"Then how do you explain this? You cut my dress to pieces!"

Liam frowned impatiently. "Stop making a scene! Laurel, there's no way you can attend the celebration banquet looking like this. Just don't come tonight."

"What?" I looked up in disbelief.

His gaze shifted to Yvette, his tone self-righteous: "Yvette attends high-end events all the time. She has way more experience than you. Tonight's banquet is crucial—the client's CEO will be there. We can't afford any mistakes. I think she should go instead."

Before I could respond, Yvette let out a cheerful squeal. "Liam, what perfect timing—I just happen to have brought a backup dress."

She reached into the wardrobe and pulled out a champagne-colored mermaid gown.

One she'd clearly prepared in advance.

Liam's gaze lingered on her for a few seconds, the corner of his mouth turning up slightly. "I'd appreciate you coming with me tonight."

A chill ran through my entire body as understanding finally dawned. "You planned this all along, didn't you?"