Chapter 2
The entire party went dead silent.
It was true that in recent years, Rivers Group had expanded aggressively. After going public, their market value had skyrocketed.
My parents, on the other hand, preferred a stable approach. They kept our company private, focusing on solid profits and generous dividends for our employees and shareholders.
On paper, the Rivers family looked richer.
But he had no idea that the biggest investor in Rivers Group, the one propping up that skyrocketing value, was my parents.
I could see my mother fuming, my father's jaw tight, and all three of my brothers frowning in unison.
"So," I began calmly. "What, exactly, are you saying?"
Edward bent down, plucked my engagement ring from the shards of broken glass, and slid it onto Olivia's finger.
She had the decency to look shocked, but she didn't pull away. In fact, she stood a little taller.
"I'm saying," Edward declared, glaring at me, "that I prefer a girl like Olivia.
"She's smart, ambitious, and independent, not some spoiled parasite who only knows how to spend money!
"This engagement is a business deal. You can either deal with me loving her and wait for me to get this out of my system.
"Or you can walk. I really don't care."
My mother, Jennifer Shaw, shot forward and grabbed my hand. "That's it, we're leaving!"
My father, Jacob Shaw, roared, "Honey, let's go!
"We don't need this farce. We aren't that desperate."
Edward's parents scurried over with fake smiles, but my eldest brother, Samuel Shaw, coolly stepped in their way.
"This is between them," he said. "And since Edward has made his choice, I can assure you my sister has other options."
Seeing me still standing there, Edward scoffed.
"So you agree? Good. Then from now on, remember your place.
"'High society'? Please. Without us, you are nothing."
He then turned his sneer on Samuel.
"And you, Sam. If I'm not mistaken, you work for Rivers Group. Challenging the boss is a bad look. I'll let it slide this time, but watch out, or you might find your next bonus a little light."
Samuel just gave him a pitying smile.
Aaron Rivers, Edward's father, however, started sweating bullets. "You idiot!" he hissed at his son. "What the hell are you talking about?
"Without Samuel, there would be no Rivers Group!"
So, Edward really didn't know that when Rivers Group was on the verge of collapse, his parents came to our house and practically downed a bottle of vintage Scotch while begging my father for a bailout.
He didn't know they had offered Samuel an astronomical salary to come in and turn their mess around, which was the only reason they ever made it to an IPO.
Seeing that I still hadn't moved, my second brother, Charles Shaw, shook his head.
"Izzy, stop thinking with your heart instead of your head! They've crossed the line. Let's go!"
My third brother, Henry Shaw, just lounged back with a smirk.
"Plenty of fish in the sea. This one's defective. Throw it back, and you'll find a better one."
I let out a long sigh.
I was not refusing to go! But that ring was worth two million dollars, and it belonged to me!
I forced a wry smile.
"Edward, I'm fine with you and Olivia. Congratulations.
"But can I please have my ring back?"
Edward scoffed, "It's just a ring. I don't love you. What meaning could it possibly have for you now?
"It represents my feelings, and I've given it to Olivia. It's hers."
I couldn't take it anymore.
I marched right up to him and slapped him.
I snapped, "What the fuck is wrong with you? My parents bought that ring, so quit fronting!
"You want her to have it? Fine. Venmo me the two million dollars. Right now.
"Ms. Lynn, you can have the worthless man, but you are not touching my money.
"Give me the ring. Now."
Across the lawn, my parents and brothers burst out laughing.
I could see the relief on their faces. Their daughter wasn't a lovesick fool. I hadn't embarrassed them.
Furious, Edward raised a hand to strike me, but Samuel was there in a flash, catching his wrist in a grip of steel.
Olivia's face went pale.
She fumbled with the ring, trying desperately to pull it off, but it was stuck fast, as if it had been perfectly sized for her finger all along.
Seeing Edward get hit, his mother, Vivian Rivers, looked livid. She pretended to play the peacemaker, but there was a scolding edge to her voice.
"Isabelle, that's enough of a scene.
"Edward is just young and impulsive. Boys will be boys. He'll grow up and realize how good he has it with you.
"You've already scolded him and slapped him.
"Let's just have a joyful engagement ceremony. Why waste your energy being jealous of a woman who means nothing?"
Jealous? Me?
On the outside, Vivian seemed amiable enough, but in reality, she was just mindlessly partial to her son.
I smiled sweetly, pulling out my phone.
"In that case, are you covering the two million dollars for him? I can send you my Venmo."