Chapter 3

I didn't drop the lawsuit, so the court hearing proceeded as scheduled.

However, with that signed transfer agreement, Julian easily secured the victory for Chloe.

As we walked out of the courtroom, Julian blocked my path.

Seeing my icy expression, he asked tentatively, "I told you to drop the case. Are you still mad at me?"

"I’m not playing favorites, Valerie. Chloe was my junior in high school when I was studying abroad, and we were very close. Seeing her end up in a wheelchair... I just couldn't help but pity her. That's why..."

"Look, I found a gorgeous estate by the beach. The view and location are way better than Vance Manor. I’ll buy two villas there under your name. I can take you to see them later. Think of it as compensation. I promised you, in the future—"

Before Julian could finish, Chloe rolled up in her electric wheelchair, interrupting us.

"Valerie! I was just looking for you!"

"Julian was worried that people in our social circle would look down on me since I just got back to the country. So, he’s throwing a huge housewarming party at the manor tomorrow to introduce me."

"Since you're moving out tomorrow anyway, why don’t you join us?"

The moment Chloe spoke, Julian immediately chimed in.

"Yeah, Valerie. Chloe’s status is a bit awkward right now. If you’re there to introduce her, it’ll legitimize her place in high society."

I frowned, letting out a mocking laugh.

"Legitimize her? How?"

"Her age and family history are right there on public record. She was born while my parents were still legally married. If she’s not the daughter of a homewrecking maid, what else could she be?"

With that, I turned on my heel and walked away.

Chloe’s face flushed red with rage.

She swallowed the curses bubbling up her throat and turned her eyes to Julian, immediately putting on her best damsel-in-distress act.

"Julian, is Valerie still mad at me?"

"It’s all my fault. I should have just stayed abroad as a useless cripple and died there. I shouldn’t have come back to annoy everyone."

Julian patted her shoulder, comforting her.

"She has no right to be mad. The compensation I gave her is more than enough."

"Don’t overthink it. I’ll handle everything tomorrow."

The "handling" Julian meant was, of course, blackmail.

While I was supervising the movers in the backyard the next day, the party in the front yard was in full swing. Julian pushed Chloe through the crowd, introducing her to the city's elites.

They even wore matching outfits.

From afar, they looked like the actual engaged couple.

I let out a bitter laugh and looked away. I didn't step into the front yard once, focusing entirely on getting my things packed as quickly as possible.

Unbeknownst to me, Julian had walked up behind me.

His voice carried a heavy tone of displeasure.

"I sent you so many texts last night. Why didn't you reply? She already lost her legs, Valerie. Do you really have to be so malicious and freeze her out of high society?"

Seeing that I refused to even look at him, Julian stepped in front of me and shoved an iPad into my hands.

The screen showed a live security feed.

A group of men with shovels and excavators were surrounding my mother’s private mausoleum. It was obvious what they were about to do.

"Valerie, if you would just cooperate, I wouldn't have to resort to this."

I stared at Julian.

My heart was so broken that it had gone entirely numb.

Desecrating my mother’s grave.

To think Julian would actually stoop this low just to force my hand.

Indeed, only the person who knows you best knows exactly where to drive the knife to cause the most excruciating pain.

I couldn't even bring myself to be angry anymore. It was absolute, crushing disappointment.

My heart felt completely hollow.

And I hated my own powerlessness.

"You don't have to go to such extremes, Mr. Sterling."

"It's just a speech. Leave my mother in peace."

I handed the iPad back to him.

Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist, his grip tight as he questioned, "Why aren't you wearing the engagement ring I gave you?"