Chapter 1

I was getting my sports car serviced at Chloe’s auto club. Once the mechanics were done, I casually told the front desk, "Put it on Chloe's tab."

The receptionist nodded and was about to process it when a male manager I’d never seen before stepped in and blocked her.

"We don't do 'tabs' here. All bills must be settled on the spot."

With a smug look, he slapped the invoice right in front of my face.

*Supreme Precision Diagnostic Fee: $8,000*

*Acoustic Exhaust Resonance Optimization: $10,000*

*Spiritual Engine Dynamic Alignment: $10,000*

*Total: $28,000.*

I almost laughed out loud. Since when did Chloe start running a highway robbery joint?

The manager crossed his arms, looking me up and down with pure disdain.

"I’ve seen plenty of poor relatives like you, trying to leech off Chloe's name. If you don't have the money, don't pretend to be a VIP."

Without a word, I pulled out my phone and dialed Chloe.

"I’m giving you ten minutes to get this guy fired. Otherwise, I’m shutting this entire place down."

"Clara? Is... is there some kind of misunderstanding?"

On the other end of the line, Chloe’s voice sounded incredibly guilty and panicked.

"Misunderstanding?"

My voice went dead cold.

"Do I sound like I’m in the mood for jokes? I’m not calling to negotiate with you, Chloe. I’m telling you to handle your employee. Right now."

Stunned by my tone, Chloe quickly tried to appease me. "Please don't be mad, Clara. Let me talk to Jasper. Let me find out what's going on."

I scoffed and tossed the phone to Jasper, the manager.

He curled his lip and took the phone with clear annoyance.

"Babe, didn't I tell you to stop hanging out with these broke relatives? They do nothing but use your name to get free stuff. This one is even crazier—she wants to walk out on a twenty-eight-grand bill!"

Chloe seemed to be trying to explain something on the phone, but Jasper didn't even let her finish.

"Alright, stop. I know you're too soft-hearted. You care too much about 'family.' But today, I’ll be the bad guy for you!"

He hung up, threw my phone back onto the table, and lifted his chin high.

"Did you hear that? Chloe doesn't want to deal with your drama. Stop wasting my time. The total is twenty-eight thousand. I’ll waive the tax."

"Cash, card, or wire? Make up your mind, or I'll have security escort you out."

Jasper emphasized the word "escort," his voice dripping with threat.

I was actually amused by his sheer audacity and stupidity.

For years, no one had dared to be this arrogant to my face.

Just then, the VIP lounge door burst open, and Chloe rushed in.

She ran over, a fake, nervous smile plastered on her face.

"Oh, Clara! Look at this mess. Jasper is just... really passionate about his job. Please don't take it personally."

Before I could speak, Jasper reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"Chloe! I'm doing this for your own good! If we let every random person take advantage of your name, this club will go bankrupt in a week!"

Jasper wrapped his arm around Chloe’s waist, shooting me a triumphant, mocking smirk.

Ah. If I didn't get it by now, I’d be an idiot.

I wondered how a mere manager had the balls to be this arrogant. Turns out, he was sleeping with the boss.

As if to prove my theory, Chloe squeezed out a smile and started playing the family card.

"Clara, Jasper is my boyfriend. We’re getting engaged next month. We're going to be family soon. How about I just pay this bill for you?"

"No need," I replied coldly.

Chloe's attitude made my heart turn to ice. If I hadn't pitied her back then and given her a hand, she would still be drowning in job fairs.

The design, the business model, the connections, and even the startup capital for this luxury auto club—which of those didn't come from me?

I just hadn't put my name on the papers because I wanted to save her pride. She had no idea I was the real owner behind the curtain.

And now, for a short-sighted, greedy man, she was ready to turn on me.

Fine. I didn't need to show her any mercy either.