Chapter 2

"Chloe, let me introduce you. This is my distant cousin, Amber."

There was an odd, eager edge in Tyler's voice.

"Amber, this is my wife."

I looked Amber up and down. She wore no makeup, but she couldn't hide her naturally sly, fox-like look.

She gave me a reluctant, challenging glare.

"Nice to meet you, Chloe."

She stepped forward, pretending to want a hug.

I stood there, looking at her coldly. Nausea surged in my chest. I didn't move an inch.

Her arms hung awkwardly in mid-air.

Tyler saw this and frowned, nudging my shoulder.

"Chloe, don't be rude. She's my cousin."

Seeing Tyler again made my blood boil.

It took every ounce of my willpower not to grab a knife and stab them both to death right then and there. But for the sake of my plan, I had to play along.

I wanted these two to pay in blood.

I forced a warm smile and wrapped my arms around Amber.

"Great to meet you, Amber. We’re family now."

Before Tyler could say another word, I turned toward the kitchen and called out.

"Devin! Come out here. I want you to meet my husband."

The next second, a handsome man wearing an apron and a chef’s hat walked out of the kitchen.

He wiped his hands on his apron and smiled warmly at us.

"Hey there! You must be Tyler. Man, you're handsome! Chloe talks about you all the time. Sorry, I'm a bit of a country bumpkin, just got to the city. Don't mind me."

He reached out to grab Tyler’s hand.

I had to admit, fifty grand could buy some incredible acting skills.

Tyler looked at Devin’s slightly greasy hand and took a step back, disgust written all over his face.

"Who the hell are you? Get out of my face!"

I looked at Tyler with a mocking smile.

"Babe, we really are soulmates, aren't we?"

Tyler’s face turned pale. He grabbed my sleeve and pulled me aside, his eyes practically spitting fire.

"What is this, Chloe? Where did this dirty guy come from? You didn't tell me you were inviting a stranger into our house!"

I brushed his hand off my sleeve and gave him a half-smile.

"I thought we had an unspoken agreement. You brought your cousin from the countryside without telling me, didn't you?"

Tyler froze. He clearly didn't expect me—the usually sweet, submissive wife—to bite back.

"Babe, don't get me wrong. I just wanted to introduce my family to you, too."

I tilted my head.

"Why? Is my cousin not good enough to be seen compared to yours?"

I glanced at Amber, who had remained quiet.

"Amber, I’m a direct person, so don't take this the wrong way. You’re young and pretty. Why aren't you looking for a job? Were you planning to just live off Tyler here?"

Amber's face flushed red, then turned pale. She was holding back her anger.

I chuckled secretly. While Tyler was still in shock, I turned to our maid. "Maria, get the guest room on the first floor ready. My cousin Devin will be staying there. Also, he’s here to enjoy the city, so no one is allowed to make him do chores or cook. Got it?"

I stared directly at Tyler as I said those last words.

He shivered under my gaze. Even though he was furious, he had to nod.

"But where is Amber going to sleep? You can't be biased, Chloe," Tyler protested.

I replied carelessly, "Why do I care? Maybe she can share a room with Devin?"

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