Chapter 2

Knock, knock.

My assistant walked into my office, placed a file on my desk, and spoke with a grim expression.

"Ms. Vance, as you requested, we looked into Julian's research funds over the past few years. The allocation of the money... is highly suspicious."

"We could only trace a portion of it without raising alarms, but the discrepancies are massive."

I flipped through the falsified expense reports, the coldness in my chest hardening.

"I see. I'll handle it."

The assistant hesitated, then added:

"Also, we checked with the Cartier boutique. The buyer of Chloe Bennett's bracelet was indeed Julian. He used the secondary card you gave him, and the transaction was logged under 'laboratory supplies.'"

With a sharp snap, I shut the folder.

The very last shred of affection I had for Julian vanished.

I am Harper Vance, the sole heir to Vance Enterprises. I am not some pathetic, lovesick heroine who cries in a corner when she gets betrayed.

If you dare to con me, you will pay.

I let out a cold laugh. "Contact the legal department. Compile everything we have so far. We are preparing a lawsuit."

My phone buzzed on the desk.

I dismissed my assistant and unlocked the screen.

It was a text from Julian.

A few perfectly staged photos of home-cooked gourmet food popped up.

“You’ve had a long day, babe. Make sure to come home early for dinner.”

“By the way, I noticed the extra funding hasn't cleared yet. Are you too busy with work? It’s fine, if the paperwork is too annoying, I can go to the finance department myself tomorrow.”

I scoffed, grabbed my car keys, and walked out.

As expected, the only thing Julian actually cared about was my money.

I unlocked the door to the luxury penthouse I had bought for Julian. In the living room, Julian’s mother was sitting in the center of the sofa, with Julian and Chloe sitting close on either side. They were laughing and talking, looking like a perfect, happy family.

What caught my eye was how Julian’s mother was gently patting Chloe’s stomach, a warm, maternal smile on her face.

I raised an eyebrow. The pieces fell into place.

I cleared my throat loudly. The "family" froze and finally noticed me standing in the entryway.

Chloe gave me an awkward smile.

"Oh, Harper! You're back?"

"The cafeteria food at the lab was so bad today, so I shamelessly came over to Julian's place for dinner. You don't mind, do you?"

I stared at her, smiling sweetly. "Actually, I do."

Chloe's smile stiffened. She clearly didn't expect that response.

I frowned, looking at her with cold impatience. "What? Did I stutter?"

"I said, I. Do. Mind."

Chloe's eyes instantly welled up with tears.

Julian quickly stood up, trying to play peacemaker, and reached for my arm.

"Harper, what’s wrong with you?"

"Did something go wrong at work today? Chloe just came over for a casual dinner. It's not a big deal."

I scoffed, not wanting to waste another breath. I turned around to walk out.

Julian panicked.

He spun around and barked at Chloe, "Didn't you hear Harper? Why are you still standing there? Leave!"

Chloe stared at Julian in sheer disbelief. Then, covering her face, she sobbed and ran past me out the door.

I felt a small sense of satisfaction. I walked over and took my seat at the head of the dining table.

Julian’s mother was visibly displeased by my behavior. She said coldly, "Harper, you really need to work on your temper. Chloe is Julian’s assistant. No matter what, you shouldn't have embarrassed Julian like that!"

I picked up a fork, tasted a bit of the food, and then looked up at her with an indifferent smile.

"Oh, sorry, Mrs. Reed. I'm just in a terrible mood today."

"That useless nephew of yours, Todd, has been causing a mess at Vance Enterprises using my name. My managers are begging me to fire him, and it's putting me in a really tight spot."

Her face changed instantly. Remembering something, she quickly forced a fake, pleasant smile and softened her tone.

"Well, actually, Chloe was being quite rude. Why would she crash a family dinner anyway!"

"Harper, dear, don't stress yourself out. I know you've been working hard, so I made some chicken soup specially for you. Let me get you a bowl!"

Julian sat next to me, piling food onto my plate.

"Harper, what's going on? Is your father... holding up the new funding?"

I let out a heavy, calculated sigh.

Putting down my fork, I said hesitantly:

"It's worse than that. My father said it’s been five years, and you still haven't produced any results."

"He wants me to go through with an arranged marriage with another family. If that happens, not only will our wedding be off, but all funding to your lab will be permanently cut!"

Julian jumped up from his chair.

"What? No way!"

Seeing his panic, I added more fuel to the fire.

"Yeah. And my father also said he's going to redirect all your equipment and funds to a researcher named Ethan Cross."

"Apparently, Ethan promised that if he gets the backing, he’ll deliver results within three months."

Julian definitely knew who Ethan Cross was. His reaction was incredibly hostile—like a cat getting its tail stepped on.

"No! You can't give it to him!"

"Ethan is just full of hot air! Don't believe a word he says!"

Seeing how terrified Julian was, I knew Ethan was the real deal.

Perfect. I'd increase Ethan's funding by another thirty million dollars when I got back.

Panic-stricken, Julian dropped to one knee and grabbed my hand.

"Harper, trust me!"

"Ask your father to give me one more chance. One year—no, six months! I swear I'll have the results!"

I stood up, acting thrilled.

"Really? Then I’ll go tell my father right away so we can start planning the wedding!"

I walked out, but I didn't go far.

Sure enough, seconds later, Julian’s irritated voice echoed through the door. He was on the phone with Chloe.

"Stop crying!"

"I told you, I can't delay this anymore. I have to marry Harper! And tomorrow, you are going to get that abortion!"

Third Chapter