Chapter 1

I was the sole heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Sterling Group.

My parents died when I was young, and my grandfather raised me with his own two hands.

When he passed away, my world fell apart.

But what shattered me even more was the reading of his will.

"I bequeath all my estate, assets, and shares to my grandson-in-law, Ryan Vance, trusting he will take good care of my granddaughter, Chloe Sterling."

Faced with such an absurd will, my husband held me close, whispering gently in my ear.

"Grandpa was just worried you couldn't handle the corporate pressure alone. It doesn't mean he didn't love you."

"Besides, we're husband and wife. What's mine is yours."

"If it makes you feel safe, I'll transfer everything back to your name once the probate clears."

I stared at him in silence. Then, standing right in front of my grandfather's memorial casket, I spoke into the microphone.

"I am taking my husband to court."

Over a hundred people attended Grandpa’s memorial service.

I stood at the front in a simple black dress, my eyes red and swollen.

Ryan stayed glued to my side, his arm wrapped around my waist, playing the part of the devoted, grieving husband.

George Miller, the family lawyer, cleared his throat and unfolded the document.

"I, Arthur Sterling, bequeath all assets under my name—including all shares in the Sterling Group, real estate, savings, and investments—to my grandson-in-law, Ryan Vance, as sole executor and beneficiary."

"May Ryan treat my granddaughter, Chloe, with kindness and protect her for the rest of her days."

Listening to the words, cold fury washed over my shock.

Grandpa loved me more than life itself. He would never leave me penniless.

More than that, Grandpa always drilled one thing into me: the Sterling legacy belongs only to a Sterling.

I turned to look at Ryan.

His head was bowed, tears glistening on his lashes, radiating pure, unadulterated grief.

Lawyer Miller folded the paper.

I took a deep breath and broke the silence. "That will is fake."

The funeral hall plunged into dead quiet.

Every pair of eyes snapped to me.

"I am taking my husband, Ryan Vance, to court for forging a will."

Gasps rippled across the room.

Ryan’s head jerked up in sheer disbelief, quickly morphing into deep, wounded helplessness.

He took a step closer, wrapping his arms around my trembling shoulders.

"Chloe is just overwhelmed with grief, everyone. Please forgive her."

"She was closer to Grandpa than anyone. She's just in shock."

I tried to wrench myself free, but his grip only tightened like a vise.

"I am not in shock," I said, glaring straight into his deceitful eyes. "This was never Grandpa's real wish."

"That's enough!"

Uncle Richard stormed out from the crowd, his face flushed crimson, jabbing an accusing finger at my face.

"Your grandfather isn't even cold in the ground, and you're already fighting over money? Do you have no shame?"

Aunt Eleanor chimed in immediately. "Exactly! You took another man's name when you married. What right do you have to question the family will?"

My cousin Brad stood behind his father, sneering loudly.

"Chloe's been spoiled rotten since she was a brat. She only cares about money, not what Grandpa wanted."

One after another.

Blood relatives.

Not a single one stood up for me.

I ground my teeth. "I have every reason to question the authenticity of this document!"

"What reasons?" Richard snapped. "Arthur trusted George Miller his whole life. This will is notarized and sealed! On what grounds are you calling it fake?"

Lawyer Miller pulled an official blue folder from his briefcase, raising it high for the room to witness.

"This is certified by the City Notary Public, complete with Arthur Sterling’s signature, thumbprint, and full video documentation."

"Mrs. Vance, if you have objections, hire an attorney. But do not desecrate this memorial service."

Murmurs spread like wildfire among the guests.

"Has Chloe completely lost her mind?"

"Making a scene at her own grandfather’s funeral over cash?"

"Ryan treats her like a queen. What more does she want?"

Tears spilled down Ryan’s cheeks.

He let go of my shoulder, took a step back, and wept openly before the entire room.

"Chloe, I know how hard it is to lose him."

His voice cracked with sorrow, trembling with every word.

"Grandpa only gave this burden to me because he wanted you to live peacefully. I won't waste a single penny."

"I'll run the company, and every cent will be spent caring for you."

"Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you."

"Please... just stop this, okay?"

He reached out, trying to wipe a tear from my cheek.

I jerked my head away.

That single flinch ignited another round of whispers.

"Ryan is an angel. She doesn't deserve him."

"After everything he said, she’s still throwing a tantrum?"

"She's so ungrateful."

Richard clapped Ryan on the shoulder. "Good man. Having you as our son-in-law is the only blessing in this mess."

Brad sneered at me. "Look at him, then look at yourself."

I stood in the center of the hall, surrounded by dozens of people, completely and utterly alone.

Grandpa's black-and-white portrait hung on the wall, smiling gently down at me.

Looking at his warm face, the chill in my bones suddenly vanished.

I gave Ryan one last icy look, turned around, and walked toward the exit.

"Chloe..." Ryan called out, feigning desperation.

Behind me, Richard barked, "Let her go! She needs to cool her head!"

Aunt Eleanor sighed loudly. "Disgraceful girl. Truly disgraceful."

I walked out into the blinding sunlight, my eyes stinging.

I didn't look back.

I was going to uncover the truth, no matter who stood in my way.