Chapter 4

"Besides, since he's an illegitimate son, marrying me means the Thorne family will be his ultimate backing in the Sterling empire. He will never mistreat me."

Meanwhile, Chloe became the most popular girl in high society. Everyone scrambled to kiss her feet.

After all, with the Sterling and Vance families joining forces, any business that secured a partnership with them would skyrocket.

I didn't have time to deal with their petty games. I was overseas, focusing on the business expansion my mother had handed me.

But when Arthur's birthday came around, Chloe went out of her way to send me an invitation. She even called me several times, leaving me with no choice but to show up.

The moment I stepped into the Sterling manor, all eyes fell on me.

I didn't show an ounce of awkwardness, smiling as I handed my gift to the butler.

"Why is Aria Thorne here? Didn't the engagement swap happen?"

"Don't you know? When Julian insisted on swapping brides, she got so mad she chose the family's illegitimate son instead."

"Marrying an illegitimate son just to crawl into the Sterling family... Aria really has no shame."

Amidst the gossip, Chloe arrived, clinging tightly to Julian's arm.

Unlike her usual low-key and soft look, she was wearing a heavy, custom designer gown today, draped in loud, excessive diamond sets. It made her look incredibly tacky.

When she saw me, she walked over with a fake, sweet smile, trying to grab my arm.

"Aria! It's so wonderful that we're both marrying into the Sterling family. For the sake of our sisterly bond, I'll make sure Julian gives your husband some career favors."

I almost laughed out loud. Even now, she still thought my ultimate goal was just to claw my way into the Sterling family.

Julian thought so too. In his eyes, my desperation to marry into his family made me look pathetic. He glared at me like I was a piece of trash.

Too lazy to deal with either of them, I turned to walk away, but my eyes caught the gem necklace around Chloe's neck.

It was the Sterling family heirloom necklace, which Arthur kept under lock and key. I was shocked to see it on Chloe.

The Sterling heir hadn't even been officially named yet. How did she get her hands on it?

I pointed at the necklace, my gaze sharp.

"Where did you get that necklace?"

Julian looked guilty for a split second, while Chloe stroked the gems, putting on a victimized face.

"Aria, I know this necklace was supposed to be yours. But I'm the one marrying Julian now, so of course it belongs to me."

Julian nodded righteously. In his head, he was already the guaranteed heir. Letting his fiancée wear the heirloom early was no big deal.

"It's my family's heirloom. I can let whoever I want wear it. What does it have to do with you?"

He sneered, looking me up and down before taking a step back in disgust.

"Stop trying to use this to get my attention. I will never love you. Chloe is the only one in my heart."

Julian spoke loudly, drawing several sharp looks from the surrounding guests.

"Aria Thorne always acted so high and mighty, but she's actually trying to steal her sister's fiancé."

"Those two are soulmates. Why is she still throwing herself at him?"

Chloe blushed, playfully hitting Julian's chest.

"Don't be so mean to Aria. Once she marries in, we'll all be family. We should help them out."

Julian smirked, pinching Chloe's cheek affectionately.

"Fine, for your sake, I'll let it slide. But Aria, if you ever try to make a move on me again, don't blame me for being ruthless."

While they were busy flirting, a cold voice cut in from behind them.

"Why on earth would my wife ever make a move on you?

Julian, talking to your future sister-in-law like that is incredibly rude."