Chapter 2

On the other end of the line, my dad’s voice exploded with rage:

"I knew that penniless loser couldn't be trusted! Thank God I stopped you from revealing our family’s true net worth to him!"

Immediately after, my brother Austin’s cold, sharp voice came through the speaker:

"Don't be scared, Natalie. I'm bringing our security team right now. I’ll personally snap his legs for this!"

I hung up, slammed my foot on the gas pedal, and sped toward The Grand Crest.

The cold night air rushed through the half-open window, chilling me to the bone.

Just a few days ago, Marcus had held me close, whispering sweet promises as we discussed our wedding details.

I gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white.

Marcus, you better pray this isn't true, or I will destroy you!

Before long, my car screeched to a halt in front of Villa 8.

An elegant welcome sign decorated with red roses and pastel balloons stood at the entrance.

"Welcoming Party for the Newborn Son of Mr. Marcus Hayes and his beloved wife, Chloe Vance."

I clenched my fists and charged toward the entrance, only to be blocked by two security guards.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Mr. Hayes is hosting a private party at Villa 8 tonight. Invitation only."

The security captain looked me up and down with obvious disdain.

Since I had been trying on wedding dresses earlier, I was only wearing a simple, thin beige slip dress.

I certainly didn't look like an elite guest.

I let out a cold, bitter laugh.

"I am Marcus’s fiancée, and more importantly, I am the sole owner of this property!"

"This is my house. How did the property management allow strangers to host a party here? Why wasn't I notified?!"

The guard scoffed openly.

"Your house? Do you even have a mirror at home?"

"Mr. Hayes’s wife is Chloe Vance. The happy couple even held their wedding ceremony right here in this villa! If you want to crash a rich man's party, do your homework first. Get lost!"

My chest tightened so hard I could barely breathe. They held their wedding here?!

Marcus had postponed our wedding year after year, claiming he wasn't ready.

Yet, he had already walked down the aisle with someone else.

As I stood there shaking with rage, the floating comments popped up again:

[Don't just stand there and take it! Remember the master key card your dad gave you? It’s in your coat pocket!]

Right! The key card!

Without another word, I pulled out the sleek black card and tapped it against the security scanner.

Beep. Master access granted. Welcome home, Ms. Sterling.

Leaving the two guards frozen in shock, I marched right in.

Inside, Marcus was smiling warmly, his arm wrapped around Chloe as they mingled with the high-society crowd, clinking champagne glasses.

The sight made me grind my teeth, fury boiling in my chest.

A few days ago, I had suggested we decorate this villa for our upcoming wedding.

Marcus had avoided my eyes, claiming his company's cash flow was tight and that we should wait.

It wasn't because he had no money!

He had already stolen my house to nest with his secret family, terrified I would find out!

The guests surrounded Marcus and Chloe, showering them with pathetic flattery:

"Mr. Hayes, you are so young and successful! And now Mrs. Hayes has blessed you with a beautiful baby boy. You really have it all!"

"Exactly! This penthouse estate at The Grand Crest is one of the most exclusive properties in the city. Mr. Hayes really spared no expense for his beautiful wife!"

"Chloe is so lucky to have married such a devoted, perfect gentleman!"

Marcus beamed with pride, leaning down to kiss Chloe’s forehead.

"Chloe went through so much to give me a son. This villa is nothing. In the future, everything I own belongs to her."

I laughed out loud, stepping into the light.

"My, what a lively party. I brought a spectacular gift myself. I wonder if Mr. Hayes is ready to receive it?"

In an instant, every eye in the room locked onto me.

"Who is she? Why is she dressed so cheaply? How did she get in?"

The moment Marcus saw my face, the color drained completely from his skin.

He rushed forward, grabbing my wrist in a vice grip, and hissed in a panicked whisper:

"Natalie? What are you doing here?! Leave right now. I’ll explain everything to you tonight, I promise!"

Explain?

I sneered, grabbed him by his designer tie, and yanked him forcefully into the center of the ballroom.

Marcus gasped in shock, opening his mouth to speak.

Slap!

I delivered a ferocious slap right across his smug, hypocritical face!

Pointing at Chloe, I demanded at the top of my lungs:

"If Chloe is your wife, then who the hell am I? Marcus, explain that to everyone right now!"