Chapter 2

A sour feeling filled my chest, but I still spoke. "I'm not giving you the design drafts. And I agree to end the engagement."

Willa's expression darkened as she stared at me. "Fine, Shane. I'll grant you that. Just don't regret it later."

With that, she left with Aaron.

I had barely reached the gate when a voice called out.

"Shane."

I turned and saw a neatly dressed woman walking toward me.

"I heard everything. Are you alright?"

Amber Archer had been a scholarship student sponsored by my family.

She'd moved out after Willa and I had gotten engaged, saying it would be inappropriate otherwise.

This was the first time I had seen her in three years.

I didn't want to linger on anything. I just shook my head. "I'm fine. The engagement is ending soon anyway."

Amber hesitated, then patted my shoulder. "Don't be upset."

I looked at her. "Shouldn't you be congratulating me for finally escaping a miserable relationship?"

She met my eyes, then laughed. "You're right. Congratulations on finally escaping."

Talking to Amber eased the tightness in my chest, but the moment I stepped inside the house, I found Willa and Aaron sitting in the living room putting on a show.

Willa's eyes glistened as she looked at my parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Dalton, you've watched me grow up. You know I've always been softhearted. I treat Aaron like my own brother. I want him to win the design competition so he can have an easier path ahead.

"Shane doesn't need that kind of prestige anymore, but he's jealous of Aaron and refuses to give him a chance. I have no choice but to ask for your help."

I never imagined she would drag Aaron to my parents' house to smear my name. I couldn't believe my ears. Not only did she twist every fact, but she also made herself sound perfectly righteous.

My father slammed the table. "Shane, what have we taught you? Why can't you show a little kindness?"

My fists clenched. Willa, seeing their reaction, grew even bolder.

"By the way, that ring design Shane made earlier… Could you give it to Aaron too? We're all one family anyway."

I cut her off. "I'm not your family. Get lost!"

My mother looked at me, then at Willa. She finally said, "Willa, that design was Shane's hard work."

When she realized she wasn't getting her way, Willa dropped the act instantly. Her face twisted as she pointed at my mother.

"You always say you treat me like your own daughter, yet you can't even give me a single design draft? Aaron is basically my brother, and I'll be the Daltons' daughter-in-law. Everything the Daltons have includes a share for him. You won't even give me a draft? That's ridiculous!"

My eyes widened. I couldn't believe she would say something that shameless.

I wondered if I had been blind all these years. How had I ever liked someone like her?

No wonder she felt no guilt demanding my designs. In her mind, the Daltons' entire estate was already hers.

I let out a cold laugh. "Do you think everything you set your eyes on automatically belongs to you?"

Willa turned to my parents. "If I don't agree, the Quinns won't proceed with the marriage alliance. I suggest you hand over the designs now, or don't blame me for what happens next."

Her arrogance almost amused me. Had she forgotten that the Daltons were one of the four major families, and the Quinns were nothing but upjumped nouveau riche?

If I hadn't liked her, she would never have been my fiancée at all.

No, she hadn't forgotten. She simply never understood. She really thought I chased her all those years for the Quinns' money?

My smile faded. "You seemed confused. The Daltons don't need a marriage alliance with anyone."

The moment she heard the mockery in my voice, fury flashed in her eyes.

"Shane, it seems I've been far too generous with you. Just wait. I'm going home right now to tell my parents I'm ending this engagement.

"Let's hope you don't come crawling back to beg me later."

Aaron stepped in with false concern. "Mr. Dalton, maybe you should apologize. It isn't easy to land someone like Willa, a real rich and pretty catch."

I shoved his hand away. "Get lost. My business doesn't need your advice."

After they left, my parents watched me nervously. I dialed my lawyer with complete calm.

"Prepare a termination of engagement agreement. And have the Quinns return everything they've taken from the Daltons."