DARKEST HOURS

The term “sister in all but blood” implied less-than-innocent connotations. If Lucas Goodwin failed to give me a proper explanation on that day, I would cancel the engagement banquet.

To my surprise, Lucas responded coldly, “Who are you? Since when does a stranger like you get to question my relationship with Vivian?”

I was about to tell him that I was his fiancee, but he hung up abruptly.

I became angry. How dare he not save my contact information?

Meanwhile, Vivian Morrow, who was standing beside me, grinned triumphantly. “You wench! Did you really think having Lucas’s number makes you special? Keep dreaming!”

She looked at me with open contempt. “Even the janitors at Goodwin’s Group dress better than you.”

I had always preferred simple, comfortable clothes and never cared about brand names. I never thought that would give people a reason to look down on me.

“What era are you even living in? To think you’d still be judging people by their looks. Lucas must be out of his mind to call you his ‘sister in all but blood.’”

My mood for shopping was ruined, thanks to her antics.

I grabbed the gown and headed straight to the checkout counter.

The saleswoman hesitated before saying, “Miss, I’m sorry, but we prioritize our members first.”

Vivian smirked and slammed her shiny gold membership card onto the counter.

“Only people who’ve spent over a million get this card. What’s a broke loser like you even doing here?”

I was not usually one to pick fights, but on that day, Vivian had really crossed a line.

I pulled out a black card and handed it to the saleswoman. I suppressed my anger and said, “Sign me up for a membership. Then bag the gown.”

Vivian glared at the saleswoman and threatened, “The Goodwins own Flodon. If you sell her that gown today, I’ll have Luc buy this store out tomorrow.”

The saleswoman shrank back timidly and said, “Miss, I’m just an employee. I can’t risk offending Goodwin’s Group.”

Several onlookers turned to me and offered me advice in whispers.

“That’s Ms. Morrow. I’ve seen her around. Lucas Goodwin spoils her rotten. You should just let it go.”

“The last time someone crossed her, Goodwin’s Group drove them into bankruptcy.”

“You may have some money, but it’s pocket change compared to Goodwin’s Group. Just apologize to Ms. Morrow now and beg her to spare you.”

Flattered by their words, Vivian’s ego swelled like a balloon.

“You wench, get on your knees and say ‘I’m a worthless poser, and I’m sorry.’ Maybe then I’ll consider letting you off the hook.”