Chapter 2

I looked at Alan and smiled before saying, "Mr. Alan, we already gave Anthony a chance. He was the one who didn't want it. I'm still from a prestigious family. I don't need to lower myself and cling to a man for an engagement. If he doesn't want to be with me, then someone else will."

After hearing those words, Anthony visibly relaxed. "Claire, I'm so glad you understand!"

But just as he said that, Alan slapped him hard across the face. "You idiot! Now, all of the Lake family's upcoming projects will fall apart. Let's see how you'll live your pampered, rich-boy life then!"

Lila turned toward the direction of my voice, with a serene smile on her face. "Thank you so much, Ms. Sterling."

I had to admit that Lila had an ethereal air about her. But people like that didn't survive among the elite.

This was a world where the weak were devoured by the strong, after all.

I coldly replied, "There's no need to thank me."

Then, in front of everyone, I walked straight over to Shane York, the northwest mining tycoon who had been sitting quietly in a corner this entire time.

He looked up at me in surprise.

His skin had a bronze hue, and a smoky, earthy scent surrounded him. It felt as if he had just come from the mines.

I approached him and sat sideways on his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck. Then, I commanded, "Kiss me."

When he hesitated, I cupped his face and kissed him first. I heard him take a deep breath before he gripped the back of my head and forcefully kissed me back.

It was a long time before he let me go. Our foreheads rested against each other as we locked gazes.

Panting heavily, Shane huskily asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

I didn't move away. Instead, I spoke loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear. "I like you. I want to be with you."

In my previous life, it was this very man who had gone to great lengths to avenge me after I took my own life. It was he who brought Anthony to justice. He had knelt down in front of my grave in sorrow, bringing news that Anthony ended up in prison.

"I'm sorry I came too late," he apologized to my headstone.

That was when I realized that this man, who had clashed with me since we were young, had loved me very deeply.

Not far away, Anthony shouted, "Claire, what do you think you're doing?"

Leaning against Shane's chest, I turned to look at him. "You fell in love at first sight, so why can't I?"

"I know you like me, but you didn't have to grab a random man and kiss him just to get revenge on me," Anthony said.

I let out a cold laugh and mocked, "Do you think you're worthy of my feelings?"

Shane's breath caught, and his grip on my waist tightened.

Not allowing me to speak to Anthony any further, he grabbed my chin and turned my head back. "I mean it. From this day on, you're mine."

He took my hand, looked down at the plain ring on my finger, and frowned. "That's so ugly. I'll get you a prettier one."