Chapter 3

Britney’s injuries were not severe, and after resting in the hospital for half a day, the pain in her ankle had lessened.So she asked Karsyn to arrange her discharge.

By the time they left, evening had already fallen.

The nights in Goldmoor were never lonely. The lights were always on, earning it the nickname "the city that never sleeps". It was one of the top cities in Chiosia, thriving economically, and a city that people didn't want to leave once they arrived.

Karsyn drove Britney back home, grumbling and complaining the whole way, never stopping.

“It must be that bitch throwing herself at him! In all of Goldmoor, who could compare to you in family background or looks?”

The Goldmoor Four major financial conglomerates, the Hammond Group ranked first, the Schwartz Group, the Castro Group were equally matched, and the Melton Group came last. Currently, the Hammond Group is being managed by Britney's father, and Britney, who not only comes from a wealthy family but also possesses exceptional beauty, has received a good education and has always been hailed as the "most desirable woman" by the public.

"Karsyn, remember, after we go back, don't mention this matter to anyone!" Britney's bright eyes gazed at the night view of Goldmoor, her mind already filled with countless thoughts.

"Don't worry! However, what are your plans for the future?" Karsyn held the steering wheel, driving at a moderate speed. Sh muttered to herself, "The Schwartz family definitely won't relinquish their grip on your father's influence..."

Thousands of lights receded in Britney's eyes.

"You forgot that Stephanie is also part of the Hammond family!" And her uncle happens to be Stephanie's father, who has always had his eyes on the Hammond family.

"Like father like son..." Karsyn pursed her lips. "Britney, does he  know how to contact you?"

A silence filled the car as only soft music played. From the rearview mirror, Karsyn noticed Britney drifting off to sleep. Without another word, she adjusted the car's temperature a bit warmer.

After about ten minutes, the expensive car came to a stop in front of an old family estate. Its red roof tiles and gray walls gave it a sense of dignity and history.

At this moment, Britney also woke up. After saying goodbye to Karsyn, she walked into the old house. This was the ancestral home passed down by the Castro Group, and the descendants only made some minor repairs, preserving its original flavor.

The servant bowed respectfully when he saw Britney: "Miss!"

Britney entered the living room and handed her coat to the servant. At that moment, she saw her parents sitting on the sofa, watching TV, and her father, as usual, was cutting fruits for her mother.

Seeing this scene, Britney felt a thousand emotions in her heart.

Ever since I could remember,  father would make time each night to sit with mother, peeling fruit and chatting, even though he didn’t like the shows she watched.It was a small gesture, but it showed that he care.'

Once, she also believed that she and Conrad would be as loving as her parents.

"Britney is back!"

Britney snapped out of her thoughts and smiled warmly at the woman walking towards her. "Mom..."

Diana Baldwin, Britney’s mother, looked as youthful as ever, carrying herself gracefully with the training of a former dancer. Even in her fifties, she maintained her figure, showing little sign of age.

Looking closely, Britney's good looks bear some resemblance to Diana, but she blossoms even more beautifully. And Britney's slender figure is also inherited from Diana.

"Why did you come back so late today? Have you eaten?" said Quinten Hammond, Britney's father, with a resounding voice.

"We have eaten!" Britney said, linking arms with Diana and walking towards the sofa.

"Mom, Dad, I want to tell you something!" Britney sat down.

"What's the matter?" Quinten put down the apple in his hand as Diana handed him a tissue.

Meeting their gentle eyes, Britney’s gaze remained resolute. “Dad, Mom, I want to call off the engagement.”

Her parents exchanged glances. After a moment, Quinten spoke up. “Britney, do you realize that the wedding with Conrad is in only three days?”

“Besides, your marriage to Conrad would advance both our families’ business interests. Not that I’m suggesting you should sacrifice your happiness for a merger… The Hammonds doesn’t need to stoop to that level.”

Originally, everyone in Goldmoor knew, and even anticipated, their wedding! After all, it was a union between two prominent economic families. After all, from an outsider's perspective, she and Conrad were such a perfect match.

"Dad, of course I know. Before, it was a matter of emotions between him and me. Now... Dad, I don't want to say anything else, just consider it as your daughter being willful this time!"

Britney was unwilling to tell her father what she had seen. Given his tendency to protect her, it was estimated that it would cause a big fuss. After all, behind her father, there was still the Hammond Group that needed him.

Quinten watched his determined daughter, and as a loving father, he reluctantly said, "Let Dad think carefully about how to handle this. After all, the Schwartz family will definitely not agree to call off the engagement!"

"Dad, leave this to me. I will make the Schwartz family take the initiative and ensure that the Hammond family is not implicated in this matter," Britney said.

After discussing  the breach of their engagement,  Britney headed upstairs to her room.

As she pondered how best to turn this situation to her advantage, she plugged in her phone and turned it back on.

Countless missed calls and messages flooded her screen,

all beneath the name she once yearned to see:

"Conrad!"