Chapter 2

"Wow, big talk," Bianca said. "I'm so scared."

She curled her lip. "I almost forgot you're some hotshot lawyer who crawls out of a different man's bed every morning, then struts around bullying regular people like us."

A flicker of panic crossed Maverick's eyes. He tugged at the hem of her shirt. "There are so many people here. Let's not embarrass her."

Bianca jerked her arm away, her voice rising in displeasure. "What, you feel sorry for her? Am I wrong? She snuck into our place today because she wanted to seduce you, didn't she?"

Bianca's mother chimed in. "Exactly. One look at that face and you can tell she's a shameless little homewrecker who sleeps her way to the top."

The others joined in, each comment more vicious than the last. What I couldn't stand most was Bianca repeatedly calling this place her home.

The anger in my chest kept building. I glared at them. "Under criminal law, defamation and trespassing carry a combined sentence of one to five years in prison."

If it weren't for the fact that Maverick's mother and my parents were colleagues with a close relationship, and our families had been neighbors for years, I wouldn't have wasted another word on them. I would have called the police immediately.

"Maverick, I don't care what reason you had for bringing these people into my house. Apologize and get out now while you still can."

Bianca laughed like it was the funniest thing she'd heard. "Your house? Keep dreaming.

"It's one thing to play the mistress, but now you want to steal my boyfriend and take over his property? Let me make this clear—he would never marry a slut like you. Not in this lifetime."

I nearly lost control and sprayed her with pepper spray, but from a legal standpoint, the person who struck first would lose the advantage.

I could only shout back. "I've always conducted myself properly, unlike you and your long list of men! Only someone as rotten as Maverick would suit you!"

I continued, "I'll say it one more time. I bought this apartment for 1.5 million. You have no right to be here."

I pulled out my phone to call the police. But Maverick, who'd been avoiding eye contact this whole time, suddenly lunged forward like a madman.

He snatched my phone and smashed it on the floor, then roared at me. "Chloe, don't push your luck! What do you mean your house? You gave it to me last month to settle a debt. Don't even think about going back on that now."

Bianca's eyes went wide. "What? This apartment was payment for a debt?"

Her face twisted in disgust. "I don't want some dump where this slut lived. Who knows how many men she brought back here. It's revolting."

Bianca's mother and the others piled on. "The marital home is secondhand? You better come up with another 500 grand in cash, or you're not marrying her."

Maverick's face went pale. He apologized frantically. "Mom, everyone, I didn't explain it clearly. This is brand new, definitely not secondhand. You can check online or even ask the property management. I just got the keys last month."

When he turned to look at me, hatred surged in his eyes. Every word dripped with poison. "Chloe, making a scene won't help. I could never like damaged goods like you. Not in this lifetime.

"If you're that desperate for a man, Bianca's uncle happens to be single. Since we go way back, I'll set you up with him."

Bianca's uncle's eyes lit up, a lewd grin spreading across his face. "Sounds good to me. I don't mind that she sleeps around."

He reached out to grab me. "Come on, let's find somewhere private so we can have some fun."

His words drew another round of raucous laughter.

Watching Maverick join in their jeering with that disgusting smirk on his face, the fury in my chest finally erupted. I rushed forward and slapped him hard across the face.

"Who the hell do you think you are? You think you can just take over my house and slander me. Get ready for a lawsuit!"