Chapter 3

Later, they even started giving Olivia wedding gifts.

"Olivia, Dad and I have a gift for you before you get married."

But the moment I saw what they were holding, I froze.

Ethan gave Olivia a sapphire necklace. David gave her documents transferring 10% of Carter Group's shares to her.

Those were clearly the wedding gifts Christina and Grandma Elizabeth Carter had prepared for me.

The sapphire necklace was called Ocean's Heart. Christina had spent 30 million dollars at a world auction to buy it for me. It was the only one in the entire world. She had kept it locked safely in a drawer all this time. She had planned to give it to me in person as my wedding gift.

The 10% stake had also been prepared for me by Elizabeth as my wedding gift.

Carter Group had originally belonged to Elizabeth and her husband. After her husband passed away, Elizabeth took over the company.

David was a live-in son-in-law, so he eventually took the Carter last name and became the one managing Carter Group. But the future of Carter Group still belonged to Christina and me.

That was also why I had gone abroad to study.

I wanted to return with the skills I needed to take over Carter Group as soon as possible.

Elizabeth had originally given my shares to David because I was too young to manage them. She told him to transfer them to me when I got married as my wedding gift.

But now, David and Ethan had given my wedding gifts to Olivia.

Everyone around us gasped in envy.

"Isn't that the one-of-a-kind Ocean's Heart from the world auction?"

"I heard a mysterious buyer purchased it! I can't believe that buyer was Olivia's brother. She's so lucky! I'm so jealous!"

"Exactly! Her father even gave her 10% of the company. Her family really loves her. That's something a nobody like Emily could never get."

Even while praising Olivia, they didn't forget to insult me.

Olivia smiled. She clearly loved hearing their compliments. As she accepted the gifts, she gave me a smug glance. Then she lifted her chin proudly.

My eyes turned red with anger.

I stared coldly at David and Ethan. "Those were gifts Mom and Grandma left for me. How could you give them to Olivia?"

Olivia immediately hugged the gifts tightly against her chest and took a few steps back. "Emily, I know you call Mom and Grandma by the same names in private, but they're still my mom and Grandma. These gifts were their way of showing their love for me.

"I already gave you the veil, so I can't give you these things, too. If you really want them, I can give you all the beautiful jewelry in my jewelry box. But this necklace and the shares are the only things I can't give you."

Everyone felt sorry for Olivia and started defending her.

"Emily, have you no shame? You took Olivia's veil, and now you want her necklace and her shares, too?"

"Who do you think you are?"

I couldn't care less about their accusations. I rushed forward and tried to take back the necklace and the share documents.

But Ethan stepped in front of me.

Then he slapped me across the face. "Stop this! Olivia has been far too patient with you all these years. That's why you've become so spoiled! Olivia is my only sister. She's the only daughter the Carters will ever have!"

David went up to the stage and grabbed the microphone.

Then he announced loudly, "Starting today, the Carters will stop supporting Emily financially. We are also kicking this ungrateful girl out of the family! From this moment on, she has nothing to do with our family!"

I laughed in disbelief. "Dad, you're really cutting me off and throwing me out for the sake of a housekeeper's daughter? Don't you think Mom and Grandma will throw you out once they find out what you've done?"

David froze. For a brief moment, his expression changed as if he had suddenly thought of something. Then his face darkened. He answered firmly...