Chapter 2

Yvette wasn't their real daughter. That part was true.

Rosie always played the victim, whining that Yvette bullied her. And like an idiot, I believed it. Treated Yvette like garbage.

But after marrying Rosie, I started seeing the truth. Yvette was the one getting wrecked.

She was the one who found me in that basement.

I remember it like it just happened—her legs weren't paralyzed. She kept pounding on that door, fists bleeding, and didn't stop.

Then Rosie stormed in with a crew and had them beat Yvette half to death.

I still hear her screaming, "Filthy whore. Why didn't the kidnappers finish you off? You stole my life, my parents, my man!"

Yvette didn't cry. Didn't flinch. She dropped to her knees and said, "Let Quinn go. I'll do whatever you want."

Rosie yanked her by the hair and slammed her into the wall. Again and again. I can still hear the thuds.

And through all that blood, Yvette whispered, "Quinn, I've been looking for you for so long."

So yeah, this wasn't some impulsive decision. Picking Yvette was the only thing that ever made sense.

Rosie Yelton? She's overdue for karma.

Snapping back to now, I stared down Gordon. "I'm marrying Yvette. She's your daughter on paper, and this saves your company."

Silence. Guess I hit the right nerve. Not a single protest—just a bunch of awkward nods.

I could finally breathe again.

I went straight to the Yelton estate. I had to see her.

Of course, the universe had jokes. Right at the gate—Rosie and Caleb.

Rosie's smile dropped. "Quinn? Seriously? You stalking me now?"

Her sidekick giggled. "Told you he'd show. Bet he'd lick your shoes if you asked."

Rosie smirked and tapped her foot, waiting for me to beg.

Gross.

I shoved her friend aside without slowing down. "You don't get to talk to me."

I brushed past Rosie. "Move."

She froze, then grabbed my arm. "I know your game—throwing Quandt money around to force a marriage. Who are you trying to impress? Playing the hero won't change what I think of you."

I stared her down. "I'm not marrying you."

She blinked, then laughed—sharp and loud. "Not marrying me? My dad just got a mil from your family, and you're still pretending? You look so cheap it's embarrassing."

I shrugged. "Exactly why I'm not marrying you."

That's when it hit her. Her face cracked.

Caleb stepped in. "Rosie, I think Quinn just hates me. If you don't go through with the wedding, your family's screwed... It's fine. I'll leave."

She dropped my arm like it burned and threw herself at him. "He's nothing. Even if I married him, I'd never love him. Caleb, let's do our wedding shoot tomorrow. Who cares if it's not legal? You're already my husband in my heart."

The crowd around them looked like Caleb had just won the jackpot.

She gave me that smug look again, hoping I'd break.

Back then, she lived for making me look pathetic. Now? I felt nothing. "Marry whoever. Not my issue."

I turned to leave, but Caleb blocked me. "Quinn, stop faking. Everyone knows about the engagement. I'm not even mad about the guys you sent after me—just treat Rosie right..."

That whole thing? Staged. He faked the beatdown and blamed me. I tried clearing my name, but Rosie didn't care.

Now? Not worth a word.

Rosie's smile vanished. "Why beg him? He'll do anything to win. He'll never be you."

Then she spun around, eyes sharp. "This marriage is business. If you ever touch Caleb again, I swear—"

I cut her off. "Yeah, got it."

I walked away without looking back.

She kept yapping like any of it mattered. "Please. You think I'd make it that easy for you?"

I let out a cold laugh.

Give it a few days—I'd be her brother-in-law. She needed to show a whole lot more respect for me.