Chapter 2

I felt a chill in my chest.

The onslaught of comments continued.

"Don't blame your brother, Skylar. He just wants you to be happy!"

"Laura is such a hidden gem. You'll never go wrong choosing her."

"Yeah, hurry up and say yes to her. Once the Moore family starts putting pressure on you, the old codger is gonna tear into you in front of everyone!"

I took a deep breath after reading the comments and turned to Laura. "Are you sure that ring was from me?"

"Skylar, I know you're embarrassed, but my feelings for you are true. The moment I got your ring, I had everything prepared. This is all I own. I'm willing to spend my whole life with you!" she said.

Phil let out a cold laugh. "Are you trying to be a two-timer, Skylar? The Moore family might not be perfect, but we're not about to fight someone like her for you!"

"This engagement—"

"Since you're unwilling, let's just call off the engagement," I cut in evenly. "The Moore and Stone families are evenly matched. A union between us would be a power move for both sides. But as you can see, my dad and brother are dead set on forcing Laura on me. They even stole my work and gave it to her.

"Therefore, I can't go through with the engagement right now. In fact, I need to call the cops and get to the bottom of this."

At that, Phil froze, and Dad's face flushed with rage. "What nonsense are you spouting? Who are you accusing of stealing your stuff? You obviously gave the ring to Laura yourself!"

"That was a piece I wanted to submit for a competition. Why would I ever give it to someone else? And besides, I didn't even know her before this. I'd have to be insane to just hand it over to her!" I retorted.

With that, I pulled out my phone, ready to call the police. However, Brandon barreled over and hurled my phone to the floor.

"Skylar, stop causing a scene! You and Laura have long… I know you're too embarrassed to admit it, so I'll just say it for you. I'll take your place and go through with the marriage with the Moores. That way, you won't have to feel torn anymore."

He ran to Phil. "Mr. Moore, Skylar is just worried that this whole thing will blow up and get out of hand. That's why he's acting like this. Still, the engagement between the Moores and the Stones will go ahead as planned. Don't worry—we won't go back on our word."

Hearing that, Gwen glanced at him, then at me.

I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "This marriage alliance was arranged by my mom when she was still alive. Even if I step aside, it still won't be your turn to carry on with the engagement."

I turned to Phil. "Mr. Moore, if you trust me, please help me file a police report. Once everything is cleared up, I'll give your company the Nanvard project as a thank-you."

Lastly, I looked at Laura. "As for you, Laura, you'd better think carefully about how you're going to explain yourself in a bit."

My stance was crystal clear, and Phil hesitated. However, Dad snapped, "You're a disgrace to the family, you ingrate! Just how far are you planning to take this?"

"Am I the one making a scene, or are you two the ones with the hidden agenda?" I shot back. "This engagement was something Mom arranged before she died. You had your eye on it the whole time. You want to steal it for your precious son instead! Ask yourself whether he's worthy of it!"

A shadow flickered in Brandon's eyes, but he quickly grabbed my arm and put on his usual wounded act. "Skylar, how can you think of me like that? I'm doing this for your own good. I know I don't measure up, but I'm also a son of the Stone family, aren't I? And stop denying it—hasn't marrying Laura always been what you wanted?"

Even now, he was still trying to corner me.

Catching the complicated look in Gwen's eyes pushed me over the edge. I finally lost control and punched Brandon squarely in the face. "That's for running your filthy mouth!"

Immediately after, I was also punched. My head snapped to the side from the impact. Dad had done it, and he'd put so much force into it that it knocked me straight to the floor.

Phil looked enraged. "Enough of this nonsense! How you discipline your son is your family's business. We won't force this anymore. Gwen, we're leaving!"

He turned and left with her.

I panicked and moved to go after them, but Laura yanked me back. "Skylar, trust me. I promise I'll treat you well from now on."