Chapter 2

Having handed over the 50-million-dollar check, Connor added, "I'll transfer the remaining ten million dollars once the baby is born."

I nodded with pleasure, thinking that wealthy people really knew how to get things done.

In my past life, I had taken Julie's advice and made a huge public spectacle of the situation, even taking Connor to court.

He had proof that he had been drugged and wasn't in his right mind, though, so he got off scot-free while I lost every last dime my family had trying to fight him in court. Thus, when my parents fell seriously ill later on, I had nothing left to help pay for their treatment.

Upon hearing that, Julie crossed her arms and tutted. "You'd better listen up here, Connor. Don't assume that just because you're Brookhaven's heir that people from poor families like ours will grovel before you.

"Queenie is just having a moment of weakness right now. I'll make sure she chooses the path of righteousness as long as I'm here by her side!"

I couldn't help but find it absolutely hilarious as I listened to her self-righteous speech. If I hadn't personally witnessed her throwing herself at wealthy heirs after I died in my past life, I might have actually believed her.

Having said his piece, Connor realized that we had taken a cab over, so he offered to give us a ride back.

I was just about to nod and accept his offer when Julie started her performance once more. "You ought to know that even though we come from poverty and can't afford a car, we still have our dignity—we're not going to freeload off wealthy people like you!"

She held her head high, a look of haughty righteousness in her gaze. "You'd better not think that your money gives you the right to do whatever you want! You see, we poor people have dignity—"

I cut her short before she could go on with her act, saying, "Thanks for the ride, Mr. Greene. It's too late to hail a cab, so I'll have to trouble you to give me a ride back."

Why would I pay for a cab when I could get a free ride in a Rolls-Royce? I had never ridden in one before, so I didn't see the harm in it.

Julie suddenly grabbed my arm after hearing that, asking, "What nonsense are you saying, Queenie? I know we're poor, but that doesn't mean we can throw away our pride! How can you allow yourself to be so readily bewitched by a mere luxury car?"

I couldn't help but feel a wave of nausea, looking at her pained expression.

Just then, Connor opened the car door for me. Seeing that, I merely flashed Julie a brilliant smile, saying, "You're right—I'm completely bewitched by it. I'm hopping on the fancy ride and leaving first, then!"

I then got in the car and looked out the window.

Julie's eyes brimmed with tears as she asked me pitifully, "You're not just going to abandon me here, are you, Queenie? What am I supposed to do now?"

I glanced at her with disdain and asked, "Haven't you been clamoring about having dignity or something?"

Upon seeing Julie reach for the car door, I quickly added, "You'd better not think about it! You wouldn't want to lose all that dignity of yours by sitting in a fancy car, Julie."

Julie was left speechless by my remark, her face turning pale with a mix of fury and shock.

"Get moving," Connor instructed his chauffeur.

I glanced at the rearview mirror and watched as the cold wind whipped around Julie, making her look like a fool.

…

Connor, concerned for the baby, reached out and helped me as I stepped out of the car.

I went straight upstairs as soon as I got into the house. I was eager to see the check Connor gave me, as I had never had one before.

Yet, the moment I reached home, I discovered that the check was missing.