Chapter 2

John slammed his hand on the table, almost erupting with rage. He roared, "Have you lost your mind?"

"I'm your only daughter. Is there anything wrong with you giving me all your assets?" Ivory asked coldly.

John's expression was hideous. Still, he agreed to her conditions. He figured Ivory would be lucky if she could survive a month with Simon. He could just take everything back once she died.

"Fine. I'll do it!" he snarled. "But don't take that steward of yours to the Fuller residence with you. You don't want to upset Mr. Fuller."

He expected Ivory to cause a scene over that. After all, everyone in their family knew she was head over heels for Wilson, who was outstanding in every way and handsome to boot.

To his surprise, she didn't act up. She said calmly, "Do whatever you want with him. I don't want him anymore."

She hated Belinda. And so, if anyone liked Belinda, she would rip them from her heart, no matter how agonizing it was.

…

Ivory headed to a bar right after leaving John's study. To her annoyance, Belinda and her friends were also there.

"Fancy running into you here, Ivy." Belinda stood up when she saw Ivory, looking cautious and apprehensive. "Come and sit with us. I know Mom and Dad don't give you much allowance. It's my best friend's birthday today, and drinks are all on her. You can order anything you like—you won't need to pay."

She sounded kind and understanding, but it was clear she was actually mocking Ivory for being broke and stingy.

Ivory sneered. Then, she raised her voice and said, "I'm in a good mood today, so everyone's drinks are on me tonight—everyone but Belinda's table!"

Everyone cheered at her words.

"You're awesome, Ms. Ivory!"

"As expected of the true heiress. She's so bold!"

But just then, Wilson arrived. As he walked in, he heard Ivory's announcement and how she'd excluded Belinda's table. He frowned, his gaze filled with dislike as he glanced at Ivory.

He pulled out his phone and made a call. Soon, the bar's owner hurried forward and said, "Sorry, everyone, but Mr. Quill has booked out the venue tonight. All drinks are now free, courtesy of Ms. Belinda Stone!"

The crowd exploded again.

"Mr. Quill? The legendary heir, who's rumored to be uninterested in women?"

"That's the one. He and Mr. Fuller are equally notorious—one is Jeriton's richest man, and the other is the king of Weston."

"Isn't he supposed to be like a monk? Why's he getting involved in our worldly affairs now?"

"Looks like the fake heiress is about to soar into the heavens. If she manages to marry Mr. Quill, even the true heiress will have to keep her head down around her."

A look of smugness flashed across Belinda's face when she heard the crowd's comments. She stood up, her face flushed as she said, "Since Mr. Quill has booked out the venue, drink up, everyone!"

She deliberately paused before turning to look at Ivory. She smiled sweetly and said, "You, too, Ivy. I won't treat anyone differently."

Her words earned her another round of praise. Everyone complimented her for being kind while making snide remarks about Ivory, saying that she wasn't half as cultured as a fake heiress.

"You're right about me being petty," Ivory forced through gritted teeth. "But I won't take advantage of anyone. I'll only take what's mine. If something doesn't belong to me, I won't want it even if it's forced on me."

With that, she turned and left. She headed to another bar.

Unexpectedly, Belinda came after her. She blinked innocently and put on a pitiful act as Wilson watched. She said, "Don't stop me, Will. I want to apologize to Ivy. She must've misunderstood me again. I swear I didn't mean anything earlier—I just wanted to patch things up between us."

She blinked again, and tears rolled down her face.

Wilson's heart ached at the sight. He softened his tone and said, "You don't need to apologize, Ms. Belinda. You did nothing wrong. Someone else is at fault here."

Ivory felt like her heart had been stabbed by countless needles. She turned away, no longer wanting to watch them be lovey-dovey to her face.

She headed to the dance floor to let loose. At the same time, she took a glass of brandy from a server and downed it. She had no idea someone had secretly laced her drink.