Chapter 2

When it was time to get out of work that evening, Tyler walked out of his office with his jacket draped over his arm.

Stephanie had just risen to her feet when she heard him telling her, "I have a business gathering to attend tonight. You can go home first."

A business gathering, huh? She didn't recall such an event being logged into Tyler's schedule.

As Stephanie looked up at Tyler, she noticed that he was still gazing at her affectionately. It was quite captivating, to say the least.

In the past, she'd never doubted Tyler no matter what he said to her.

"Alright." Stephanie didn't give anything away. "Remember not to drink that much."

Tyler patted her on the head, a smile gracing his face. "Yes, dear."

After that, Stephanie flagged down a cab and had it trail behind Tyler's car the whole way to the airport. There were crowds in the airport, but she was able to recognize Tyler at first glance.

He wore a black, custom-fitted suit that made him look charming and prestigious. Of course, his looks made him stand out in the crowd.

Stephanie also saw how a long-haired woman had rushed into Tyler's arms happily. Instead of pushing her away, he hugged her tightly.

Both of them looked like a matching couple.

Once the hug was over, the woman tried to stand on her tiptoes just to kiss Tyler. But he avoided it instantly and said something to her.

Still, the woman refused to relent. In the end, she got her wish by kissing him on the lips.

The sight of them making out disgusted Stephanie to no end. But at the same time, she was also shocked to the core.

After all, the woman in Tyler's arms was actually his adopted younger sister, Kiara Grover.

Kiara lost her parents when she was three years old. Since her family and Tyler's family shared a good relationship, the Grovers decided to take her in as their adopted child.

That was how Kiara and Tyler grew up as adoptive siblings. Back when Stephanie began dating Tyler, he had introduced her to Kiara. At that time, Kiara addressed her affectionately as "Steph".

Three years ago, Kiara had gone overseas. Stephanie never would've thought that Tyler and Kiara shared such an incestuous relationship while maintaining their cover as a pair of close-knit siblings. To think they even got officially married as well!

Did that mean Kiara was also the culprit who had staged the car accident two years ago?

…

Stephanie was even more flabbergasted to see Tyler bringing Kiara home with him.

He said nonchalantly, "Steph, Kiki has just returned from abroad. I'm planning to let her stay with us for some time."

Stephanie clenched her fists tightly at his words, resulting in her nails digging into her palms. She still remembered the day when Tyler had brought her back to their home.

At that time, he had pulled her into his arms and told her, "Steph, this place will become our home in the future. It's a home that's reserved for us and us only."

Back then, Stephanie felt that this residence would be her forever home with Tyler. That was why she had put a lot of effort into decorating the whole place. Every inch of the residence was the result of her hard work. Heck, she even picked out every piece of furniture herself.

Yet now, Tyler personally brought another woman home with him.

"Hi there, Ms. Ford!"

Kiara smiled at Stephanie, though there was a hint of mockery and provocation hidden in her eyes. Five years ago, she'd still affectionately refer to Stephanie as "Steph", but now, she chose to address Stephanie as "Ms. Ford".

Tyler turned to look at Kiara instantly. There was a flash of warning in his gaze, but his eyes were mostly filled with affection.

Stephanie was somewhat impressed by how good Tyler was at trampling all over her pride and ego—at least, that was how she saw it.

If she didn't know the ugly truth, she'd have stupidly welcomed Kiara into the residence as the latter's sister-in-law. She couldn't even imagine how amusing that scene would be to Tyler and Kiara, who were the actual married couple.

"Ty, does Ms. Ford not want me here?"

Kiara looked at Tyler innocently. She sounded like she was about to burst into tears soon.

"I know that my presence has disturbed you. Maybe I should check into a hotel room instead. I'm fine being alone, after all…"

Tyler frowned at Stephanie right away. He was about to speak up when Stephanie said, "It's fine."

His words were left stuck in his throat at that moment.

Stephanie remained unperturbed, "You can stay here for as long as you wish, Ms. Grover."

After that, she returned to her own bedroom.

Kiara still viewed Stephanie as her enemy. But the thing was, Stephanie no longer cared about Tyler or this so-called home they shared.

Even if she and Kiara were truly enemies, the bad blood between them stemmed from the car accident. But Stephanie didn't show her hostility toward Kiara to avoid alerting the latter.

Kiara felt quite upset. She initially thought Stephanie would start a huge argument with Tyler. Who would've thought that she'd still remain calm at this time?

This was fine. Once Stephanie realized that she wasn't actually married to Tyler, she wouldn't be able to keep her cool at all.

Meanwhile, Tyler felt that something was off as well, so he decided to follow Stephanie into the bedroom.

"Aren't you unhappy at all, Steph?"

He knew that Stephanie wouldn't get mad at him, but he thought she'd be a little unhappy. After all, he did promise her that he wouldn't bring anyone home with him without her permission.

"Nope." Stephanie kept her back on Tyler, her expression still cold and aloof.

"I knew that you're the best."

When Tyler hugged Stephanie from behind, the latter froze up instantly at his touch. And yet, Tyler never picked up on her body language.

"Steph, Kiara is my younger sister, which means she's your sister as well. Besides, I plan on collaborating with the Fords of Jetterpolis. Kiara is very close to the Fords, so—"

"What did you just say?" Stephanie cut him off instantly. "Kiara is close to the Fords of Jetterpolis?"

"Yup. She got to know the Fords when she was still abroad. Also, it seems that Mrs. Ford Senior really likes her a lot."

Stephanie couldn't help chortling in response.

Tyler gazed at Stephanie's smile in confusion. Still, he continued to explain, "You should know that the Fords of Jetterpolis is one of the Four Powerhouses. With Kiara around, I'll be able to reap more benefits from my collaboration with them."

"Ah, I see." Stephanie continued smiling at him. "Then I hope that you can get what you wished for in advance, Mr. Grover."