Chapter 1

On my birthday, I spent hours decorating a restaurant, ready to propose to Dolly Porter… until I happened to open a social feed.There, in a freshly posted video, my girlfriend was on stage in a nearly transparent skirt, wrapped around Steven Chase as they danced provocatively. A matching pair of couple rings gleamed on their fingers.I stared at the screen for a long time, my chest tightening with a cocktail of emotions. Just a week ago, I had collapsed from exhaustion while caring for her through a fever. The moment she recovered, she rushed to attend a concert with Steven. When I tried to stop her, she abandoned me—burning with fever, left alone in the pouring rain—while she drove off into the night and never came back.When I confronted her, she scoffed that I didn't even have a "real job," only ever tinkered with "worthless antiques," and shamelessly claimed she was doing it all to introduce me to something "respectable." Since then, we had been given each other the cold shou

Chapter 2

I gave a self-deprecating smile, though deep down I felt nothing. Truth be told, I had only come here for my mother's necklace.But why were they here?Inside, I let my gaze wander over the winery's interior design and furnishings without revealing my thoughts. When my eyes landed on the antique mural hanging on the wall, I finally had my answer.This was indeed the winery my sister had purchased last year. That very painting was the housewarming gift I had given her. I even remembered how the workers chipped a corner while hanging it, and I'd promised to restore it for her someday. But then she went abroad, and I hadn't set foot here since.Lost in thought, I was jolted back by the cutting laughter of the men around Dolly."Look at this bumpkin's eyes. I bet he's never stepped into a place this fancy in his life!""Just look at him, gawking like a fool. Dolly, it must have been torture for you dating this guy. A gorgeous lady wasted on a useless fool!"I turned, studying the th

Chapter 3

Staring at the ornate carved door ahead, Dolly asked curiously, "What's this place?"Her voice caught the others' attention. When they learned it was the wine cellar, excitement rippled through the group, and they clamored to go inside.My heart tightened. That cellar held my sister's collection—rare wines she'd acquired from auctions all over the world. Alarmed, I stepped forward to stop them.But Steven was already keying in the code. With a soft click, the heavy door swung open.Three towering walls of wine came into view, arranged meticulously by vintage. Beside them, a marble tasting counter gleamed, lined with crystal decanters and fine wine glasses."Damn, Steven, you're too modest. You called this 'not big'? This cellar is massive!""Look at all these bottles. Every single one must cost a fortune!""Of course! Would Steven stock cheap wine? Think we'll be lucky enough to taste one?"Dolly's eyes glittered with delight."Steven, you're incredible. So many rare wines… no

Chapter 4

"Who is gonna pay for this bottle?"I held up my phone, showing them the auction record from the day my sister had purchased it.The moment everyone saw the record on the screen, their faces drained of color.Dolly nearly collapsed from fright, though she forced herself to put on a mask of composure."Justin," she sneered, "so what if the wine is expensive? Whether anyone pays isn't up to you."The other three immediately caught on and chimed in."Exactly! Steven hasn't said a word yet—so why won't you shut up?"It was then that Steven, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke in a calm, measured tone."Don't worry, everyone. This bottle is a fake. It's worthless."Then his eyes shifted to me."Justin, I know you dislike me because of Dolly, but what's the point of repeatedly stirring up trouble in my estate just to show off? You're not welcome here. Leave. Now."Dolly echoed him with scorn. "You're just jealous that Steven has more money than you. Pretending to know

Chapter 5

There was a long, suffocating silence. The atmosphere was even heavier than when everyone had first learned Steven's true identity.Every pair of eyes, wide with disbelief, was fixed on me—everyone except Trish.No one knew how long the silence lasted until Dolly finally spoke up, "Wh-what? Brother?"I ignored her entirely and walked straight to Trish's side. "Trish, I thought they were your guests."The moment they saw how close we were, Steven's three friends snapped back to their senses."This has nothing to do with me! I never touched the bottle!""Nor me. Dolly smashed it.""That's right! It was Dolly, and she's the one who suggested framing your brother for it."With everyone turning against her, Dolly grew both furious and desperate. She shot me a pleading look, but I didn't even glance her way.So she turned on Steven, who had been shrinking into himself, and lashed out."Steven brought us here! He told us this winery was his; he's the one who led us into the cellar.

Chapter 6

As she said that, Trish deliberately cast a sharp glance at Dolly."So, Dolly, I suggest you return the necklace to Justin at once. Stealing a priceless emerald heirloom is far more serious than breaking a bottle of wine. I trust you're smart enough not to gamble away the rest of your life."I gave Trish a discreet thumbs-up.That's Trish for you, brilliant as always.Not only had she summoned both lawyers and the police, she had even called for Daryl, our longtime driver.I'd seen Daryl a few times before. Outwardly, he seemed an honest, simple man. Who would have thought his son would turn out so vain and deceitful?When Daryl arrived, he greeted me with the utmost respect. "Mr. Mercer."Then, without hesitation, he turned and slapped Steven across the face.Gone was the arrogance Steven had flaunted when I first arrived; now he sat crumpled on the floor, humiliated and disheveled.Dolly's eyes held nothing but disgust—an even deeper loathing than the way she once looked at