"Mom, Dad, I've decided. I'll come back to inherit the family business."

Hearing their daughter finally relent, Dylan Ramirez and Ruth Ramirez were overjoyed on the phone. Remembering the boyfriend she'd dated while hiding her identity, they asked, "Is he coming back with you?

You haven't told him your real status, have you?"

"No. I'll break up with him."

At the mention of Jacob Rivera, Melissa Ramirez's voice dropped unconsciously. "I'll wrap things up here in a week."

After a few more words, Melissa hung up, pocketed her phone, and returned to the private room.

The room was packed and noisy. Conversations paused when she entered, but she walked straight to Jacob's side as if noticing nothing.

Distracted from his chat, he glanced at the quiet Melissa beside him, his tone lazy. "Baby, why'd that call take so long?"

Before she could answer, another voice cut in.

Though no Frenchman was present, someone spoke French: "Bro, when are you and Barbara Davis getting married?"

Melissa's grip tightened on her glass, knuckles whitening. Jacob stayed nonchalant, eyeing her before replying in French: "Family picked the date. Two weeks."

Instantly, every eye turned to Melissa.

A buddy raised an eyebrow, curious. "If you marry Barbara, what about Melissa?

Breaking up?"

"Not breaking up."

Jacob shook his wine glass, took a sip, and continued. "The marriage is just for show. The only one I love is Melissa."

The room erupted in laughter, jokes flying everywhere.

"Bro, since when did you catch pure love feelings?

With that huge status gap, you're actually serious?"

He turned to her, eyes overflowing with tenderness that answered louder than words.

Someone marveled at his lovesick look. "Seems legit. But seriously, she really doesn't understand French?"

Others burst out laughing. "Melissa's family's broke. No money for fancy language classes. Relax, she definitely doesn't get it."

Mocking voices flooded her ears. Nobody noticed Melissa's quickened breath or her bone-white grip on the glass.

She didn't tell them she actually understood French.

After all, she was no Cinderella—she was the sole heiress to the world's richest family.

Five years together, Jacob spoiled her rotten but never introduced her to his parents. She'd thought he worried about their status gap, since the Riveras were Miami's famed wealthy dynasty.

So she'd planned all along to reveal her truth: she was the billionaire heiress who'd hidden her identity to live beyond her parents' shelter.

But the timing was just so uncanny. Three days ago, she'd spotted a crimson wedding invitation in his study.

The bride was Ms Davis.

And the groom? Jacob!

While whispering sweet nothings to her, he'd already accepted this arranged marriage.

Coaxing her with "baby" in one breath, yet scrambling to wed some family-approved socialite in the next.

Suddenly, words felt pointless.

He'd marry, she'd inherit the empire - both destined for glittering futures.

After rounds of drinks and lively chatter, dusk settled over the dispersing crowd. Melissa trailed behind them out of the private room.

She'd barely taken three steps when an unfamiliar voice called from behind.

"Melissa!"

Melissa froze mid-step. Turning around, she recognized the man calling out to her as a former business partner who'd once begged her father for collaboration. She sighed inwardly.

Trying to conceal her identity, she pondered an escape when one of Jacob's crew members scanned her head-to-toe and snorted:

"What kind of Ms Ramirez?

Can all her clothes even add up to fifty dollars?

Some heiress—biggest joke ever."

Laughter erupted around them.

They weren't speaking French, so Melissa heard every mocking word yet showed no reaction.

Jacob, however, shot the man a warning glare.

The offender backed off, and others quieted under Jacob's stare.

As the noise faded, Melissa followed Jacob home in silence.

Hanging his coat, he finally spoke:

"Darling, I won't take you to these gatherings anymore."

Her expression remained calm despite the implied expulsion from his circle. "Embarrassed by me?"

He chuckled, reaching to ruffle her hair—but she dodged. "What nonsense?

I just hate seeing you treated poorly."

"But our worlds differ. Won't your family pressure you into an arranged marriage?"

Melissa searched his face for guilt.

Jacob's expression stiffened briefly before smoothing. "Melissa, just know I love you. I'll handle everything else."

Had she not been watching closely, she'd have missed his flicker of unease.

As Jacob left for the bathroom, a notification chimed from his nightstand.

Knowing his passcode, she unlocked his phone. A message from Barbara glowed on screen:

[Jacob, we're meeting the parents tomorrow. If you don't stay here tonight, they might discover our sham marriage.

I know you love your girlfriend, but please—at least give me dignity these few days?]

The plea seemed humble, but Melissa saw the strategy.

First, demanding cohabitation for parental approval.

What next?

Using the same excuse step by step, escalating demands.

Not her concern anymore.

She'd already decided to leave.

Melissa reset the message to unread and put her phone away. Soon after, Jacob emerged from the bathroom. He casually picked up his phone, glanced at it, then turned to her with an apologetic look.

"Melissa, something urgent came up at Prestige Holdings. I need to head over now and won't be back tonight. Get some rest."

He left in such a hurry that he didn't notice her reaction. Nor did he realize that Melissa—who used to pout while seeing him off, complaining she wanted more time together—now watched his retreating figure without protest.

Ding!

Jacob had barely left when her phone lit up.

[One word from me, and Jacob comes running. Meeting his parents tomorrow. After we marry, what'll you be?

His... dirty little secret?]

Barbara's words stung, but what cut deeper was knowing Jacob had handed others the knife to stab her with. The man she'd trusted with her future.

Jacob probably didn't realize she'd have discovered his wedding plans soon anyway. The day after finding that invitation, Barbara added her on WhatsApp. Since then, constant taunts:

Jacob helping Barbara choose wedding dresses.

Jacob selecting rings with her.

Jacob touring venues together.

Photo after photo shattered every lingering feeling she had for him.

Jacob didn't return that night. Melissa didn't care.

Next morning, she washed up and resigned immediately. By noon, her exit paperwork was complete.

Over lunch, a colleague joked: "People keep posting about coworkers quitting to run family empires. Melissa, resigning this fast—you inheriting some dynasty?"

Everyone laughed at the absurdity. Melissa simply nodded. "Exactly. Time to run the family business."

Their chuckles died as they registered her sincerity. Still smiling, she packed her belongings after lunch and carried the box home.

Jacob happened to be there. Seeing her box, he frowned. "You quit?"

She nodded, heading toward their room. He called after her, "But you loved that job. Why leave suddenly?"

Melissa paused. Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Because now I've found work I actually want to do."

Hearing this, Jacob didn’t press further, simply saying, “Come back if work’s too exhausting. Watching you grind yourself to death breaks my heart. Melissa, remember I can provide for you.”

Melissa shook her head, enunciating each word: “I’m nobody’s accessory.”

Jacob froze. “Accessory? How could you—”

She cut him off, unwilling to listen. “Why are you home so early today? Skipping the office?”

“Been swamped lately, no time for you. Wanted to steal a moment today.”

His frown eased, reverting to the doting boyfriend. “What do you feel like doing?

Fine dining or a movie?

Whatever you want, I’m all yours today.”

The old Melissa would’ve been deeply moved.

She knew he was Prestige Holdings’ heir, drowning in responsibilities. Him carving out time proved she mattered.

But now, watching him, she wondered: Was it work or wedding plans keeping him busy?

How could he plan a wedding with another woman while whispering love to her?

Yet she didn’t expose him.

Just a few days left—she’d vanish from his life soon enough.

She dismissed his suggestion. After a pause, she offered, “Help me deep-clean the villa. Lots of old stuff needs clearing.”

Jacob agreed. Hours later, they’d sorted piles—but every discarded item was couple memorabilia they’d bought together.

Mugs, accessories, clothes, slippers… all ruthlessly trashed.

His smile stiffened with each tossed keepsake. When the last item hit the bin, panic cracked his composure. “Melissa… do you know something?”

“What could I know?

Hiding something from me?” She arched a brow, deflecting his question.

He avoided her gaze, silent. Finally, he seized her hand. “Whatever happens, Melissa, just remember—I love you.”

Her lips twisted. No reply.

Post-cleanup, Jacob insisted on a date. Fearing suspicion, she relented.

Dinner, a movie, then his car halted at an auction house.

As they entered, a debutante in Chanel-style suit and flawless makeup glided toward them.

Jacob’s expression flickered—a tell Melissa instantly caught.

“Problem? Run into someone you know?”

As the words fell, the young heiress stopped before them, greeting them with a beaming smile. His introduction came just in time: "She's the daughter of a family friend, Barbara."

After a pause, he introduced Melissa: "She's my girlfriend, Melissa."

Hearing the stark contrast in his introductions, Barbara's smile froze momentarily before she forced a smile and extended her hand.

"I've long heard Jacob's girlfriend is beautiful. Seeing you today, the rumors hold true."

Just as she spoke, the group of brothers who'd mocked her in French yesterday approached, winking at Jacob from Melissa's blind spot.

Only then did he realize this encounter wasn't accidental—they'd deliberately brought Barbara.

Fury surged through him, but losing his temper now would raise more questions. Helplessly, he swallowed his rage.

At the auction, Barbara sat right beside Jacob.

Unlike her provocative texts, she appeared gentle and knowledgeable in person. Discovering Jacob's interest in porcelain, she engaged him in lively discussion, and Jacob gradually leaned toward her.

Only when Melissa coughed did Jacob remember he'd left her stranded.

He quickly draped his coat over her, murmuring gently, "Cold? Better now?"

"Melissa, I know this bores you. If anything catches your eye, just bid."

Before she could respond, his brothers' whispers carried from the row behind—hushed but crystal clear to Melissa:

"Bro Jacob's saving face for Melissa. Even if she cared, she'd cluelessly fumble the bid paddle!"

"Exactly. Her first high-society auction, no doubt."

While whispering, several people cast disdainful glances toward Melissa. Though pretending to speak privately, she sensed their words were deliberately meant for her ears.

She paid no mind—soon enough, they’d be standing before her with bowed heads, addressing her respectfully as "Ms Ramirez."

As the previous auction concluded, staff wheeled out the next item: a Renaissance-style jade sculpture of exceptional quality. The auctioneer emphasized it was crafted by Willie King, the founding master of jade carving.

Barbara immediately raised her paddle, excitement flashing in her eyes. "Jacob, this is priceless! Jessica Rivera’s birthday is in two days—it’d make the perfect gift!"

Melissa instinctively glanced at the stage upon hearing Willie’s name. After one dispassionate look, she remarked flatly, "It’s fake."

Barbara stared at her incredulously, biting back the urge to snap "What would a bumpkin know?" Instead, she forced a smile, glancing at Jacob beside her. "And how would you know that, Ms Ramirez?"

"Because the authentic piece was gifted to her grandmother by the Ramirez heiress."

Only one genuine sculpture existed worldwide—and it sat in her family’s vault. The one on stage? Undoubtedly counterfeit.

Though Melissa intended kindness, Barbara burst into mocking laughter. Jacob’s friends soon joined in, their scorn echoing through the gallery.

"Melissa, stop pretending you know anything—you’re embarrassing yourself."

"If the heiress gave it away, did you crawl under her bed to witness it? Just sharing a surname doesn’t make you family."

Their jeers crescendoed until Jacob silenced them with a glare. Taking Melissa’s hand, his tone softened condescendingly, "Mel, I know you’ve been reading about art appraisal lately. But expertise comes from experience, not books. Barbara grew up in auction houses and studied jade carving—she simply knows more than you do."

His words carried no overt cruelty, yet their dismissal was clear: he believed her delusional.

Melissa merely smiled faintly.

Ultimately, Barbara paid 100 million for the sculpture. Watching her swipe her card, Melissa’s lips curved. She wondered how Jessica would react upon receiving this counterfeit masterpiece.

Unbothered, Melissa headed to the restroom. As she dried her hands, a venomous voice pierced the air:

"Melissa, I’ve warned you plainly enough. Yet you still have the nerve to linger—thirsting to be a mistress?"

The shrill tone belonged to Barbara, now a night-and-day contrast to her earlier sweet and proper debutante persona.

Melissa turned slowly, meeting her glare. "Ms Davis, need I remind you? I’ve been with him five years. The title ‘mistress’... shouldn’t be applied to me."

As she spoke, Melissa was about to walk past her and leave, but she wouldn't let her go, sneering sarcastically, "Yes, after five years together, he still hasn't married you. Haven't you ever wondered why?

I'm Ms Davis, he's the heir to the Rivera Group. We're perfectly matched. But you?"

"With a gambling father and sick mother, such a broken home, having nothing – how could you possibly deserve him?"

Melissa paused mid-step. That family background was pure fiction – she never imagined Jacob would share it with Barbara.

She let out a bitter laugh. If that were truly her life, did it mean her so-called boyfriend – who swore he loved only her – had handed another woman the knife to stab her twice?

"Indeed, I don't deserve him."

Heart aching, she glanced back at Barbara, the suffocating resentment suddenly lifting. "You two are perfect for each other. May you live happily ever after."

With that, she walked away again.

Not long after leaving, her phone rang. It was Ruth.

"Melissa, come home quickly. The whole family's waiting with gifts piled high."

"Your father and I bought you a castle overseas. Your aunt got you a diamond crown once worn by the Queen of England. Your uncle filled a garage with luxury cars..."

As Ruth gushed about the lavish welcome, Melissa sighed helplessly, "Mom, I'm inheriting the family fortune, not burning through it."

The moment she spoke, a familiar voice came from behind.

"Inherit the family fortune?"

Melissa paused mid-step, instinctively ending the call while silently wondering why these people always enjoyed speaking up right behind others.

She turned to find Jacob wearing a grim expression.

After a thoughtful pause, she explained, "It's nothing. Just former colleagues asking about my plans after leaving the job. I joked about going home to inherit the family fortune."

Jacob frowned. She wasn't the type to make such flippant remarks.

His instincts screamed something was off, but before he could speak, Melissa had already walked several paces ahead. "Aren't you coming?" she called over her shoulder.

"We still have several luxury heirloom jewelry pieces to view?"

Assuming she wanted to purchase jewelry, Jacob nodded and followed.

Back at the auction, he secured every subsequent jewelry piece at premium prices. After packaging, he presented them to Melissa.

She gazed at the boxes, murmuring, "I don't wear these."

Jacob chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Get used to it. Don't worry about cost—I'll buy you investment-grade diamonds for life."

Her lips parted, but she swallowed her remaining words.

She didn't wear jewelry worth millions.

Every piece she owned was worth hundreds of millions.

As attendees dispersed post-auction, Jacob and Melissa's group prepared to leave.

Each had arrived separately, but just as engines stirred, Barbara rapped on Jacob's passenger window.

The glass lowered, revealing her flushed face and honeyed tone—a stark contrast to the biting sarcasm she'd wielded against Melissa in the restroom moments prior.

"Jacob, my car broke down. Could you give me a ride home?"

He frowned, poised to refuse when she added, "Your parents asked you to look after me. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

Jacob's expression darkened at the reminder. Reluctantly, he agreed.

Her smile widened triumphantly before she pressed further, eyeing Melissa. "But I get carsick. I can't sit in the back."

Before Jacob could respond, Melissa had already slid out and settled into the rear seat—all in one fluid motion.

His protest lodged in his throat, choking him.

He wanted to say it was just a seat, but glancing at the rearview mirror, he found her eyes closed, feigning sleep.

Barbara climbed in, smirking at the sight of Melissa resting in the back.

So what if he still likes you, Melissa?

Everything I want eventually falls into my hands. Winning him over is only a matter of time.

Feeling this way, her mood suddenly lifted. Her voice turned soft and teary-eyed, looking at Jacob with a shy and coy gaze. "Is Miss Ramirez tired? Let her rest for a while."

Perhaps sensing Melissa's unusual behavior, Jacob didn’t engage much with Barbara either. He simply nodded and silently started the car.

Melissa had somehow fallen asleep. When she woke, the car was already parked in the Rivera estate garage, and Barbara had long since disappeared.

Jacob gently touched her cheek. "Awake? You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn’t bear to wake you."

Still groggy, she nodded and stepped out of the car without waiting for him, heading straight for the front door.

By the time Jacob exited the vehicle, she’d reached the entrance. He caught up in a few strides, blocking her path. "Angry? Barbara really is just a family friend’s daughter. Don’t dwell on it."

She murmured an acknowledgment.

Thinking she remained upset, Jacob reached out to hold her, his voice low and coaxing. "Just a family friend, sweetheart. You know you’re the only one I love."

As he spoke, he caught the scent of roses on her skin. Remembering how long it had been since they’d been close, his Adam’s apple bobbed. He leaned in for a kiss, but she shoved him away forcefully.

Meeting his stunned expression, Melissa marched inside and locked the door with a decisive click, shutting Jacob out completely. "It’s my period. I’m not feeling well. Going to rest in my room."

The next morning, Melissa and Jacob were having breakfast in the first-floor dining room when her phone buzzed nearby.

It was a scheduled reminder she’d set weeks ago—"Meeting the Parents Day."

Jacob’s eyes caught the notification.

Earlier, planning to reveal her true background, she’d asked him to visit her parents. He’d agreed.

They exchanged a glance. Just as Melissa pondered how to postpone the meeting, his phone rang.

Barbara’s name flashed on the screen.

After a brief exchange, his expression shifted. Approaching Melissa again, he offered an apologetic look and canceled the visit. "Melissa, something urgent came up. Let’s visit your parents another time, okay?"

I thought she'd throw a fit or get angry, but she just nodded calmly. "Perfect timing, I've got things to handle today too."

Not long after Jacob left, Melissa went out as well.

She went shopping at the mall and got each of her girlfriends a gift for their meetup.

When they gathered, everyone unwrapped their presents. Seeing brand-new luxury items in every box, they gasped in shock.

"Melissa, where'd you score all these Designer Knockoffs? They look so real!"

"They're all genuine."

Seeing them adore the gifts, she couldn't help but chuckle. When they still looked skeptical, she revealed her true identity. "Actually, that story about my dad gambling and my mom being deathly ill was fake. I'm Melissa, only daughter of the richest man. I'm saying goodbye because I'm going home to inherit the family fortune."

Hearing this, the group first froze, then stared in disbelief, before erupting in joy. They shrieked that Melissa had been right beside them all along, their screams nearly blasting through the restaurant ceiling.

After the cheers, someone remembered Jacob. "But if you go back, what about Jacob? Does he know who you really are?"

At his name, her smile faded. "He's planning to marry someone else."

"No way!"

Her girlfriends looked stunned. "He's the most devoted romantic in high society!"

"Exactly! Three years ago you mentioned loving night-blooming cereus, so he bought every one on earth just to see you smile. Two years ago when you got the flu, he ditched a billion-dollar deal abroad to nurse you personally, staying awake night after night. Then last year when your car crashed—that truck was heading straight for you! He swerved to take the hit himself. You walked away unscathed while he broke three ribs, lay comatose for months, and almost died. Now he's marrying? How could the bride not be you?"

Hearing these memories, Melissa still felt a pang. That Jacob would've died for her... but now...

She shook her head with a faint smile. "He loves me, but his family thinks I'm beneath him. They're forcing the marriage. Before I could confess, he'd already printed wedding invites. From his hints, he expects me to be his mistress afterward."

The girls exploded.

"What?

Mistress!"

"Making the richest heiress a mistress? The Riveras have lost their minds!"

"Fine! He'll get his Post-Breakup Regret Drama!"

"Absolutely! When he discovers you vanished, and they learn your real status—they'll implode!"

Just then, Jacob and Barbara walked in, frowning at their words.

"What true identity?"

Seeing them enter together, one furious girlfriend tried to speak, but Melissa cut her off. She eyed the newcomers coldly.

"What are you doing here?"

Jacob felt a bit guilty when she asked, his eyes darting around. "The Rivera and Davis families have a joint project. We met to discuss it."

Melissa chuckled at his answer. She knew exactly what kind of "arrangement" they had—a marriage arrangement.

Since they were "discussing business," Jacob and Barbara sat separately at another table nearby. Close enough for Melissa to witness their intimate exchanges.

Like him cutting steak for her. Her feeding him bites of her favorite dish. Him handing her napkins. Her wiping sauce from his lips...

Their back-and-forth made Melissa's friends fume, yet she remained composed.

After dinner, Melissa's gathering also ended, and Jacob offered to drive her and Barbara home.

Perhaps remembering the front seat debate last time, Jacob learned his lesson. He simply took the family's extended Rolls-Royce with a chauffeur, naturally avoiding any front seat dilemma.

The car glided smoothly toward the Davis residence, encountering no delays. No one anticipated the accident that struck—a runaway truck barreling from the opposite direction...

The driver instinctively swerved violently, but a deafening "BANG!" still echoed as collision became inevitable.

When the car window shattered, Melissa was thrown sideways by the impact. In that moment, she saw Jacob shielding Barbara firmly in his arms—not only sparing her any injury but gently patting her back to soothe her panic.

Melissa's consciousness blurred, suddenly recalling the car accident her friends had mentioned earlier.

Back then, during their fourth year together, his feelings for her burned brightest.

It was also at an intersection like this, also a truck speeding toward them.

Her side faced the oncoming truck. In that split second of terror, realizing evasion was impossible, he wrenched the steering wheel to take the full impact on his side.

The front crumpled inward, trapping him in the driver's seat. Firefighters and doctors worked relentlessly for hours before freeing him.

He nearly died that day. Yet upon waking from critical condition, the first thing he said was asking about her safety.

Now, in this similar crash, the person he instinctively protected was no longer her.

The rear of the extended Rolls-Royce was mangled beyond recognition. After everyone exited the vehicle, Jacob—still comforting a shaken Barbara—finally noticed Melissa silently pressing a hand to her bleeding temple. Fortunately, her injury wasn't severe; hospital bandages sufficed.

But given the head trauma, doctors recommended two days of observation.

Staring at the gauze on her forehead, Jacob looked remorseful. "Melissa, I'm sorry. I only thought about upcoming joint appearances with Barbara for our collaboration—her face couldn't afford injuries. That's why I shielded her. Scold me, hit me, I'll accept it. Just... don't shut me out. Please?"

His apology sounded earnest, his justification almost plausible... had Melissa not recalled their wedding, barely two weeks away.

Likely that "collaboration" meant the ceremony itself.

She lowered her eyes without responding—neither forgiving nor condemning—her expression remaining eerily placid throughout.

Jacob kept apologizing desperately until sudden hope flashed in his eyes. "Your birthday's in a few days! Let me give your gift early, okay?

What do you want?

Anything. I'll buy it."

Finally, she lifted her gaze to meet his, eyes utterly devoid of emotion. "Then buy me a plane ticket. To New York City. In three days."

"What are you going to New York City for?"

He was a bit surprised, but quickly answered his own question, "Want to travel?"

Melissa didn't explain, just nodded with a quiet "Mhm."

Jacob didn't press further, immediately opening his phone to book a flight to New York City.

After purchasing the ticket, he added, "I'm tied up lately and can't join you. Explore New York first—I'll take you properly when I'm free. This birthday gift's too small. I'll make it up with a big surprise later."

Melissa shook her head, offering a bitter smile. "Not small. Not small at all."

After all, this ticket was her way home.

Jacob, thank you for personally sending me home.

During her hospital stay, Jacob acted as attentively and caring as when they first fell in love. But this tenderness vanished the day she got discharged.

He claimed urgent business matters and had the driver take her home. Moments later, Barbara's taunting text arrived:

[Sorry, Jacob and I are getting married. He's taking me to his family estate for dinner today—no time to pick you up.]

Melissa ignored the message, quietly returning home to pack.

On departure day, she rose early.

Seven hours before takeoff, she wheeled suitcases out—only to collide with Jacob returning home.

Seeing multiple luggage piled at the estate entrance, panic flashed across his face. Unease coiled in his chest.

"What's all this?"

"Didn't I mention my trip to New York?

You bought the ticket yourself. Forgot?"

Her tone was breezy, as if truly preparing for vacation.

But he remained unconvinced. "A short trip needs this much luggage?"

Melissa's lips curved faintly. "Girls pack extra outfits for photos."

Yet she'd never been photo-obsessed before. That unease spread through his veins, itching to rip open her suitcases right there.

As he stepped forward, Barbara's urgent call interrupted. After a tense silence, Jacob rushed out, tossing over his shoulder:

"Melissa, don't stay too long. Text your return flight—I'll pick you up."

She gave no reply.

This was goodbye.

Five hours before takeoff, she changed the entry code.

Replaced her birthday with Barbara's, leaving a sticky note:

[Since this will be Ms. Davis's home soon, her birthday suits the code better.]

Three hours before takeoff, she gathered every photo of them, feeding each into the fire.

Him kissing her under fireworks, declaring she was his.

Him kneeling at sunset, vowing eternal love.

Him shielding her from a car, breaking three ribs. Him tracking her period. His social media flooded with her.

Spring strolls, summer adventures, autumn embraces, winter searches—all turned to ash.

They were over.

Two hours before takeoff, her phone chimed.

Barbara sent a video: a family banquet with Jacob's friends, Barbara's circle, and elders.

The crowd pressed the couple together, chanting:

"Kiss her!

Kiss her!

Kiss her!"

"Come on Jacob! Wedding's in days—why shy now?"

Amidst the cheers, Barbara closed her eyes and leaned in, her cheeks flushed crimson. The crowd's screams intensified, chanting for Jacob to kiss her.

Jacob locked eyes with her before closing his own, his hand cradling the back of her head as he gave her a deep French kiss.

The video looped relentlessly. On its seventh replay, Barbara’s message flashed across the screen:

【Melissa, see this? I’m the Rivera family’s chosen bride. Your poverty-stricken background? The Riveras would never accept you.

A beggar’s more your match.】

【So what if Jacob loved you? His defenses crumble daily—meeting my parents, my friends, moving in together. He just kissed me. How long till we share a bed?】

Melissa didn’t reply. She silently printed every taunting message, stacking them into a neat pile in her barren living room.

One hour before departure, she scrawled a final line atop the stack:

【Jacob, happy wedding. We’re done.】

Wheeling her suitcase through the gated community, she hailed a cab racing toward the airport.

From today onward, I reclaim my title as the richest heiress.

And you... mean nothing to me now.