The entire hall was in chaos after Lizzy’s outburst. Voices overlapped in a jumble of disbelief, the servants stood frozen, and Grandfather Robbins’ sharp command for silence only deepened the tension that hung like smoke in the grand room.Chloe’s face drained of color. The words “your father is still in jail” echoed in her mind over and over until they seemed to ring inside her skull. For a long moment, she couldn’t even move.Lizzy stood stiff, her breathing unsteady, realizing only now that she had crossed a line she could never uncross.“Out,” Grandfather Robbins barked at the guests. “All of you—out!”Within moments, the hall began to clear. The relatives and onlookers who had come to celebrate now hurriedly excused themselves, whispering behind fans and half-raised glasses. The glittering chandeliers above cast fractured reflections across the marble floor — reflections that now looked less like luxury and more like broken shards of pride.When the room was nearly empty, Gran

Chloe’s breath caught the moment she entered into the grand mall. She’d seen luxury before, but this—this was another world entirely. The air itself smelled of wealth: a faint blend of fresh lilies, leather, and perfume that probably cost more than a year’s rent in her old apartment.After what happened the previous night with Lizzy talking about her father being a prisoner, which she hadn’t bothered to find out if it was true or not, a shopping spree with Wirtkov King was the kind of distraction that she needed.Wirtkov smiled at her awe. “Welcome to my favorite playground,” he said lightly, motioning to the rows of crystal-lit racks where limited-edition dresses shimmered like constellations.“Playground?” Chloe repeated, laughing nervously. “You make it sound like you own the place.”“Not quite,” he said with a wink, “but close enough. The manager owes me a few favors.”As if on cue, a tall woman in sleek black approached with a professional smile. “Mr. King,” she said smoothly, bo

Chloe couldn’t stop smiling as the driver pulled into the Robbins mansion driveway. The trunk of the car was full with all the stuffs that Wirtkov King had bought for her and she just couldn’t wait to get inside and begin to show off once again.She was really enjoying the way things were unfolding especially with her being miles ahead of Emma with the choice of a life partner.As the driver carried the first load of boxes inside, Chloe could no longer contain her excitement any longer. “Aunt Rose!” she called out, her voice bubbling with delight. “You won’t believe what Mr. King got me today!”Rose appeared at the top of the staircase, her expression one of expectant curiosity. She didn’t need to see the stuffs that Chloe had brought home before she’d believe. She had seen the news too, and all she had been waiting for was for Chloe to come home so they could both share in her excitement together.And so, the moment she saw the trail of luxury packages filling the grand hallway, her

The following morning arrived with the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the high glass windows of the Robbins mansion. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and buttered croissants wafted through the air, mingling with the low hum of conversation around the long dining table.The family had gathered for breakfast as usual, and this time around, the atmosphere wasn’t tensed as it used to be, as it could almost appear as though everyone seemed to want a peaceful and a quiet breakfast.Ethan, as usual, sat quietly at the far end beside Emma, who looked well-rested though still distant in thought. Across the table, Chloe was radiating excitement, her makeup flawless, her phone propped beside her plate as if she were waiting for another notification from social media.Aunt Rose sat next to her, sipping from her porcelain cup while her eyes darted between everyone with that habitual gleam of intrigue. Grandpa Robbins, dignified and calm as ever, occupied the head of the table, unfolding

Chloe slammed her bedroom door shut so hard that one of the picture frames rattled against the wall. She twisted the lock with trembling fingers, her vision blurry with hot tears.She had heard enough for one morning, and just couldn't take it anymore as it was just too much to take in.She slid down to the floor, her back against the door, her knees pressed to her chest. A broken sob escaped her before she could stop it.“Why… why didn’t someone just tell me?” she whispered to the empty room.Her phone buzzed in her trembling hand — the image of Mr. King contact glowed softly on her screen. A surge of desperation shot through her chest.She needed him at that moment, as he was the only person who truly made her feel chosen and worthy.Her thumb slammed the call button before she could think twice.There was no other person she'd love to speak with at that point than Mr. King himself, and all she could do at that point was to hope and wish that he'd answer.“Chloe?” came the deep, vel