Chapter 1 One

"I refuse to marry!" After announcing, Lucy stared at the man she called 'father,' watching as his face went from pale to red, a comical sight to behold.

"Slap!" The anticipated slap echoed throughout the room. The man, Andrew Carter, had put a fair amount of strength into his strike, causing Lucy's face to swell instantly, blood oozing out from the corner of her mouth.

Lucy wiped the blood away with her hand, staring at Andrew.

Andrew pointed at her with his right hand and declared, "Lucy, whether you agree or not, you'll have to marry! Don't think I'm discussing this with you, I'm merely informing you! You've enjoyed the generosity of the Carter family for over two decades, it's about time you returned the favor!"

Lucy coldly stared at Andrew. After being away from him for several years, she noticed that he became more and more adept at spewing lies. What did he mean by her "enjoying the generosity of the Carter family for over two decades"? The 'Carter family was supposed to bear the 'Dalton' surname instead, a heritage left for her mother by her maternal grandfather and then for her by her mother. Yet, Andrew, the man she had once called 'father,' altered her mother's will after her tragic accident and claimed all the Dalton family's assets for himself when she was just five. It was that very year that her stepmother and stepsister officially entered the Carter household and claimed their rights as legitimate family members. Only then did she find out he already had another family and child outside.

"Is that so? Since it's like this, I'll agree to the marriage then." At her words, Andrew's face relaxed, and Alison and Jade Carter, who were enjoying the drama from the sofas, shared a look before breaking into laughter.

"At least you understand." Andrew sat next to Alison and said.

"However, I have a condition."

Andrew glanced at Lucy, accepted the tea from Alison, took a sip, and said, "Don't even think of setting conditions."

"If that's the case, then wait for your Sister Jade to marry into the Anderson family with its rumored tyrant."

"Are you threatening me?" Andrew stood up, and moved towards Lucy, "Unless you're dead, don't even think about it!"

"Well, then I'll go die, it's not like living is any fun."

Andrew stared at Lucy, watching her talk about death so calmly. It was as if she really would do something drastic if he didn't comply. "She's matured in these past few years," He thought.

"Go on then."

"Return the Dalton's estate to me."

Ethan, Alison, and Jade were all shocked when they heard his proposal. That property was built on prime real estate. Selling it would easily bring in hundreds of millions. Plus, it had some history. It was built by the Dalton family's ancestors and the design had distinct characteristics from the 20s and 30s, thereby also making it a landmark in New York City.

"You wish!" Alison exclaimed, standing up to reprimand Lucy. However, after Ethan gave her a stern look, she resentfully sat back down without saying a word and enjoyed the show.

"The property is something I will not give you," declared Ethan Carter. "Although, if you're interested in other properties or cash, I might consider it."

"All I want is that property, nothing else holds my interest."

"Lucy, a person should know how to take the hint. Like I told you before, you have to get married, whether you want to or not. But I figured, considering you're my daughter, I would give you some benefits. Nevertheless, if you're not content, don't blame me for being a harsh father."

Lucy gave a cold smile. "Ethan, right now you're the one begging me. I know that the Carter Corporation is facing a financial crisis. Without a robust capital injection, the Carter Corporation will likely crumble. You've managed to secure connections with the Anderson family, but they want you to marry your precious daughter, Jade, to the rumored tyrant Elias Anderson. Unwilling to give up your beloved daughter, you now realize, you have another daughter to throw into the mix."

Andrew's face turned alternatingly red and white, as Lucy's words hit home. He pointed at Lucy, panting heavily, unable to speak, only stammering out, "You... you..." Alison rushed over to help him sit on the sofa, coaxing him to calm down.

"Lucy, look at what you've done! How could you upset Father like this?"?"Jade glared at Lucy and accused her.

Lucy remained silent.

"Dad, look at her, she won't even respond when her big sister talks to her."Jade pouted, shaking Andrew's arm childishly.

"Jade Carter, can't you see your father is really upset right now? Go and make him a cup of tea." Alison gestured to her darling daughter using her eyes.

Jade brewed a cup of tea, gently blowing on it before handing it to Ethan. He took a sip and said, "Jade is always considerate."

Lucy looked at the loving family scene playing out in front of her, the affectionate parents and the dutiful daughter, and she gave a cold, derisive smile in her heart.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving," She said nonchalantly, heading to the foyer without looking back.

"Hold it right there, did I say you could leave?" Ethan barked.

"You might not have said it, but these are my legs–they listen only to me." With that, Lucy spoke, continuing to walk without looking back, heading straight toward the entranceway.

Andrew watched as Lucy, undeterred by his threats, continued to walk away. A sense of helplessness welled up within him. She was right; he did need her. The White Garden may be valuable, but it was nothing compared to the wealth of the Anderson family. He let out a heavy sigh. As Lucy's hand touched the doorknob, just as she was about to turn it, he spoke, "Fine, Lucy, the property is yours. But you have to promise me, that even if you become part of the Anderson family after marrying into it, you cannot use the Anderson's power to take revenge on the Carter's. After all, the predecessor of the Carter belonged to the Dalton estate, which was meticulously built by your grandfather and later passed down to your mother. Unfortunately, your mother's life was cut too short, and I had to take it over with reluctance.

Lucy looked at Andrew in amusement. It was quite a spectacle to see this poor man, who had gained so much, portraying himself as if he had suffered a great deal. "Don't worry, I won't. I'm not interested in your wealth," she said. With that, Lucy turned the doorknob to leave but then spoke again, "I hope the deed to Daltion estate is transferred to me by this afternoon."

Andrew was taken aback for a moment, his face darkening. "Alright."

Andrew had already made arrangements with the people at the housing administration office, so the transfer process went smoothly. As soon as Lucy got the document bag, she took a cab to the cemetery. Kneeling in front of her mother Isabella Dalton's grave, she placed the document bag in front of the gravestone and started to talk to her mother about her day. In the end, she said, "Mom, don't worry. I remember your words, about not living in hatred. I reclaimed the Dalton estate so that they wouldn't get it so easily. When you ask a favor, there's always a price to pay. Besides, you grew up there. Many of your memories are there. Mom, I will continue to live well in the future–for you and myself. I will live well."