Chapter 2

James dodged the slap with ease, his lowered gaze slowly lifting to meet mine calmly. "You haven't changed since we were kids. Still so stubborn," he said.

After a tense standoff for several seconds, he shrugged as if giving in. "Fine, I'll leave. Happy now? If I don't let you vent, who knows what you'll do to make trouble later."

He strolled downstairs with familiar ease, brimming with confidence. "Emma, be good. Wait for me to come marry you."

My fists clenched so hard they hurt. I immediately called for someone to throw out everything he brought.

Then I phoned the Galton and Monroe Groups, cutting off all ties with the Sterling family.

He really had a death wish.

Trying to mess with me.

My Monroe family could make the Sterlings rich or leave them with nothing.

After venting my anger, I attended a friend's jewelry exhibition, planning to pick up a piece she designed just for me.

Unfortunately, I ran into James again at the event, with a visibly pregnant Sarah by his side.

Spotting the jewelry box in my hand, Sarah spoke first, her smile bright and smug. "You must be Emma, right? Just like James said, a spoiled heiress who spends money like water."

When I didn't respond, she seemed to think I was intimidated, standing a bit taller. "Once you're married to James, all the money goes to me so you don't squander it."

I'd never seen someone so eager to dig their own grave. A cold smirk tugged at my lips, but before I could speak, James stepped in front of her. "Sarah means well. Don't throw a tantrum, Emma."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "What's it to you how I spend my family's money?"

Even when my parents were alive, they never controlled my spending. They'd only transfer money to my account if my daily expenses dipped below half a million. Who did she think she was to manage me?

James shook his head disapprovingly. "You're always so reckless. Emma, if I hadn't worked hard to maintain the Monroe family's business all these years, do you think you'd be living this pampered heiress life?"

"Sure, it's what a fiancé should do, but-" He sighed wearily. "I get tired too. Can't you be more understanding?"

I nearly burst out laughing.

Never mind that James faked his death for three years, completely abandoning everything. Even when he briefly managed the Monroe Group, he left behind a mess of bad accounts in just a few months.

A talentless rich kid who couldn't even spot his own team skimming profits had the nerve to claim my lavish lifestyle was his doing.

Utterly ridiculous.

Not wanting my mood ruined further, I decided to move to another part of the exhibition.

James stepped in my path, casually snatching the jewelry box from my hand and passing it to Sarah.

Then he turned to me, teasing as if I were a pet. "Apologize, and I'll give it back. I can't keep spoiling you, or you'll cause even more trouble when you become Mrs. Sterling."