Chapter 3 Say Something!

On the morning of the ceremony, the White family delivered a wedding gown meant for Anna.

Ivy, on a whim, slipped into the dress herself. She spun in front of the tall mirror, beaming as the expensive fabric shimmered around her.

In the reflection, Ivy caught sight of Anna hovering uncertainly nearby. She turned with a grin and approached. "Anna, what do you think?"

Anna's hands flew together, her face bright with a guileless smile. "It's nice, Ivy. It's really nice!"

A soft laugh escaped Ivy as she sized Anna up from head to toe.

Standing there in an old-fashioned red frock, Anna had a huge artificial flower pinned awkwardly to her hair.

As far as Ivy was concerned, Anna could never do justice to the designer gown from the White family. That dress deserved to shine on someone like her.

"Come on. Let's get moving," Ivy said.

When they arrived outside the Serene Hotel, Ivy climbed out and fussed with her dress before yanking Anna out of the car. "Stop stalling and get going!"

Together, they walked into the banquet hall, drawing a wave of curious eyes their way.

"Is she the one marrying into the White family?"

"She doesn't stand out at all, does she? Even with that high-end gown, it just doesn't look right on her."

"And who's the woman in red next to her?"

"I heard Cade's got a daughter with a brain injury. That must be her."

"Look at her! Even in that old-fashioned dress, she's actually gorgeous!"

That single remark from the crowd lit a fire in Ivy's chest. How could Anna, dressed so ridiculously, still manage to draw admiration? The urge to hush everyone up nearly overwhelmed her.

Before Ivy could say anything, Roderick Green, Owen's assistant, stepped forward and addressed Anna. "Miss Russell, the ceremony hasn't started yet. Mr. Owen White wants you to wait in the lounge and rest for a bit."

Casting a sideways glance at Roderick, Ivy quickly grabbed Anna's arm. "I'm coming too. I don't trust leaving my sister by herself."

Roderick's eyes lingered on Ivy's gown for a moment, but he only nodded. "This way, please."

As they walked, Ivy dug her fingers into Anna's side, hissing under her breath, "Don't you say anything you shouldn't once we're inside!"

Anna's eyes widened in pain and she nodded, shrinking back, her lips tightly sealed.

At the lounge door, Roderick knocked and then opened it. "Mr. White, your bride is here."

They stepped inside together, and Ivy immediately craned her neck, eager for her first glimpse of Owen.

Her breath caught when she spotted the man waiting in a wheelchair. Despite looking delicate, there was a striking elegance about him that couldn't be ignored.

"That can't be right!" Ivy blurted, stunned.

She had always believed the rumors about his supposed ugliness, but the man before her was anything but unattractive.

Even Anna, standing quietly at her side, couldn't hide her own shock.

What surprised her wasn't Owen's appearance, but the realization that the man in the wheelchair was her new target, and once she took him out, she would get three billion dollars.

Roderick's expression tightened. "Please, lower your voice. Mr. White is not to be agitated."

Regaining her composure, Ivy guided Anna by the arm. "Mr. White, let me introduce my sister. She's the one who will be marrying you."

"Is that so?" Owen's eyes drifted to Ivy. "If she's supposed to be my bride, why are you the one wearing the gown that was sent for her?"

Even with illness written across his face, Owen's gaze had a gravity that made Ivy's confidence falter.

"I-" Ivy started, then shoved Anna ahead. "Anna asked me to put it on. She insisted it looked better on me, didn't you, Anna?"

Anna stared, eyes wide with curiosity, taking in every detail of the man sitting before her.

Owen met Anna's gaze, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips.

When Anna didn't answer, Ivy jabbed her sharply. "Say something!"

Anna lurched forward, almost losing her balance.