Billionaire' Tricks: Married at First Sight

The rainy season had arrived, and the rain poured endlessly.

The wind swept the clouds away, allowing the rain to fall freely. Inside the dance studio, a group of children in ballet attire practiced under the careful guidance of their instructor.

"Let your hands hang naturally, arms forming an oval shape. Pay close attention to the teacher's movements..."

Angela was focused on her teaching.

Meanwhile, parents who had come to pick up their children gathered in small groups, whispering about the hottest topic in San Francisco:

[The Moore family has finally found their long-lost daughter after twenty years.]

"So, Teacher Moore isn't actually related to the Moore family by blood? No wonder she doesn't look like them at all."

"I heard she was adopted from an orphanage, but now that they've found their real daughter, her position has become quite awkward."

"Even her fiancé, Alex, doesn't seem to want her anymore."

"They only adopted her because they couldn't find their real daughter. She was nothing more than a stand-in, a form of psychological comfort for the Moore family."

Their gazes fell upon Angela, filled with sympathy.

She was tall and fair-skinned-a classic beauty with striking bone structure.

Her almond-shaped eyes were particularly stunning, brimming with autumn-like softness and the elegance of distant mountains. Her long, slender legs appeared even more delicate in her black-and-white dance attire. Even without trying, she exuded an effortless charm.

She was composed and knew how to maintain proper boundaries.

Not only did the children adore her, but the parents also spoke highly of her.

When her class ended and she sent the students and parents off, a colleague approached her with concern.

"How's your foot?"

"It's alright."

"I kept signaling for you to rest. Why didn't you take a break?"

"The children and parents come here for me. If I sit down the entire time, I'm sure complaints will start rolling in." Angela smiled as she bent down to massage her right ankle.

Her right leg had been injured long ago and never fully healed. Rainy days brought unbearable pain, cutting her professional dancing career short. Now, she worked as a dance instructor at a training institute.

"It's raining... Is Mr. Rogers coming to pick you up?" her colleague asked while tidying up the equipment, eyeing Angela carefully.

Angela kept her head down, rubbing her ankle, making it hard to read her expression. Her voice was quiet. "He's been busy lately. Probably doesn't have time."

The colleague fell silent.

Busy?

Most likely busy keeping the Moore family's real daughter company.

Alex had pursued Angela for a long time, and he knew that her leg ached on rainy days. Every time it rained, he would personally pick her up and drop her off at work. Many colleagues had envied her for having such a wealthy yet attentive fiancé.

But ever since the Moore family announced the return of their biological daughter, Alex had rarely been around.

Instead, he was always out having fun with the real heiress.

Her colleagues couldn't help but feel sorry for Angela.

"Teacher Moore, if the pain is too much, take a couple of days off. I'll explain to the students and parents." The institute's director observed her carefully. "You can barely walk. It's still raining outside-do you want me to take you to the hospital?"

"No need, thank you. I have other things to do. I'll just take a cab." Angela changed out of her dancewear and left the institute. By then, most colleagues and parents had already gone.

A misty sky loomed overhead, the rain falling in a hazy drizzle. The institute was located outside the city center, making it hard to hail a cab in this weather.

Holding her umbrella, Angela decided to walk to the nearby bus stop, hoping to find shelter from the rain while waiting for a ride.

A cold wind, laced with fine raindrops, seeped into her bones, making her shiver. She had underestimated the weather and dressed too lightly.

Before she reached the bus stop, the roar of an engine sounded behind her.

The car was speeding, its tires splashing rainwater as it approached. Angela's breath hitched-something felt off. The vehicle was heading straight for her.

She stepped back hurriedly, her heel catching on the curb. She nearly stumbled into the damp grass of the landscaping area.

The screech of brakes pierced the air.

The car stopped just two or three meters away from her.

Her face went pale, breath unsteady.

"I'm terribly sorry! Are you alright?" The driver quickly opened the door and rushed over. Upon seeing her, he gasped in surprise. "Miss Moore?"

Angela looked at him, momentarily stunned.

He seemed familiar, but she couldn't immediately recall who he was.

At that moment, the rear passenger door opened.

A tall figure stepped out, dressed in an impeccably tailored British-style suit. His imperial-collar shirt was paired with a four-in-hand knotted tie. His presence was already cold, as if he carried frost and snow in his very bones-an aura of menace surrounding him.

His gaze was deep and detached, devoid of any warmth.

Holding a black umbrella, his features became clearer as he stepped forward-sharp brows, strikingly defined eyes, exuding an air of indifference and arrogance.

His strides were long, and within a few steps, he stood directly before her.

As the umbrella tilted slightly, it shielded her from the wind and rain.

"Mr. William?"

Angela's umbrella had unknowingly slipped from her grasp.

Under the cover of his umbrella, they were standing much too close for comfort-well beyond a safe distance. Feeling uneasy, she instinctively tried to step back. But the rain had made the ground slippery, and her right foot faltered.

Just as she was about to fall, Frances reached out, steadying her by the forearm.

Angela hadn't even processed what was happening before the warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her body.

Sharing the same umbrella, they stood incredibly close.

Close enough that Angela could catch the woody scent on him-warm yet crisp, refined yet restrained, its presence impossible to ignore.

The unfamiliar intrusion sent her mind into chaos.

"Thank you," she hurriedly said.

"You're welcome." Frances withdrew his hand. "It was my driver's mistake. I apologize for the scare. Miss Moore... your foot-do you need a ride to the hospital?"

"No, it's an old injury."

The driver, John, quickly chimed in, "The tires skidded in the rain. I'm really sorry. Luckily, you weren't hit. But just to be safe, let us take you to the hospital."

He apologized profusely.

"It's really alright, there's no need." Angela tried to refuse, but when her eyes met Frances', she felt an inexplicable chill.

Frances had arrived in San Francisco two weeks ago for unknown reasons.

Even among the noble families of the capital, his presence commanded attention. Wherever he appeared, people scrambled to curry favor. In a place like San Francisco, his influence was even more overwhelming.

Angela had only seen him once before-at a gala she attended with Alex.

At the time, he had been seated high above the crowd, exuding indifference.

His gaze, calm and unreadable, swept over the room with quiet intensity-like a wolf lurking in the shadows, observing its prey.

His presence alone was enough to make people's nerves tighten.

"Come on, the rain is getting heavier, and it's hard to get a cab around here," John urged. "I heard you're a dancer-if your leg gets seriously injured, that would be terrible. Let's just get it checked, so we can all feel at ease."

Angela understood what he meant.

Too many people wanted to ingratiate themselves with Frances. They were likely worried that if she refused now but claimed injuries later, they'd be accused of negligence.

Going to the hospital would put everyone at ease.

"Miss Moore, get in the car," Frances said, his voice cold and unreadable, yet carrying an undeniable authority.

Understanding his concern, Angela had no choice but to comply.

Inside the car, tension filled the air. She barely knew Mr. William, and the sheer weight of his presence was suffocating. Fortunately, the hospital was nearby, and they arrived in less than ten minutes.

The silence was overwhelming until her phone vibrated.

She answered. "Dad?"

"Where are you? Why aren't you here yet?"

"I just got off work-"

"I've told you countless times, quit that job! Our family doesn't need the little money you make." James Moore's voice was displeased. "People might think we can't afford to support you!"

Frances, gazing at the rain-speckled window, subtly clenched the fingers resting on his knee.

James scolded Angela for a few moments.

She lowered her voice, "Dad, I'll be there soon."

The car was too quiet, and snippets of their conversation reached Frances and John's ears.

Neither of them commented, but Angela felt extremely embarrassed. "Mr. William, I really don't need to go to the hospital. I have an appointment with someone. If possible, you can drop me off ahead. Don't worry, my leg is an old injury-it really has nothing to do with you."

"Where are you going?" Frances turned his head slightly to look at her. "I'll take you there."

"That's too much trouble."

"It's no trouble. We're heading to the city anyway," John said with a smile.

Since it was hard to get a cab, Angela didn't refuse any further and told them she was going to the Champs-Élysées Hotel.

Nothing more was said along the way. When they reached her destination, Angela thanked them and got out of the car. The cold wind carried raindrops that stung her skin, sharpening her senses. As soon as she entered the hotel, she sneezed twice in a row.

"Miss Moore," John suddenly caught up to her.

Angela turned to him with a polite smile, wondering what he needed.

John handed her a black trench coat.

This was...

Frances' coat?

"Our sir said it's cold in the rain, and he hopes Miss Moore will take care of herself."

"This isn't appropriate."

"You're worried about the coat? It's brand new. Our sir hasn't worn it yet."

Without waiting for her response, John shoved the coat into her arms and left.

"I didn't mean that..." Angela tried to protest, but John had already walked away. Her ankle still hurt, making it impossible to chase after him.

People always said Mr. William was difficult to approach, but he didn't seem so bad.

It appeared that rumors weren't always reliable.

--

Before Angela even entered the private dining room, she heard laughter and the clinking of glasses. Clearly, the meal had already begun. Aside from The Moore family, Alex was also present.

As soon as she walked in, the laughter stopped.

She felt like an outsider who had intruded, disrupting the warmth and harmony.

"You're finally here." Her adoptive father, James, frowned in disapproval. "That job of yours-quit it as soon as possible. It's just a teaching position at a training center. Anyone who doesn't know better might think you're out there closing million-dollar deals, making us wait for you."

"Enough, stop saying that." Her adoptive mother, Maria, frowned.

"Dad, she didn't mean to be late," said Daisy, the daughter The Moore family had reunited with half a month ago.

When they found her, Daisy had been working as a salesperson in a shopping mall. She hadn't gotten into college and had started working straight after high school.

Daisy looked at Angela. "Sis, I'm really sorry we had to wait for you for so long. We got hungry and started eating first. You don't mind, do you?"

Angela shook her head.

"I really envy you-you're beautiful and can dance. Not like me, I don't know anything..." Daisy's voice was filled with admiration, but there was an underlying bitterness. No matter her looks, figure, or temperament, she couldn't compare to Angela.

Hearing this, The Moore family parents felt even more sympathy for her.

Learning the arts required money, and Daisy's past environment hadn't allowed for that.

Since their real daughter had suffered hardships, now that she was home, they naturally wanted to give her the best of everything.

Angela was genuinely happy for their reunion.

At the same time, she knew she had to give up everything she had once enjoyed.

But she had no resentment-because these things had never truly belonged to her.

She had been adopted at four years old. Without a blood connection, no matter how obedient or well-behaved she was, her adoptive parents had always remained distant. Then, a year later, they had a biological son. After that, something happened that made Angela's situation even worse.

As people of status and reputation, The Moore family feared the backlash of returning her to the orphanage. Though they remained emotionally distant, they maintained a façade of care-providing for her basic needs.

To uphold their public image and gain a good reputation, they even donated a large sum to the orphanage every year.

"Sis, Brother Alex wanted to pick you up from work, but I happened to be out shopping, so I asked him to pick me up instead. You're not mad, are you?" Daisy smiled.

"I'm not."

"You don't look happy-I thought you were upset." Daisy sounded innocent.

"I've never lived in San Francisco before, so everything is unfamiliar to me. Brother Alex was just being kind."

"He told me to reach out to him if I ever needed help. Since I don't know many people here, he's the one I'm closest to. I was even worried I might be bothering him."

"It's no bother," Alex said, sitting beside Daisy, attentively serving her food.

To an outsider, it would seem as if Daisy was his fiancée instead.

Angela's face turned slightly pale. She removed Frances' trench coat and hung it to the side-immediately catching Daisy's attention.

"Sis, this coat isn't yours, is it?"

It was clearly a men's coat.

Alex's gaze instantly darkened, locking onto Angela.

Every day, he had been picking Daisy up, taking her around in his car.

But now, the way he looked at Angela-

It was as if she were the one involved with another man.

--

Meanwhile,

John had caught up with Frances, smiling ingratiatingly. "Sir, I delivered the coat."

"She accepted it?"

"I forced it on her and ran away before she could refuse," John said, as if waiting for praise.

"......"

"Miss Moore is really in a tough spot. The Moore family is unbelievable-they know she has a leg injury, and yet, on a rainy day, they didn't even send a driver. And Alex? What kind of fiancé is he? He doesn't pick up his own fiancée in the rain but rushes off to pick up someone else instead. Ridiculous."

John glanced at his boss. "You finally got Miss Moore into the car, but you barely spoke to her. What a missed opportunity."

"James' words were too harsh. After living together for so many years, she's called him 'Dad' for so long, yet he doesn't care for her in the slightest. She's not stealing or begging-she's earning her own living. What's wrong with that?"

Frances lifted his eyes slightly. "I'm thinking about something."

"You're thinking about how to take advantage of the situation and steal the love?"

John had learned to drive with a focus on safety. When his boss ordered him to "accidentally" create a traffic incident to get close to Miss Moore, he had nearly lost his mind!

To get near her, his boss was really...

Frances shot him a look. "I'm thinking about why you're not mute."

John immediately shut up.

Frances stood by the window, his expression unreadable.

Outside, the storm raged, reflecting a force as powerful as an advancing army.

He held an unlit cigarette between his fingers.

Crushed it into an unrecognizable shape.

At this moment, all eyes in the private room were fixed on that coat, and the atmosphere grew tense.

Daisy smiled, breaking the silence. "I was worried that no one would pick you up in the rain, Sister. But it seems I was overthinking."

Without warning, Alex suddenly stood up, his face cold, and left the room.

"Brother Alex?"

Daisy quickly got up and chased after him.

Angela nearly laughed out of anger. Who was the one who should be upset here?

James pointed to a seat nearby. "Sit down. While those two are out, your mother and I have something to discuss with you."

She nodded and sat down.

"Angela, you and Alex got together because your father and I arranged this as a business marriage. We knew you were unwilling at the time, and we feel somewhat guilty about it," Maria said with a smile.

"Mom, why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

Angela wasn't foolish-she could guess their intention.

"We can't hold you up for life. How about... you take the initiative to break off the engagement?"

Angela lowered her head slightly, saying nothing.

"You should have noticed that Daisy likes him a lot. She was lost for so many years and suffered a lot. You've lived in our home for years. We never treated you unfairly in terms of food, clothing, or education. We even sent you to learn dance; we really did our best," Maria said, as if reasoning with her.

"Besides..."

"You have plenty of suitors, and you don't even like Alex. Why not make way for your sister?"

Maria's gaze landed on the coat.

Being accustomed to luxury, she could tell at a glance that the coat was expensive.

Angela pressed her lips together. "Mom, how do you know I don't like him?"

"You think we're discussing this with you?" James frowned.

"To be honest, the only reason The Rogers family agreed to the engagement was because Alex likes you. They have never truly valued you. Even if you marry him, you won't have a good life there."

"Then why do I have to be the one to break off the engagement?" Angela countered.

James and Maria looked uncomfortable.

Angela was smart enough to see through it-

Alex liked her, so he was unlikely to end the engagement himself. If Daisy continued getting involved with him, people would accuse her of being a homewrecker.

So, Angela had to be the one to step aside.

"Why do you have so many questions? If we tell you to end it, you end it!" James snorted. "What? Have we raised you for so many years just to have you defy us?"

"Don't forget who gave you everything you have now!"

"I gave it to you, and I can take it all back!"

"James!" Maria frowned. "Talk to the child properly. Angela has always been obedient and sensible."

"I just want her to understand-there is no such thing as true love in this world. Even if she marries into The Rogers family, without us backing her, they won't treat her well. Alex likes her now, but will he protect her for a lifetime?"

James continued, "If you want to marry someone else in the future, we'll give you a generous dowry. Even if men are unreliable, you'll be financially secure for life."

"The most important thing in life is knowing when to be satisfied."

Her adoptive parents took turns persuading her, reminding her-

Don't be greedy.

"Enough. Angela is an understanding child. She knows what to do," Maria said.

Angela sneered inwardly.

Her adoptive parents had never been warm to her, and ever since Daisy returned, they had been bending over backward to please her. Their attitude toward Angela had shifted dramatically.

"Dad, Mom, I need some air."

"Stay right there! You have to call off the engagement-"

James bellowed behind her.

Angela had known Alex for a long time. They had been together for a year and engaged for six months. When she was injured, he actively helped her find doctors and took care of her at the hospital. She had been touched by his efforts.

She did have feelings for Alex.

But now, her feelings no longer mattered.

As long as Daisy wanted something,

She had to give it up without question.

-

Angela felt suffocated in the private room. With her leg aching, she just wanted to get some fresh air. But after stepping out, she sneezed several times, her head feeling dizzy and heavy.

Turning a corner, she unexpectedly saw Alex talking to Daisy.

Daisy looked up at him, her eyes filled with affection and shyness.

Alex had already noticed Angela from the corner of his eye, yet he made no effort to keep his distance. Instead, he reached out and ruffled Daisy's hair.

His lips curled into a smile, his expression indulgent.

Angela's fingers curled slightly at her sides.

And then-

Daisy stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips.

Her face flushed as she turned to leave, only to meet Angela's gaze head-on.

Looking flustered, she called out, "Sister," her lips trembling as if trying to explain, but she didn't know what to say.

After struggling for a moment, she only managed to stammer, "Sister, don't misunderstand. Brother Alex and I are just-"

"Seeing it with my own eyes-there's no room for misunderstanding."

Daisy quickly stepped forward. "Sister, you really misunderstood."

Her face burned with embarrassment, and she couldn't come up with a proper excuse.

Especially under Angela's scrutiny, she felt guilty and humiliated, her eyes turning red with anxiety.

"It's just..."

Daisy bit her lip but couldn't say anything convincing. She was so flustered she was on the verge of tears.

Angela found it laughable.

Who was actually the victim here?

To outsiders, it would seem like she, the adopted daughter, was being cruel to the real daughter.

"Enough, it's just a misunderstanding," Alex stepped forward and looked at Angela. "Why are you being so aggressive?"

"What did I do to her?"

Alex frowned slightly and stiffened. "Daisy was just thanking me for taking care of her recently."

"I've never heard of a thank-you that requires a kiss on the lips."

"That's enough," Alex said impatiently.

He had always resented the fact that Angela barely let him touch her. Even when they got engaged, the most he managed was a brief kiss on her cheek. His frustration had been building.

Angela looked at him seriously.

"Alex, we're done."

Alex's face stiffened. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, from now on, our engagement is over. Who you want to be with is no longer my concern." Angela turned to leave, but Alex grabbed her arm.

"Angela, you dare break up with me?"

"Sister, it's all my fault. Brother Alex truly loves you," Daisy pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Don't be mad at him. I'll apologize, okay?"

"Daisy, you don't need to apologize!" Alex gritted his teeth and glared at Angela.

"You've been messing around with another man, and I haven't even gotten mad. Now you want to call off the engagement? What, have you already found a replacement? Who's the guy you've been sneaking around with?"

"Watch your words!" Angela's lips pressed into a thin line.

"Am I wrong?"

Alex sneered. "Then tell me-whose coat is that? Don't tell me it belongs to one of your student's parents."

"It's Frances'."

The William family's Frances?

Even his father had a hard time meeting that man, and yet Angela had not only met him but had also received his coat?

Alex laughed coldly in disbelief. "Angela, at least try to make up a believable lie! A man like him wouldn't even look at you!"