From Underworld to Crown

My fiancé, Richard Ahmed, had been unfaithful.

His mistress, Eva Marsh, sent me a provocative video.

In the video, Richard and Eva were passionately kissing, while his friends cheered loudly, "You two are perfect for each other. You should get married."

Richard's parents were holding Eva's hand, saying, "You're the only one we see as part of the family."

I let out a cold laugh and dialed the number of my father, the head of a criminal syndicate. "Get in touch with a team for me. I have a live stream event planned."

"Alright. The condition is that you return to Zlomont and become the new head of the Brooks Group."

...

"Oh my, she looks so happy."

"I'm so envious of Isabella, to be favored by Mr. Ahmed."

The throng's voices rose and fell, yet I felt nothing but a suffocating weight in my chest.

In the center of the red carpet, Richard knelt on one knee, holding up a ring set with a red diamond. His eyes held such deep devotion, like I was his entire universe.

I gazed at him, my heart churning with uncontainable rage.

The photos and videos sent by Eva were still on my phone, her brazen provocation like daggers stabbing my heart, making it hard to breathe.

I had an urge to smash the phone on Richard's face and ask him what he truly thought of me.

But that wasn't enough!

A hysterical confrontation wouldn't balance the humiliation I felt!

Both Richard and Eva needed to pay for what they did to me!

"Isabella, will you marry me?" Richard urged, his tone filled with anticipation.

I beamed slightly, concealing my anger deep in my eyes. "Yes."

Cheers erupted, applause thundered.

The ring slid onto my finger, cold against my skin, and he pulled me into his arms, kissing me deeply amidst the crowd's uproar.

I battled the wave of disgust, letting my thoughts drift back to the summer five years ago when we confirmed our relationship.

Richard's eyes then were full of endless affection, and he swore he would love me forever. But it turned out his "forever" lasted only five years.

After the proposal succeeded, Richard eagerly began planning the wedding. He attended to every detail, from invitations to the wedding dress, as if he were the perfect fiancé.

Watching his busy figure, I sneered inwardly. If not for the constant reminders from the texts on my phone, he might have fooled everyone.

"You're too sensitive. Richard just loves me a little more."

Eva's messages kept popping up, her tone casual, as if purposely trying to provoke me.

I clutched my phone tightly, forcing myself to remain composed.

"The custom jewelry has arrived at the store. I'll go with you to take a look," Richard suggested, kissing my cheek. "I'll help you pick out more."

I didn't refuse Richard's invitation to shop.

The store manager enthusiastically displayed necklaces from the safe, inviting me to try them on.

I smiled gracefully, comparing them in the mirror, while my peripheral vision caught Richard in the background, his focus entirely on his phone, fingers swiftly moving across the screen.

"How about this one?" I deliberately interrupted him.

Richard cast a glance at me quickly. "It's nice, and suits you perfectly..."

His phone rang again, his brow furrowed, and he quickly made an excuse. "Dear, there's a problem with the wedding arrangements. I need to go back right away."

"I'll go with you." I settled down the necklace, fixing my gaze at him.

"No need, it's too far," he immediately refused, his tone even a bit urgent. "I don't want you to tire yourself."

My heart chilled slightly, but I still managed to smile. "Alright, you go ahead."

He left a kiss on my forehead, his voice tender. "Choose one you like. I'll surprise you when I return."

I nodded slightly, watching him leave in a hurry. Once his silhouette vanished completely, my smile faded.

The store manager came over, asking warmly, "Would you like to try some other styles?"

"No, thank you." I shook my head, my voice carrying a glacial edge.

Upon leaving the jewelry store, my phone buzzed again.

A new screenshot of message appeared on the phone.

Eva said, "I miss you so much."

Richard replied, "Baby, I'm on my way."

My breath caught, fingers turning cold.

Eva added, "Don't mind. He's just overly concerned about me."

I clenched the phone tightly, trying to suppress the stabbing pain in my heart, then opened my contacts to find the encrypted number.

I filled my lungs and worked up the courage to press the call button.

"Hello?" A deep, authoritative voice soon came from the other end, carrying a sense of pressure.

"Help me arrange a live stream event," I said.

After a moment of silence, a cold laugh echoed through.

"What kind of status do you have to dare command the head of the Brooks family to serve you?"

I didn't hesitate. "You must admit, Carson, I am still your best successor."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, followed by Carson Brooks' sardonic chuckle. "Isabella, you're way too full of yourself."

I clenched my fingers, my voice steady. "It's confidence. Without enough confidence, I wouldn't have reached out to you."

"Very well." Carson's tone gradually took on a serious edge. "I can help you, but you must agree-to accept my test and prove with your abilities that you are worthy of becoming the true successor to the Brooks Group."

My heart tightened painfully. I knew this was the price of making a pact with him who was like a devil. "I agree."

Carson seemed satisfied with my straightforwardness, his deep voice slowly resonating. "I'll give you Walter's phone number. He will provide whatever you need. Do not disappoint me, Isabella."

Not long after hanging up, my phone rang again. Eva sent a recording.

I clicked to play it.

"Aren't you supposed to be with your fiancée?" Eva's laughter was seductive.

"Aren't you missing me?" Richard replied breathlessly.

Then came the sound of kissing and rustling fabric. The recording abruptly ended.

I stared at the screen, my hand trembling, each breath a stab of pain.

My stomach churned, and I even wanted to rush over and tear apart their self-righteous facade! But I had to endure-now was not the time.

A hunter must be patient, or they risked becoming the hunted.

The screen lit up with an unfamiliar number. "Miss Brooks, I am Walter Saunders, Mr. Carson Brooks' secretary." The voice was crisp and composed. "The live stream team is ready. When would you like to proceed?"

I took a breath, enunciating clearly, "A week from now, at my wedding."

"Understood." He paused. "Additionally, tonight you will represent the Brooks Group at the Douglas family's Royal Charity Ball. I've sent the invitation and guest list to your email. The dress and jewelry are ready for you."

I knew this was Carson's arrangement. I had no power to refuse, nor did I intend to.

"I understand."

After hanging up, I was about to come up with an excuse to brush off Richard, but he messaged me first. "Darling, there's an emergency at work tonight. I'll be back late."

I stared at the message, unable to suppress a sneer. I knew the Ahmed Group's project schedules better than he did. There was no overtime planned tonight. As for where was he going, I already had the answer in my heart.

Sometimes I even tortured myself wondering if every night he stayed out, he was in Eva's bed.

The Royal Charity Ball proceeded as scheduled. As the representative of the Brooks Group, I signed a $300 million donation, setting down the pen amid applause. It was a prestigious event where donations signified influence and status.

I mingled with a champagne glass, handling the scene with ease, though it felt utterly dull.

Until I heard a familiar voice.

"Mr. Sanderson, let me introduce-this is Miss Eva Marsh, the chief planner of the Ahmed Group. She is in charge of the AO3 project in collaboration with your company."

I froze for a moment, then turned around.

Eva was dressed in a nude gown, affectionately holding Richard's arm, her smile both smug and sweet.

My breath caught, and then I laughed. The AO3 project? I built this project from scratch, but Eva took all the credit. And Richard had the audacity to bring her to such an event?

I raised my champagne glass, my gaze clear, my tone laced with just the right amount of surprise and innocence.

"Oh my, Richard, what brings you here?"

"Isabella?" Richard's eyes flashed with shock and confusion, almost losing composure as he lowered his voice to ask, "What are you doing here?"

I didn't answer. Instead, I turned to Jayden and greeted him with a handshake, keeping my usual poised smile.

Then I asked softly, "Richard, since when did Eva become the chief planner at Ahmed Group? How come I never knew?"

Richard was momentarily stunned but quickly covered it up, saying, "It's a necessary change for the group's operations. Eva's talents will bring more benefits to the company. Plus, she did an excellent job on the AO3 project."

I pretended to be confused, "But the person responsible for the AO3 project... was me-"

Before I could finish, he abruptly interrupted, "Isabella, not now. Don't talk about this in front of others."

Richard hurriedly bid farewell to Jayden and led me towards a corner of the ballroom. I noticed Eva's gaze was filled with smugness and arrogance.

"I'm sorry." Richard pulled me to a secluded spot, he sounded apologetic, "This wasn't my idea; it was my father Danny's."

I replied coldly, "The AO3 project is mine. You know how much effort I put into it."

Richard reached out to embrace me, speaking in a low voice, "Of course I know. But if I want my parents to agree to our marriage, I have to make compromises."

My breath caught.

Richard's parents never liked me. To keep Richard and his family out of criminal syndicate conflicts, I hid my identity as Brooks family's heiress. In their eyes, I was just an ordinary girl surviving on scholarships. Meanwhile, Eva, the adopted daughter of Ahmed family with millions in inheritance, was their perfect match for Richard.

"Isabella, I promise this will be the last time," Richard said urgently. "Just endure it once more, for our future."

I stared at him. This man, whom I once loved with all my heart, had said the same "the last time" too many times before.

I almost raised my hand to slap him but forced myself to hold back.

I lowered my gaze, pretending to be aggrieved. "Alright... for our wedding."

His eyes lit up, and he hugged me tightly. "Thank you, Isabella, thank you for your understanding."

In his embrace, my resentment deepened.

At that moment, Eva approached. "Richard!" she called flirtatiously, deliberately elongating her voice.

As Richard let go of me, Eva inappropriately linked her arm with his. She leaned her body against him, subtly rubbing her soft chest against him, and pouted, "Richard, it's my first time at such a grand event. I'm so scared and need you with me."

I raised an eyebrow. Eva dared to provoke me at such an event.

Even more disgusting, she turned to me and called out coyly, "Isabella, can I borrow him for a while?"

Richard's face darkened, and he warned softly, "Eva, stop messing around."

But Eva acted as if she didn't hear, cheerfully saying, "Isabella is so generous; she surely won't mind."

I smirked coldly. "Of course not."

Richard awkwardly whispered to me, "I might be busy with socializing until late tonight. You should go home and rest later, okay?"

With that, he was forcibly dragged away by Eva.

I watched them leave, feeling utterly hollow inside.

Memories rushed in-countless nights of dates, where a single call from Eva would make him leave without hesitation. Whether it was a date, shopping, or watching a movie, even when I was sick, he would leave me to comfort Eva, who was "having nightmares".

I once foolishly thought it was his genuine care like a brother, but now I see I was blind and foolish.

I forced myself to remain calm; being Brooks family's heiress, I couldn't lose composure in such a setting.

Once I steadied my emotions, I returned to the ballroom to complete the final negotiations with Erick Douglas.

Throughout the conversation, I displayed the professionalism and composure expected of me, though anger churned inside.

Finally, I made it through until I could leave.

In the underground parking lot, just as I unlocked my car, my phone buzzed.

A message popped up on the screen-it was from Eva.

"Want to know how great Richard is in bed? Come to the underground parking lot."