Chapter 4
There were many fellow alumni in the room, and whispers immediately started to ripple through the crowd.]]
Words like “kept woman“, “mistress“, and “nouveau riche” reached my ears.]
Jessica clearly heard them too, raising an eyebrow with a smug sneer.]
“Riley, don’t say I never did anything for you. Take your pick of any of the distinguished men here. I’ll be sure to put in a good word for you.“]]
“Whether you’re the other woman or a side–piece, at least you can land someone who’s easy on the eyes.“[]
After saying this, she shot a pointed look at the classmates who disliked her.
“The same goes for all of you. Now that I’ve made it, I can’t forget my old friends.“[]
The girls‘ faces turned ugly, but they knew better than to challenge Jessica now.
Just then, a man bearing a slight resemblance to Jessica walked over, wearing an ill–fitting suit.[]
His eyes were fixed on my face, and he unconsciously licked his lips.[]
“Jess, this must be your roommate, Riley.“]
As he spoke, he reached out to put a hand on my shoulder.]
I frowned and stepped back, my expression turning cold.]
Seeing my reaction, Jessica’s eyes darted around before she stepped forward and put a deceptively friendly arm around me.]
“Riley, this is my brother, Tyler. I showed him your picture a while back, and he took a real liking to you.“]
“Since you’re already selling yourself, why not just marry my brother?“]
“It’s a clean arrangement, and you’ll be related to a billionaire.“]
Tyler licked his palm, slicked back his greasy hair, and introduced himself with an air of pride.[]
“Riley, from now on, you’re my wife. I’m the only son in the family. To be honest, you’re not good enough for me.“]
TE
“But you’re good–looking, so I can bring myself to marry you. Don’t worry, as long as you give me a son, my family won’t mind that you used to sell yourself.“]
Listening to them made my head ache.]
Back in college, Jessica would often return from breaks covered in bruises.]
When I asked, she would tearfully confess that her brother had hit her.[]
Chapter 4
I realized then that she likely came from a deeply patriarchal family that favored sons above all else.[]
Because of that, I often looked out for her and helped her out.]
But I later discovered she was selfish, narcissistic, and deeply insecure all at once.]
I used to think Jessica just had some issues and slowly distanced myself. Now I realized her problems were the least of it.[]
Jessica’s eyes were filled with smug satisfaction, she clearly knew exactly what kind of scumbag her brother was.[]
With more force than I intended, I threw off Jessica’s arm.]
She cried out in surprise before her shock turned to anger.]
“Riley, you ungrateful bitch! You don’t know what’s good for you!“]
“I’m the future wife of a billionaire! Making you my sister–in–law is a favor!“||]
Her eyes flashed with a vicious light as she snapped impatiently.]]
“Riley, starting today, you are a member of my family. The party is about to start, and you will enter as my brother’s date.“]
“It’ll be a good chance for my Dad and fiancé to get a look at you. If all goes well, you two can go get your marriage license tomorrow.”
I watched her with cold eyes, not moving.]
Tyler, however, rushed forward and slapped me across the face.[]
Before I could even react, he grabbed my arm and tried to yank me into his embrace.[]
“You little slut! I’m the billionaire’s brother–in–law! If you don’t listen, a few beatings will set you straight.“[]
As I struggled, I glanced at my watch.
“Why aren’t they here yet?“]
Jessica crossed her arms and sneered.[]
“What, you called for backup? Useless. I’m marrying the richest man in New York. No matter how many people you bring, I can still skin you alive.”
“Is that the little witch who scammed my dad out of his retirement money?!“]
Before Jessica could finish, her words were cut off by a sharp woman’s voice.[]
Then, a plainly dressed, middle–aged woman stormed in.]
She spotted the gorgeously dressed Jessica immediately, rushed forward, and slapped her hard across the face.[]
“You’re the little bitch, aren’t you? You even scam money from a ninety–year–old man!“]
