Jennifer’s hand pressed against the cold marble stair rail, her knuckles white. Three months of this. Three months of being the silent, obedient wife while Ricky paraded his mistress through her own home. She heard the snicker from the doorway.
“Ricky dear, your wife has such a big heart. She just watches us get tangled up together without a word and then cleans up the mess afterward. ” Emily’s voice dripped with mockery. “So obedient.
Just like a dog. ”
Jennifer’s skin prickled. The words hit like a slap—the same sting she felt every day since she married into the Carter family. She turned toward the sound, her patience fraying, but before she could speak, Ricky dismissed her with a wave.
“Don’t you know how to fight back? You are the lady of this house,” he sneered, but then his gaze softened as it landed on Emily. “Goody-two-shoes. Like a dead log.
Zero passion. Touching her disgusts me. ”
Jennifer’s chest tightened. She said nothing, as always.
She simply cleaned up another mess, swallowing another insult, just like her mother-in-law expected. Just like she had done for ninety days straight. Later that night, alone on the terrace, Jennifer clutched a glass of water and spoke to the air. “Help me.
I don’t want to be pushed around anymore. ”
A voice answered from inside her—clear, sharp, and confident. “Fine. I’ll teach you how to play people and climb to the top.
”
Jennifer’s reflection stared back at her, but the eyes in the glass weren’t entirely hers anymore. They were sharper. Wilder. The voice continued.
“The one in charge of the Carter family is your husband’s older brother, Vince Carter. The man you actually wanted to marry. ”
She knew that name. Vince Carter, twenty-eight, Ricky’s half-brother.
He had lived outside the family until he was recognized at twenty, then took quick, ruthless action to seize control of the Carter Group. He was the reason the family sat at the top tier of Gwinnett’s elite. And he was the man who had rejected her three months ago. Jennifer’s throat tightened.
She had asked him once why. He had only said, “I’m a believer in singlehood. ”
But now, she needed him. The next morning, Vince walked through the front door, and Jennifer stepped into his path.
Her sleeves hid the bandages wrapped around her arms. “What are you doing up? ” he asked, noticing her unusual steadiness. “I came downstairs to find something.
”
His gaze dropped to her wrist. “Why do you have the first aid kit? Did Ricky do this? ”
“No.
”
Vince studied her for a long moment. “I’ve heard about the recent situation. My family owes you an apology. You’ve been married into this family for three months, and I’ve been busy with business overseas.
” He paused. “What do you want? ”
Jennifer lifted her chin. “I want a divorce, Ricky.
”
“No. ” Ricky’s voice cut through the hallway as he appeared behind Vince. “We two families are bound together. I’ll give your family an explanation for the wrongs you’ve suffered.
But divorce? Absolutely not. ”
“So you are saying I have to spend my entire life being controlled and bullied by them? ” Jennifer’s voice trembled, but the voice inside her pushed her forward.
Ricky sighed. “I’m sorry. I’ll do my best to balance things. ”
Jennifer’s gaze snapped to Vince.
“Vince, you were the one who had this engagement with me. You were the one I originally wanted to marry. You rejected the marriage. That’s why I ended up married to that scumbag Ricky.
Why? Why did you reject me? ”
Vince’s jaw tightened. He said nothing.
That night, alone in his office, Vince remembered the day the marriage proposal arrived. His assistant had laid the document on his desk. “Mr. Carter, the Mason family has proposed a marriage alliance.
”
He hadn’t even looked up from his paperwork. “I have no plans to marry. There are other suitable candidates within the Carter family. Arrange for Miss Mason to marry Ricky.
”
“But his reputation…”
“The Masons only want an alliance with the Carters. They don’t care who she marries. That brother of mine enjoys all the perks of being a Carter heir. It’s time he contributed to the family for once, right?
”
“Understood, Mr. Carter. ”
Now, Jennifer stood in his doorway, her eyes red from crying but her voice steadier than it had been all day. “Sorry.
I’m a believer in singlehood,” she repeated his words with bitter precision. “I get it now. To powerful people like you, I’m just a bargaining chip. Something to be used in an alliance whenever it’s convenient.
”
Vince opened his mouth to respond, but Ricky burst in, dragging Emily behind him. “Vince. What’s going on here? You bring some outside woman into my house while I’m gone?
”
“Outside woman? ” Jennifer’s voice rose, a strange mix of pain and fire. “Emily and I are truly in love. If you hadn’t forced this marriage on me, she’d be my wife.
”
“If you dislike Jennifer so much, why didn’t you refuse the marriage back then? ” Vince’s tone had turned cold. Jennifer turned on Ricky. “I see.
Jennifer, you ran to Vince to tattle, didn’t you? I told you before, I only married you for a family connection. Don’t get ideas above your station. ”
She stepped closer, her voice low and dangerous.
“I didn’t have time to tattle. Ricky, Vince runs the Carter empire. Did you really think he wouldn’t know about your dirty little games? ”
“How dare you talk back to me?
”
“Ricky, that’s enough. ” Vince’s voice cut through like a blade. “She is your lawfully wedded wife. ”
“Like I wanted to marry her,” Ricky scoffed.
“You didn’t want her either. Why are you defending her now? You tossed this useless thing at me, and why should I accept her happily? ”
Before anyone could react, Jennifer’s hand shot out and slapped Ricky across the face.
The sound echoed through the hall. “Jennifer, how dare you hit me? ”
“Ricky, I’ve been married into your family for three months. Your whole family treats me like a servant, working me like a dog and humiliating me.
Why shouldn’t I hit you? ” Her voice cracked. “Besides marrying me, what real contribution has a useless man like you ever made to the Carters? ”
“Jennifer, enough.
This ends now. ” Vince’s voice carried the weight of command. He turned to Ricky. “Cut ties with that woman behind you, or you won’t see another cent from me.
Vince. You come with me. ”
Vince moved past them both, and Jennifer followed, her heart pounding. Later, in the study, Vince turned to her.
“Your stitches opened again. Be more careful. Tell me if anyone bullies you. ”
Jennifer looked down, her voice barely a whisper.
“Vince. Am I really that annoying? ”
“What makes you think so? ”
“Since you broke off the engagement and I married Ricky, every day in this house has been hell for me.
I just wanted to fulfill my family duty as a trophy wife. But why? Why does everyone keep stepping on me? ”
Vince’s expression softened.
“That’s my fault. ”
Jennifer’s breath hitched, and the tears she had been holding back spilled over. “I’ve had enough. Just because I have no family, you all… you all bully me.
”
The voice inside her stirred again, sharper this time. *Snorts. If you will…*
Jennifer composed herself, wiping her tears. A new clarity settled over her face.
“Vince. I’m done being weak. If you won’t help me, I’ll do this myself. ”
Vince studied her, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
“What are you planning? ”
Jennifer met his gaze, and for the first time that night, she smiled. “Revenge. ”
Months later, Jennifer sat across from Vince in his office, the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city skyline.
“The Mason family is crumbling. My uncle is desperate. Nate Mason knows he’s losing control. ”
Vince leaned back, watching her with a mix of pride and caution.
“You’ve been busy. ”
“You taught me well. ” She tilted her head. “Remember what you said about the Carter family rules?
Any blood member can enjoy privileges unless exiled for major offenses. ”
“I remember. ”
“My mother-in-law, Sharon, drew her power from being Ricky’s mother. Once he’s exposed as a fraud, she falls too.
”
Vince nodded slowly. “What do you need? ”
Jennifer pulled a thin file from her bag and slid it across the desk. “A paternity test.
The real one. I want to know if Ricky is even your father’s son. ”
Vince opened the file, his eyes scanning the results. “You forged this?
”
“I had help,” Jennifer admitted. “But the truth is in here. Ricky’s not a Carter. His mother lied to your father for years.
”
Vince closed the file, a grim smile forming. “So that’s why you wanted to know all my family’s secrets. ”
“I wanted to know everything,” Jennifer said, her voice steady. “Because, Vince, you’re going to help me destroy them.
”
The next family meeting was a spectacle. Jennifer stood in the center of the Carter estate’s grand hall, the document held high. “The report shows Ricky isn’t a Carter either,” she announced. “Impossible,” Sharon spat, her face pale.
“Eva is our biological child. This must be fake. ”
“There’s another blood sample from my father in cold storage. I demand a retest.
”
“You’re in no position to negotiate,” Vince said from the doorway, his voice calm but final. “Settle this. ”
“Yes, sir. ” His assistant stepped forward, collecting the document.
Sharon broke down, screaming, “Let me go. How can this be? Let me go. I was a virgin when I came to the old Mr.
Carter. Eva is truly his child. How could this be wrong? ”
Jennifer lowered her voice to a whisper, her lips curling into a smile only Sharon could see.
“Oh, it isn’t wrong. Because I forged the report. ”
“You wretch. You set me up.
”
“Vince, Vince, did you hear that? I am a Carter. I am a Carter. ”
Vince didn’t flinch.
“Rule three: disrespecting your husband or elders means three hours of kneeling. ”
Jennifer’s smile widened. “Did everything I teach you just go in one ear and out the other? I warned you before.
Cross me, and you’ll pay. ”
Sharon collapsed, sobbing. Later, Vince found Jennifer on the terrace. “Thank you.
”
“No need to be so polite,” she said softly. “The divorce will be final tomorrow. From now on, you belong only to yourself. ”
Jennifer turned to face him, her eyes vulnerable for the first time.
“So, Jennifer, can we give it a try? ”
Vince stepped closer. “Well, that depends on you. ”
She let the silence hang before answering, a genuine smile breaking through.
“Okay. ”
Months later, Vince’s assistant delivered the news. “Mr. Carter, everything’s been handled as you instructed.
Ricky got eight years in prison. Sharon and her daughter are banned from Vlota for life. ”
“Okay. Good job.
”
“But Ms. Mason tampered with Eva’s paternity test result. This is the real one. It shows Eva is indeed a Carter.
”
Vince’s expression remained unchanged. “I know. ”
“Then why did you…”
“After all Eva put her through, it’s only natural she would act out. Clean it up.
Make sure no one finds evidence against her. ”
“Yes, Mr. Carter. ”
That night, Jennifer stood in front of the mirror, the two voices inside her finally silent.
She was whole now. “I warned you before,” she whispered to her reflection. “Cross me, and you’ll pay. ”
The voice inside her responded, warm and proud.
“Timid, wild, bold. Jennifer, which one is the real you? ”
Jennifer smiled. “My real enemies were never those fools.
Someone else pulled the strings. Balance in all things. ”
“You really do take after me more every day. ”
“Of course.
You taught me. We were always meant to be alike. ”
Vince walked in, hearing her speak. “You’ve done far better than I ever imagined.
”
“Couldn’t have done it without you. ”
“Is she talking to herself? ” a voice whispered from the doorway. It was Waylon, Vince’s old friend.
“Hey, Waylon. What’s up, Vince? ” the friend asked, stepping inside. “I remember you got your PhD in Sitrus.
I need to ask you something. ”
“No big deal. Say it. ”
“My girl has been acting strange lately,” Vince said, glancing at Jennifer.
“She keeps talking to herself using two completely different voices. She sounds like another woman and thanks herself. ”
Waylon’s expression turned serious. “Vince, that sounds like classic dissociative identity disorder.
”
“Dissociative identity disorder? What causes that? ”
“It’s usually triggered by severe psychological trauma. When someone faces unbearable stress, the brain’s defense mechanism can create a new personality to handle the pain.
”
Vince’s jaw tightened. “Unbearable stress and pain. What happened to her before? ”
“Vince, this didn’t start overnight.
She needs treatment. Bring her to see me, and I’ll talk with her. ”
“Okay. ”
Vince turned to find Jennifer watching him.
“Vince, who are you talking to? ”
He recovered quickly. “I was just making plans with some friends to go camping. Come with me.
”
“Okay. It’d be nice to get out and relax. ”
“Camping on a day like this? Go out in nature and get bitten by mosquitoes?
” the voice inside her muttered. “Shh,” Jennifer whispered, a soft smile on her lips. “The scenery is completely different in modern times. It’ll be fun.
You’ll see when we get there. ”
“All right, then. I suppose I can do you the great honor of coming along. ”
Vince watched her, worry deepening.
The journey to Camp was quiet, but the tension was palpable. When they arrived, Vince’s two friends were already there, setting up the tent. “This is Carson Ford. I’m Philip Knight.
I’m Waylon George,” Vince introduced them. “It’s an honor to finally meet you. Before we met you, I was wondering what kind of goddess it would take to finally tie down our Vince. Now that we’ve met you, I totally get it.
”
“I haven’t won her over yet, so stop teasing her,” Vince said. “Jennifer, Vince has been single for twenty-eight years. A real stand-up guy. He’s absolutely the type of guy who’d spoil his wife.
You should give him a chance. ”
Jennifer smiled weakly. “Okay. I’ll think about it.
”
The voice inside her snorted. *Hey Vince, it’s been ages since we hung out. I have been craving your cooking for over half a year. If you don’t grill us a ton of skewers today, I won’t let you leave.
*
“Yeah, Vince. I’ll help you out,” Philip said. “Jennifer, Vince is good at grilling. You should really try his cooking today,” Waylon added.
Jennifer gave a small nod. “Okay. I’ll make sure there’s plenty. You just rest here.
I will bring it over when it’s ready. ”
“Great. Then I’ll just wait for the food. Good girl.
”
Vince turned to Waylon. “You, kitchen disaster, don’t go near the grill. Just keep Jennifer company here. ”
“Okay, Vince.
I will make sure to keep her entertained. ”
They sat by the embers, and Waylon leaned in. “You are one of the Masons in Vlota? ”
Jennifer froze.
“Yes. Half a year ago, your uncle took over. As far as I know, they don’t have a daughter. Is this correct?
”
“Yes. Is there a problem? ”
“No problem. Just heard some rumors about your family.
The first thing your uncle did after taking over was to send Miss Mason away for an arranged marriage. That was you, right? ”
Jennifer’s eyes narrowed. The voice inside her screamed.
*Jennifer, stay away from him. I dislike him. *
“Waylon, are you here to investigate me? ” Jennifer’s voice had turned cold.
“Uh, no. I just wanted to check if the rumors were true. If you are uncomfortable, I will drop it. ”
*He’s no good.
Jennifer, stay away from him. I don’t want to be near him. *
“Vince, what’s up with Jennifer? She seems really off.
Should we check on her? ” Waylon asked. “Just wait and see,” Vince said, his eyes fixed on her. Jennifer stood abruptly.
“If you are here testing me for Vince, we are done talking. He doesn’t trust me. Nothing I say matters. ”
She stormed toward the car.
“Jennifer, wait. ”
“Vince, did you set this whole thing up just to humiliate me? If family background matters this much, why pretend to be all righteous? ”
“That’s not it.
I just needed to confirm something. ”
“Miss Mason, Vince didn’t mean it like that. He just loves you so much. ”
“So.
Love? You kept pushing my buttons, overstepping every boundary. That’s not love at all. Vince, I was wrong about you.
People like you don’t even know what love means. ”
She drove off, leaving them all staring. “She was fine a minute ago. Why is she suddenly so mad?
Waylon, did you say something wrong? ” Philip asked. Vince’s expression was dark. “Waylon, I’m going to be blunt here.
Being with someone unstable is exhausting. No matter how much you like her, you can’t put up with this forever. ”
“She’s not unstable. She’s just sick,” Vince said, his voice quiet.
“Where are you going? ”
“Home, obviously. Since you care so much about family background, I’ll just leave. ”
Vince slammed his hand against the tent pole.
“No, Jennifer. Don’t you realize how off you are acting right now? ”
“I’m perfectly fine. Nothing wrong with me.
”
“Vince, it’s way worse than I thought,” Waylon said as Jennifer drove off. “Miss Mason’s two personalities are fighting for control. She has no clue what she’s doing. Also, I think a big part of her condition might stem from the Masons.
”
“Got it. Have someone dig up every detail about her. I’m going after her. ”
“Okay.
”
Jennifer returned to the Mason estate, storming through the gates. “Miss Mason is back. ”
Her uncle Nate appeared, his face twisted with contempt. “You idiot.
How dare you show your face here? ”
“This is my home. Why shouldn’t I come back? ”
“The Carters announced that Ricky isn’t a blood heir.
You’re just a divorcee who married a fake. Worthless to me now. How dare trash like you stand before me? ”
Jennifer’s hands balled into fists.
“You arranged the marriage. You made me marry an impostor. Your messed-up decisions aren’t my fault. Which hospital is my dad in?
I need to see him. ”
Nate laughed, a cold, hollow sound. “You failed and still want to see him? Fine.
You’re useless to me anyway. Telling you is okay. Your dad died the day he fell. Those hospital photos, I faked them to trick a fool like you.
”
Jennifer’s blood ran cold. “What did you say? ”
“I said, your dad’s dead. You will never see him again.
”
“Nate Mason, he was your own brother. He treated you well. How could you be so heartless? Are you even human?
”
“If he truly cared, he would have handed over the family leadership. Who wanted his pathetic crumbs? ”
“You monster. I won’t let you get away with this.
I swear, I will send you straight to hell. ”
“You? Guards! ” Nate snapped.
“Yes, Mr. Mason? ”
“She has lost her mind. Remove her name from the family registry.
She’s banished. ”
“Yes. Now go. ”
The guards grabbed Jennifer, dragging her toward the gates.
“Let go of me. Go. Let go. ”
She was thrown onto the street, the gates slamming behind her.
Jennifer lay on the cold pavement, her world collapsing. “He’s gone. I have no father now. ”
Later, Vince’s assistant placed a thick file on his desk.
“Ms. Mason had a really tough year. She was the only child of the Mason family head, treasured like a rare jewel since childhood. But her uncle plotted to kill her father, making it look like a fall.
Her father died the day he fell. Yet they lied to Ms. Mason, saying he was alive. They forced her to marry into the Carter family and threatened her into stealing secrets.
The shock was too much—including losing her father and everything. So her mind split off another self to protect her. ”
“Ms. Mason has been through so much.
A girl sheltered in her ivory tower for twenty-three years. Suddenly her father died. Her inheritance was stolen, and she was forced into marriage and tormented. Is that why she is ill like this?
”
“Nate Mason killed my father,” Jennifer whispered into the darkness of her room. “Remember what I taught you? An eye for an eye. Anyone who messes with us will surely pay.
Kill him. ”
“Yes, kill him. ”
Waylon’s voice was serious on the phone. “Ms.
Mason’s mental state is extremely unstable. Based on my years of experience, she’ll definitely act out violently when she wakes up. So, Vince, you must stay by her side day and night these next few days. Prevent her from doing anything extreme.
”
“Okay. Got it. ”
Jennifer woke with a gasp, a knife in her hand. “Kill him.
Trouble. I will kill him. I will kill him. ”
Vince was at her side instantly, his voice low and steady.
“Jennifer. Put the knife down. ”
“Vince. Are you here to help me?
”
“Yes. I’m here to help. Put the knife down first. Leave everything to me.
Okay? ”
Jennifer’s hand trembled. “I… I need to take matters into my own hands. I need to kill him myself.
I need to kill him myself. I will kill him. ”
“Vince. I’ll get revenge for you,” the other voice said, cold and sharp.
“Jennifer. Stop hurting yourself. Okay? ”
“What have I done?
What have I done? How did this happen, Vince? I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you.
I’m sorry. ”
“I know. I know. Jennifer.
It’ll be okay. Be kind to yourself. It’ll be okay, Jennifer. ”
“Why did I turn out like this?
”
Vince sat beside her, his hand gentle on hers. “You have DID. Known as dissociative identity disorder. ”
“Dissociative identity disorder?
Me? ”
“People with DID often are aware of another presence inside them, a second personality. It only appears after you’ve suffered severe trauma or shock. It’s the brain’s way of protecting itself.
Like Jenna inside you. ”
“Mixed together, these make a palace aphrodisiac,” the voice said, distant and strange. “Just a sniff of the passion powder, and they can’t help but want more. Anyone who messes with us won’t get away with it.
”
Jennifer shook her head. “A second personality. You think it’s another person communicating with you? But it’s different personalities inside the same body.
”
“Kill him,” the voice growled. “She’s locked herself in the room for two days now. Is it really okay to go on like this? ” Vince asked Waylon.
“Vince, psychological healing is something she has to do herself. All you can do is support her. Stay by her side, help fulfill her wishes, and help her come back to life. ”
“Got it.
Jennifer. Please. Please get better. I’m here with you.
”
Inside her mind, Jennifer faced the voice. “How could this be? She was right beside me. My mentor, my closest friend, my savior.
How could she just be my second personality? ”
“But I am your alter ego. ”
“I can’t believe it. With how timid I used to be, how could I have done all those things before?
”
“You did all of it, Jennifer. You kept trying to save yourself. That’s why I appeared. ”
“Trying to save myself?
”
“You always called yourself weak and timid. But to me, you’re like resilient grass pushing through concrete. You’re someone who climbs back up after falling off a cliff. Your subconscious fight for survival created me.
I created you. ”
“Exactly. You are me, and I am you. ”
“It feels like you are saying goodbye to me.
Am I right? Are you leaving me, too? ”
“True salvation isn’t a gift from the outside. It’s the strength that comes from deep within yourself.
Now, you have the power to pull yourself out of the darkness. My purpose is fulfilled. ”
“Also, telling you to win Vince over, that wasn’t part of my plan. Your heart told me you needed him.
I just went with the flow. ”
“Come now. My dear self. Let’s become one and win this last round.
”
Jennifer opened her eyes, calm and whole for the first time. She walked out of the room and found Vince waiting, his eyes filled with worry. “Vince, I’m back. ”
“Jennifer.
That’s great. I knew you’d beat this. ”
“She wasn’t my illness. She was my best friend.
And she told me my heart knows I can’t live without you. ”
Vince’s eyes widened. “Are you saying you’ll be with me? ”
“Yes.
”
“Amazing. So, should I propose first? ”
“No, the city hall first. I already have the ring.
Before that, one more thing I need to do. ”
“You mean Nate Mason? ”
“Nate killed my father to seize power. He hurt the only family I had left in this world.
”
Vince’s expression hardened. “Relax and retire peacefully. ”
Jennifer smiled, a dangerous glint in her eye. “[Laughter] The moment my father fell, I realized how truly wonderful power can be.
So, she was already part of you back then. Yes. ”
“Vince, what if I told you the drinking, the hotel key, and the paternity test were all part of my careful plan? I calculated every move to use your power for myself.
Knowing that, would you still want me? ”
Vince held her gaze without flinching. “I know. ”
“Then why did you let me use you?
”
“Because I love you. Love doesn’t need solving. I’m just glad the power you wanted was mine to give. ”
“All right.
Then I’ll use your power to destroy Nate Mason. ”
The attack was swift and total. Vince’s assistant burst into Nate’s office. “Boss, bad news.
The Ford family suddenly switched suppliers. Our warehouse is stuck with nearly 100 million worth of raw materials. The funding chain is about to collapse. ”
“No way.
The Fords and Carters are close. They wouldn’t just cut ties. Get out. I’ll call Mr.
Ford to figure this out. ”
Nate dialed frantically. “Mr. Ford, heard your family switched suppliers.
Why no heads-up? I could have prepared. ”
“I just felt like it. Quit calling.
I’m busy and don’t have time for you. ”
The line went dead. Nate’s face went pale. His assistant stumbled in.
“Mr. Mason, the George Group just backed out. We called and found they blocked our number. ”
“Disaster, Mr.
Mason. The Knights publicly cut ties with us. Rumors are spreading. Our stock keeps crashing, and the funding chain’s totally broken.
”
“You’re useless. All of you. Is this why the company pays you? We can survive without those three families.
Get out. Now. Out. Fix this for me.
”
His assistant hesitated. “The Fords, the Georges, and the Knights are all close with the Carters. Is this sudden attack the Carters’ doing? Wasn’t Jennifer kicked out by the Carters?
How’s she still this powerful? ”
Nate grabbed his phone, dialing Jennifer’s number with shaking hands. “Who told you I got kicked out by the Carters? ”
Jennifer’s voice answered, smooth and victorious.
“Who told you I got kicked out by the Carters? ”
“So it is you. Vince is a money-grubbing businessman. So why would he help you?
”
“Let me introduce you to my new fiancé, Vince Carter. ”
“You? How come? You’re with him?
”
“Isn’t this exactly what you wanted, my dear Uncle Nate? You schemed so hard to get me into the inner circle. Well, not only am I in, I am marrying the man in charge. Why don’t you repeat, right in front of him, all those dirty schemes you used trying to steal the Carter Group’s confidential files?
”
Nate’s voice trembled as he rushed to Vince’s office. “Mr. Carter, she’s just talking nonsense. Our families are close.
Why would I make an enemy of you? ”
Vince looked up calmly. “Is that so? ”
“Of course.
I want our family’s relationship to get better and better. She’s slandering me. If you don’t believe me, Mr. Carter, investigate it yourself.
”
Vince’s assistant stepped forward with a folder. “Mr. Carter, we’ve got everything. Nate planted three commercial spies within the Carter Group.
The suspected amount involved exceeds 10 million. Here’s the complete file. ”
Vince tossed the folder onto the desk. “This is your ‘better and better.
’ Karma comes for everyone. ”
Jennifer stepped forward, her eyes cold. “You hurt my father, grabbed power, forced me into a marriage with that scumbag, used spies to steal secrets. The list goes on and on.
Too many to count. Today, I’m here to see you off. ”
Nate’s face twisted with rage. “You… I really underestimated you.
My only mistake was showing mercy. I should have let you die with your father. ”
“Looks like you’re the one dying today. ”
“No rush.
Let’s take our time. ”
Nate lunged, but security intercepted him. “You. What are you?
What are you going to do? ”
“You’ll find out soon enough. ”
“STOP HITTING ME. MR.
CARTER, THIS—WHOA. NATE’S GOT VIOLENT. ”
In the scuffle, Nate was subdued. Jennifer lowered her hands.
“In self-defense, I killed him. No, knocked him out. ”
Vince’s assistant stepped forward. “Nate Mason, you’re under arrest for attempted murder and theft of commercial secrets.
Take him away. ”
The next day, Jennifer stood in the Mason Group boardroom as the shareholders unanimously approved her as the new CEO. Vince’s voice broke the applause. “It’s finally back where it belongs.
”
“Thank you. As for Nate, I’ve arranged for a top-tier legal team to handle everything. He will pay with his life. ”
The wedding was a grand affair.
Friends and family gathered as the officiant spoke. “Dear friends and guests, I’m happy to see you here. On this day full of love and blessings, we’ve gathered here to witness this beautiful love story blossom. ”
“Vince, Jennifer looks absolutely stunning today.
From now on, you better treat her right,” Philip said. “Remember when Vince used to swear he’d never get married? Yet he’s the first one among us to actually tie the knot,” Waylon laughed. “Now, exchange the rings.
”
Vince looked into Jennifer’s eyes. “Before I met you, I thought I’d be alone forever. But when you appeared in my world, teary-eyed, I suddenly wanted to give you everything I have. Turns out, after meeting the right person, even a die-hard marriage skeptic will sign his life away.
”
Jennifer smiled, tears in her eyes. “You once said you had no home. Now, I finally have the right to tell you with all my heart. Jennifer, let’s build a home together.
”
“Okay. Let’s build a home that’s truly ours. ”
“Congratulations. Congratulations.
”
Later that night, on the terrace of their new home, Jennifer looked up at the stars. Vince’s hand found hers. “Congratulations on overcoming every hardship and blooming again. You’re my pride, my wife.
”
Jennifer was quiet for a long moment. Then she whispered, “She hasn’t come yet. ”
Vince squeezed her hand. “She was here.
”
Jennifer smiled softly. “Thank you, my dear self. For saving myself countless times and never wavering.
”
