Chapter 2

"One billion!" Harrison's eyes rolled back. He nearly collapsed.

Vivian's face went white too.

The Sullivan family's total assets added up to only two or three hundred million. This one billion would drive them to ruin!

Harrison dropped to his knees with a thud, facing Damien's direction. "Mr. Garrett, please show mercy! It's all this bastard's fault. Punish her if you want, but it has nothing to do with the Sullivan family!"

I watched his performance coldly, feeling nothing but disgust.

This was my father—for profit, he could throw me under the bus without hesitation.

My mother wailed dramatically. "Mr. Garrett, we'll send her back to the room right now. Tonight she'll be yours. Please spare us!"

I watched this family's ugly display, my stomach churning.

I turned to Damien. "This was my decision. I'll bear the consequences alone. Let my parents and the Sullivan family go."

Damien raised an eyebrow, seeming amused. "You'll bear it? With what? Can you even pay back one billion?"

"I will pay it back." I said with complete confidence.

The entire venue erupted in mocking laughter.

An illegitimate daughter abandoned by her family—how could she repay one billion? It was fantasy.

Vivian sneered sharply. "Clara, what will you use to pay it back? Your life?"

I ignored her, only looking steadily at Damien.

"Give me three years."

Damien looked at me deeply, then suddenly smiled.

"Fine. I'll give you three years."

He waved his hand, signaling the bodyguards to let me pass.

"From today, you owe me, Damien Garrett, one billion dollars. As for interest, we'll use the bank's highest standard rate."

He paused, adding, "Don't think about running. You know my methods."

With that, he controlled his wheelchair and left the cathedral without looking back.

My parents collapsed on the floor, looking at me like they wanted to devour me alive.

"You bastard! You bastard! You're going to destroy the Sullivan family!"

I didn't look at them again. I lifted the expensive wedding dress and walked out of that cage-like cathedral.

The sunlight was blinding, but I felt freer than ever before.

The system in my head came online.

[Ding! You have successfully escaped your family. Reward: luxury apartment, Vitality +5.]

I stood on the street in my wedding dress, looking like a joke.

Passersby stared and pointed. I didn't care.

My phone vibrated. A bank text: one million dollars deposited.

I smiled. Having money felt good.

Then another message came in from an unknown number.

[Platinum Estates, Tower A, Unit 3201. Password is your birthday. -Owen]

Damien's assistant.

I was somewhat surprised he'd actually given me an apartment.

Was he afraid I'd run? Using this to monitor me?

Whatever. Having a place to live was better than being homeless.

I hailed a cab and gave the address.

The driver kept glancing at me in the rearview mirror, wanting to say something but holding back.

When I arrived at Platinum Estates, I discovered it was one of New York's famous wealthy districts with extremely tight security.

My wedding dress made me incredibly conspicuous. Security stopped me.

I gave the unit number and my name. After verification, the guard let me through respectfully.

When I opened the door to 3201, I was stunned by what I saw.

Massive floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist modern decor, furniture and appliances all top luxury brands.

The walk-in closet even had this season's new clothing and accessories, tags still attached.

The refrigerator was stocked with fresh ingredients and imported fruits.

On the table sat a black card and a new phone.

A note read: [Behave yourself—Damien Garrett]

This didn't seem like something prepared for someone who owed a billion dollars. More like he wanted to be my sugar daddy.

What was Damien trying to do?

I shook my head, pushing the thoughts away.

The priority was to shower, change clothes, and get a good meal.