Chapter 1

On the day the family successor was chosen, I stood there with absolute confidence, holding my straight-A academic transcripts and business certificates.

Instead, Grandma Margaret announced that the successor of the Shea Group would be my older sister, Chloe—who knew nothing about business and only knew how to cook.

I froze.

For seventeen years, I had spent every single day preparing to take over the family legacy.

My parents had been brutally strict with me, constantly reminding me that "the heir must learn to carry the weight of the world."

Yet, they were always incredibly gentle with Chloe.

Chloe was allowed to go on road trips with her friends, while I had to wake up at 5:00 AM for deportment and etiquette classes.

Chloe could eat whatever snacks she wanted, while I was forced on a strict, bland diet to maintain a perfect, camera-ready figure.

Chloe was allowed to date, but I wasn't even allowed to pick up a phone call from a boy.

I thought it was all a test. A necessary trial to become the CEO.

I believed the throne was mine.

I had even comforted Chloe, telling her that I would always take care of her once I ran the company.

But then, Grandma Margaret tasted the dish Chloe made, and declared her the sole heir on the spot.

Only then did I realize the final test was never about business—it was about cooking a recipe from Grandma's legendary artisanal book.

I didn't even know the difference between basic spices.

My only remaining value to this family was to be married off.

I turned to my parents for help.

My father merely said that the Vance family's heir would bring me "happiness."

My mother added that I was "born for high society anyway."

I finally got it. Grandma's recipe book had been given to Chloe years ago.

The torture I endured all these years wasn't training for leadership.

It was preparation to make me the perfect trophy wife.

I ripped off the diamond engagement ring and threw it.

I'm not accepting this marriage.

And I'm never coming back to this house.