Chapter 4

My expression turned cold.

"So be a good girl. Please us, and we'll convince Preston to let you be a good dog by his side."

"Yeah, don't worry. We'll keep the princess's secret."

The wine glass in my hand tightened.

I shattered it with my grip.

They stared at the broken glass in my hand.

Stunned.

"Who do you think you're messing with?"

One punch landed hard on the temple of the man holding me.

To outdo Jade, I hadn't just pursued higher education and credentials.

I'd also trained in sports.

Boxing was one of my skills.

Blood sprayed from his nose.

A bottle smashed into my head.

I felt dizzy.

But years of physical training helped me grit my teeth and stay standing.

I grabbed the attacker's throat and slammed his head into the table.

"Want to destroy me?"

I looked down at them. "You're not ready for that."

A hand came out of nowhere and struck my face.

I stumbled back two steps, catching myself on the couch.

Preston frowned.

"I just got engaged to Jade and you're throwing a tantrum!"

My parents rushed out at the commotion.

Seeing the men on the floor groaning in pain, my mother pushed me hard in fury.

"What are you trying to do! Just because Jade and Preston got engaged today, you're going to wreck the party!

"It's Grandpa's birthday! Can't you be mature for once!"

The guests hadn't heard what those men said earlier.

They frowned at me. "You're twenty-five years old. Can you grow up? Preston doesn't like you—making a scene won't change that!"

Jade's eyes reddened.

"If you really can't handle it, take the ring. Just don't make things difficult for us."

She actually started pulling off her ring.

But Preston grabbed her hand.

"You're that desperate to be with me?

"Make Jade happy first, then I might consider you."

"Preston?"

Jade turned to look at him.

Preston smiled lightly.

"Since she won't leave us alone, might as well use it to our advantage.

"But if she wants me to accept her, she'll have to serve you, the legitimate wife, to your satisfaction first."

Delight flashed in Jade's eyes.

Preston looked at me.

"Do you understand?"

I touched the cheek Preston had just slapped.

Said nothing.

Just stepped forward.

And returned the slap.

My mother grabbed me.

"What are you doing!"

Jade cried out. "Hit me instead! Don't touch him!"

"Hit you?"

I laughed. "A minor character like you isn't worth my effort."

Preston, I looked at him. "As CEO of Nexus, I'm terminating your employment. You don't need to report for work."

"Nexus?"

He froze.

Then sneered. "A lovesick fool like you could work at Nexus?"

Jade looked at me with pity.

"Are you so upset you've lost your mind? It's my fault. Preston and I should have kept the engagement secret. I shouldn't have provoked you."

My mother looked at me with disapproval.

"Nexus is a publicly traded company. If you're going to lie, at least make it believable!"