Chapter 2

My name is Seraphina Vance. I am the sole heiress of the Vance Group.

William Harrington was supposed to be a Harvard PhD from an old-money manufacturing family. He was handsome, well-mannered, spoke with a refined eloquence, and treated me like a queen.

Even my parents constantly praised him, saying he was a stable, reliable young man with an impeccable background.

I used to think so, too.

But these floating bullet screen texts completely shattered my reality.

The wedding continued.

We cut the cake, toasted the guests, and threw the bouquet.

I moved like a puppet, letting William lead me through every single step of the ceremony.

He leaned in, whispering in my ear with a voice so sweet it could melt ice, "Sweetheart, you look breathtaking today."

I stared at him, desperately searching for a crack in his facade.

His manners were perfect. He handled his steak knife more elegantly than I did. He knew every luxury brand, could talk about vintage wines, and could hold a conversation about high-end art auctions.

A high school dropout from the slums? How was that possible?

[She’s still looking for excuses to defend him.]

[Hilarious. She thinks con artists look like sketchy thieves in movies.]

[A truly elite con artist acts more like a billionaire than an actual billionaire.]

My hand shook as I held my champagne glass.

William noticed immediately. "What's wrong, honey? Are you exhausted?"

"No," I forced a smile. "Just... too happy."

He smiled warmly, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. The gesture was so natural, as if he had practiced it a thousand times.

[Of course it's natural. He practiced it for three years. He’s been preparing for today since the very first day he met you.]

[Your father's company has $300 million in liquid assets. Cody has already bought off an insider. The moment this wedding is over, they’ll make their move.]

[Do you want to know why he chose today of all days to marry you? Because your father just signed a crucial contract yesterday, and the other party only recognizes your father's signature.]

A chill ran down my spine.

My dad had indeed signed a massive contract yesterday. And that partner had been introduced to us by William.

"I need to use the restroom," I said.

William nodded, watching me walk away with eyes full of adoration.

[Go, go, go! You can still save your dad if you act now.]

[Any later and it’ll be too late.]