Chapter 1

The news of the alliance between two top-tier dynasties sent shockwaves through the business world.

But on the night of our engagement party, I walked backstage and caught my fiancé, Liam Blackwood, and the “poor student” he’d been sponsoring, in a kiss so passionate it had drawn blood from their lips.

“Vicky, it’s not what you think.”

Liam fumbled with his shirt buttons, a deep flush creeping up his neck, his ears blazing crimson.

I watched, my eyes cold, as the girl beside him frantically tried to cover herself, then let out a scoff.

“What excuse are you going to cook up now? Do you think I’m blind? Or just stupid?”

I ripped the engagement ring from my finger and flung it at his feet, my voice laced with venom.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Every power player and socialite in the city is watching this engagement party tonight.”

“Either you go through with the ceremony as per our agreement, or… the Blackwood family will be facing bankruptcy!”

He clenched his jaw, his teeth grinding, before reluctantly bending down to pick up the ring. He squeezed out a single, resentful word: “Fine.”

The ceremony began. Liam walked onto the stage in a noticeably wrinkled suit.

Under the gaze of thousands, he strode past me, completely ignoring me, and handed the ring directly to the girl behind him, who was feigning innocence and helplessness.

“Victoria Sterling, the woman I’ve always loved is Holly.”

“Even if you destroy the entire Blackwood family, I will *never* marry a gold-digger who schemes her way to the top!”

The moment the words left his mouth, the entire hall erupted.

A chorus of mockery and the relentless clicking of camera shutters threatened to rip the roof off.

And I, Victoria Sterling, became the biggest joke in the room.

Watching him lean down and kiss his one true love, my heart died.

Since you betrayed me first, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!