Chapter 2

This engagement held significant weight for both families’ reputations and future business ventures. My family had approached it with great seriousness.

If they’d shown even a hint of remorse, I might have considered damage control for the sake of our families’ standing.

“An explanation? What exactly do you expect me to explain?”

My fiancé’s voice dripped with disdain over the line.

“Mr. Carter, despite our lack of prior acquaintance, I am still intended to be your future daughter-in-law.”

“Don’t you find it absurd to have a stranger bring a dog to replace me?”

I hadn't even finished speaking when the line went dead with a dial tone.

I stood frozen in disbelief.

Do all trust-fund kids have this level of arrogance?

Watching this unfold, the secretary let out an audible snort.

"Miss Vincent, I'd advise you to just follow instructions."

"Given the Carter family's standing in Seattle, your marriage to them is practically a fairy tale come true."

Judging by my youth and casual attire, she clearly didn't take me seriously.

"I'm the guest of honor here! There's no way I'm doing this!"

Mid-sentence, I raised my hand and pointed to the nearby staff.

"If you keep this up, I'll have security remove all of you!"

My threat to call for help didn't intimidate her—in fact, it only emboldened her further.

"Miss Vincent, I suggest you don't waste your energy."

"This is Carter property. Do you honestly think anyone in Seattle would side with you?"

She grew increasingly worked up,spit nearly sprayed onto my face.

I balled my hands into fists, my expression turning icy.

"Some petty business family thinks they own the city? How laughable!"

The words had barely left my mouth when the secretary suddenly pushed me.

"Who the hell do you think you are, you little bitch, insulting the Carter family!"

"I'm warning you one last time: cooperate, or you won't make it out of here in one piece!"

Since coming of age, I'd lived at our family's estate in South America, rarely visiting North America. No one had ever dared to threaten me directly.

Her brazen attitude ignited a fire in me.

“Is that a fact? I highly doubt it!”

My defiance made the staff present gasp.

“Whoa, this girl’s got guts! Backtalking Secretary Lisa like that? She must have a death wish!”

“It’s just a dog’s birthday party—no big deal. If the engagement falls through over this, she’s the one who’ll regret it.”

“Exactly. Bagging a Carter is already a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—why quibble over details?”

As the whispers grew louder, the secretary’s smirk widened.

“Hear that? A nobody like you, no connections, no influence—still deluding yourself about being a Carter? Keep dreaming!”

Their mockery didn’t faze me—in fact, it was almost entertaining.

“Secretary Lisa, was it? I’ll give you one last chance.”

“Restore my venue and ceremony to their original state!”

“Restore what, you absolute moron!”

After hurling insults, she still wasn’t satisfied. Rolling up her sleeves, she lunged at me again.

“Oh really?”

“The Carter family’s attack dog, ready to pounce at the first command?”

The secretary took several swings at me, but couldn’t even touch my clothes. Her face turned red with rage and frustration.

“You little bitch—dodge me again, I dare you!”

“I’m calling Mr. Carter right now, mark my words!”

Despite her repeated provocation, I held back from retaliating.

Not because I feared her, but because Mom had warned me repeatedly.

“At this engagement party, keep your temper in check. No fighting. And for heaven’s sake, don’t kill anyone.”

Besides, I don't make moves without purpose.

I either don't act at all, or I go all in—no half measures!

Seeing my silence, Lisa assumed I was intimidated. She raised her fist and charged at me again.

Just in time, a furious shout boomed from the entrance.

“Stop!”