After knowing her fiancé was sleeping with her bestie, Veronica Snyder had a one-night stand with his uncle.

While her hook-up was still sleeping, she quietly returned to the banquet hall.

The engagement ceremony would be held today.

She stepped into the dressing room. In the next second, someone raised his hand to slap her, but she caught his wrist.

"I'm getting engaged today. Are you sure the makeup can cover my swollen cheek?" She looked at him coldly.

It was Marcelo Snyder, her father.

Failing to slap her, Marcelo was furious, and her question enraged him even more.

"You damned girl! Why didn't you answer your phone? Where were you? Why did you show up so late? If anything goes wrong today, I'll make sure you regret it!"

The McCormick family, with countless assets, was top-tier in Ironfair, and Killian McCormick, the family's son who was in Goldchester, was a world-renowned bigshot.

Veronica was lucky enough to marry into the McCormick family because of the two families' bond.

Rumor had it that Killian would show up today, and the two families had begun to prepare ages ago. The ceremony was about to start, yet neither of the betrothed had shown up.

Veronica, who had shown up at the last minute, looked at Marcelo coldly. "Is Jovany here?"

Jovany was her fiancé.

Marcelo paused. Jovany was nowhere to be seen, but the McCormick family had already sent people looking for him. Since he had turned off his phone, chances were, he was going to break off the engagement.

Veronica sneered, "So, you want me to go through the ceremony alone?"

Marcelo pulled a long face. "They're already looking for him. Go get changed and put on makeup."

The makeup artist stepped forward at his words. Knowing she had no say in this engagement, Veronica said, "I'll do it myself."

Her mother had told her when she was little that being too pretty was trouble, so, over the years, she had concealed her pretty face with makeup.

If the makeup artist did her makeup, her secret might be exposed.

Just then, a commotion erupted at the door. "Quick! Killian is here!"

Hearing this, Marcelo pulled Veronica to step out. "Hear that? The bigwig is here. Behave!"

Veronica had heard of Killian—he was the illegitimate son who had once been kicked out by the McCormick family.

And now, he was already too big for them to fawn over.

Following Marcelo out, Veronica saw the man surrounded by a crowd.

Thanks to his height of nearly 1.9 meters, he stood out easily. Right now, his striking features were tinged with a trace of coldness and impatience.

Veronica didn't come up to him. She stood far away from the crowd, staring at him.

They had just spent the previous night together—she could still picture his face perfectly.

Last night in bed, he had been so fierce and aggressive—his sweat had trailed down his cheeks, collarbones, chest, and abs. But now, the suit he wore, combined with his meticulously slicked back hair, made him look cold, restrained, and untouchable.

The cross bracelet on his wrist further added a touch of detachment to his temperament.

She wasn't surprised to see him. After all, it was part of her plan.

Probably sensing her gaze, he frowned slightly and looked over.

His gaze was so sharp that she felt seen through.

Their eyes met for barely a heartbeat before she vanished into the crowd.

"Killian, it's been a long time. Stay with us a while longer this time you come back, OK?" Desmond McCormick, the head of the McCormick family, Jovany's father, said to Killian with great respect.

Killian nodded coldly before someone led him to the VIP room.

The Snyder family was eager to butter Killian up, so Marcelo followed them.

"When does the ceremony start?" Killian glanced at his wristwatch.

It could pay for two penthouses in downtown Ironfair.

Desmond wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "I'm afraid we'll have to wait a while longer..."

"Why?"

Killian said concisely, but each of his words carried weight, putting everyone under pressure.

Desmond had already sent a bunch of people looking for Jovany, but it was almost 12:00 p.m., and he was still nowhere to be seen.

"We're waiting for Jovany." A crisp female voice rang out. "He doesn't wanna show up because he's having second thoughts."

Killian's gaze fell upon Veronica's face, which wasn't exactly striking.

But she gave off a strong aura when she spoke.

Though Veronica and Jovany's engagement was agreed upon by both families when they were little, it was Killian who gave it his final approval.

Now that Jovany refused to show up, it'd be saying no to Killian's face.

Desmond quickly explained, "That's not true. Jovany will be here soon."

Veronica said coldly, "You haven't found him, have you? I don't mind giving you a hand—go over there."

She named an apartment complex, the place where her bestie lived.

Desmond gritted his teeth secretly and immediately sent someone to that address. Soon, Jovany showed up wearily, apparently just having spent enough time in bed.

"Brat! Go and change your clothes! The ceremony is on!" Desmond snapped.

"Dad, I told you already. I'll never marry Veronica. Can't you see how hideous she is? She sickens me. My friends will laugh at me if they know I'm engaged to someone so ugly. I'll be a complete joke."

Jovany looked at Veronica with undisguised disgust in his eyes; he blamed her for latching onto him all this time.

Desmond turned to the bodyguards present. "Tie Jovany up to get him to change. Jovany, this isn't a negotiation. You must get engaged today!"

Whatever Jovany did, he couldn't sway Desmond.

Veronica was asked to change her clothes in the dressing room, too. The zipper on her wedding dress was stuck, and it wouldn't budge no matter how she tried.

Just then, the door was opened. Without looking up, she leaned forward and swept her hair aside, revealing her slender neck.

"Could you help me with this?"

The incomer placed his hand on her back and pulled up the zipper with a firm tug.

"Thank you," she said while turning around. In the next second, she panicked as she saw his face.

Wasn't he surrounded and buttered up by those people? How did he manage to come here without anyone noticing?

"How did you get in here?" she asked.

"What do you think?"

He approached her, his imposing presence overwhelming.

Then he reached out and gripped her by the neck. "How dare you plot against me?"

Her neck was so slender that he felt he could snap it in any second.

He was so fierce last night that her neck was covered with hickeys, and she had to use concealer to cover them up.

"You got me wrong. I didn't know until minutes earlier that you're Jovany's uncle." Veronica regained composure and looked at Killian calmly.

Her face might be mediocre, but her bright eyes were undeniably impressive.

"Those who lied to me all ended up tragically." Killian tightened his grip.

Veronica found it hard to breathe.

Indeed, she had orchestrated last night's encounter, but she wouldn't admit it right now. She said, "Jovany slept with someone else. Why should I remain faithful to him? He came here from another woman's place today. Besides, he's been sleeping with her a thousand times already."

Her voice, tinged with a pang of sadness, made Killian loosen his grip a little.

Trust fund kids like Jovany always screwed around, and he was a famous playa. And Killian knew very well that Veronica was a virgin before last night.

"I don't care what you think. This ceremony is happening," he said.

Blinking, Veronica sneered, "Oh, really? Then why are you here with me? Aren't you worried someone might spot you?"

She and Killian weren't supposed to know each other. Now that they were here alone, anyone who saw them might wonder.

Killian warned her coldly, deliberately averting her eyes, "Be smart. Some things are meant to stay secret. Or..."

Though he didn't finish, his implication was clear enough.

"We've never met each other before today, right? I don't know what you're talking about." Veronica tilted her head, feigning bewilderment. However, by saying this, she had made it clear—she wouldn't do anything stupid.

Killian snorted, "Good to know."

He loosened his grip, strode to the door, and was about to go out.

Before his hand touched the handle, a woman outside said, "Veronica, are you in there?

"I've got something to say to you. I'm coming in."

It seemed she had no intention of leaving; if she opened the door now, she'd see Veronica with Killian.

Veronica saw Killian's sullen expression, but he came in here himself; it wasn't like she dragged him inside. Who could he blame?

Knowing he didn't want trouble, she suggested, "How about hiding behind the curtains?"

Killian's expression darkened even more. "What did you say?"

He wasn't screwing around with her; he just came in here to speak to her.

Why should he hide behind the curtains?

"Fine. Then open the door and go outside. I've got nothing to lose anyway; maybe I can have them cancel the engagement thanks to you," Veronica said while shrugging.

"Ronnie? Who are you talking to?" The woman was about to push the door open.

Killian, though utterly reluctant, hid behind the curtains.

Veronica walked over to open the door, but she had no intention of letting the woman inside.

It was Elyse Collier, her bestie for years, as well as Jovany's lover.

Elyse was a delicate beauty. Any man would want to protect her upon seeing her.

Her eyes were red, and she deliberately chose a tank top that revealed the marks Jovany had left on her.

"Ronnie, you're so pretty today." She looked at Veronica's wedding dress with envy.

Veronica looked at her and said mockingly, "What do you want?"

"Ronnie, you know my family. We never had any money. My mother left me when I was little, and my father was a gambler. Please... Could you let go of Jovany? Give him back to me, OK? I really love him very much."

Veronica's gaze turned cold. "You're literally the most shameless mistress I've ever seen."

"Ronnie, you've had everything you want since childhood. How could you possibly know how I feel? Why? Why do you have to force me? Why do you have to take Jovany away from me?"

Saying this, Elyse bowed to Veronica.

"Please, Ronnie. Pretty please..." she begged.

In the next second, someone pulled her behind him.

"What are you doing, Elyse?" Jovany's heart broke as he saw this.

Immediately, he snapped at Veronica.

"Veronica, this is between you and me. Why are you taking it out on Elyse? She's in poor health. How could you do this to her? You're so heartless and vicious!"

"Jovany, before you point fingers at me, at least get your facts straight. Elyse came to me and bowed to me herself. All I ever did was say one sentence," Veronica retorted.

Hearing this, Elyse tugged at Jovany's sleeve. "Jovany, don't blame Ronnie. It's my fault. I love you so much that I can't stand seeing you being someone else."

Veronica was genuinely disgusted by Elyse, the phony.

Before she could shut the door, Jovany said, "Veronica, I'll never fall for you—not even if we're married. And over my dead body will I sleep with you. Don't you know how ugly you are? Stop fantasizing."

Even the sight of her face sickened him.

Veronica, however, was amused. "It seems you two are really meant for each other. In case you've forgotten, Jovany, it's your family who's stopping you from being with her, not me. You two disgust me."

After saying this, she slammed the door shut.

Killian pushed the curtains aside.

He heard their conversation.

Veronica didn't seem upset. "See? Jovany is a big jerk. I wouldn't feel guilty even if I screw around with a hundred men."

Killian parted his lips, but no word came out.

The ceremony was postponed for about an hour, and now, it was about time to start.

Veronica could faintly hear Desmond ask anxiously where Killian was. He was right behind her.

She said to Killian, "I'll head out first. Find a chance to slip out."

Then she walked out and closed the door.

Killian stared at the door, his gaze darkening.

The moments when he was banished from Ironfair and his mother died remained painfully vivid in his memory.

He was an illegitimate son of the McCormick family, and everyone in the family had hated him back then. Figuring he wanted a share of the family asset, they had wanted him dead.

However, his mother was raped by his jerk father after getting drunk. She was the most innocent one.

The Snyder family also had everything to do with his leaving Ironfair and his mother's death. So, he'd make sure both families suffer.

Veronica and Jovany's mutual resistance to the marriage was precisely why he'd see to it that they ended up together.

***

Killian walked out of the dressing room. The hatred in his eyes was already gone, and he appeared as calm and cold as ever.

Desmond didn't dare to ask him where he had been, and he paid no attention to Desmond's flattery.

As he walked into the main hall, the ceremony had already begun.

The bride-to-be and the groom-to-be on stage both pulled long faces as if they were sworn enemies. Jovany seemed particularly bitter.

Opposite him, Veronica dropped her head, seemingly waiting for something.

Killian's gut told him something was off. Veronica resisted the engagement so much—would she accept the fate without doing anything?

He hadn't known her long, but he didn't think she'd give up without putting up a fight.

Maybe she had been premeditating all along, even before getting into bed with him last night.

Squinting slightly, he fiddled with the cross bracelet while staring at her, his gaze sharp.

As if feeling his stare, Veronica shot a glance in his direction and then curved her lips slightly.

Just then, the big screen behind them suddenly lit up.

"Jovany, babe... Be gentle..."

A delicate female voice rang out as a titillating scene was displayed on the screen. Everyone could see Jovany and Elyse's faces and what they were doing clearly.

Elyse kept glancing at the camera—whether deliberately or not, but it seemed Jovany didn't have a clue. He pushed in and pulled out even harder while saying the sultriest words.

The video wasn't exactly long, but it had high resolution.

The guests were shocked. "Mr. McCormick has a lover? If Ms. Snyder really marries him, her life will suffer for sure."

"Who's his lover? She knows he's getting married soon, right?"

"Hey, did you see? Mr. McCormick ... isn't particularly well-endowed."

They were all whispering among themselves.

Jovany was shocked.

Then he roared angrily, "Stop it! Stop watching!

"Who the heck did this?!"

Desmond was stunned, too, and he subconsciously glanced at Killian next to him.

Killian said, "Aren't you embarrassed enough?"

Desmond sprang to his feet at once. "Shut that video off! Now!"

Soon, the big screen went dark again. The members of the two families all looked sullen.

Veronica was on the verge of tears. "Jovany, how could you do this to me?"

Jovany snapped, "Stop whining! No one would marry you! You're the ugliest woman I've ever seen. I love Elyse. You're nothing compared to her."

She said, "Since you hate me this much, let's break off the engagement while everyone is here today."

"Shut up!" Desmond walked over and slapped Jovany hard. "I don't care who you love. The engagement is happening!"

"Dad!" Jovany was seething with rage, and the scene went completely chaotic.

Upon seeing Jovany being smacked, Elyse stepped forward. "Mr. McCormick, please don't blame Jovany. It's all my fault. I'm hopelessly in love with him."

Her words further enraged Desmond, who kicked her hard. "Get lost!"

Elyse lost her balance, fell to the floor, and passed out.

Blind with rage and worry, Jovany lunged forward, throwing caution to the wind. "Elyse! Elyse!"

He picked her up and strode out at once. "Call an ambulance!"

The engagement ceremony was forced to stop now that he had left.

Desmond managed the aftermath, apologizing to the guests and the Snyder family.

Meanwhile, Veronica stood on stage as the butt of the joke. However, Desmond didn't show any intention of apologizing to her at all.

She walked backstage in silence. Just as she took off the heavy gown, a cold voice rang out behind her.

"You did this on purpose. You wanna destroy Jovany."

She turned around. "What makes you say that, Killian?"

"You put the video there."

"I did no such thing. Didn't you notice the angle? Obviously, one of them filed recorded it. Maybe they wanna savor it later."

It was Elyse who recorded the video.

Elyse wanted to marry into the McCormick family, so, of course, she wouldn't stand watching Jovany marry someone else. She'd do anything, including ruining her own reputation, to make sure it didn't happen.

All Veronica did was use some way to plant the idea in Elyse's head and have Elyse put the video up there.

"You think this will get you out of the engagement?" Killian asked.

Veronica lowered her head. She had indeed thought so.

But it seemed things were more complicated than she had thought.

She curved her lips and looked up again, her long lashes fluttering, her eyes charming.

When she stared at someone, she had the magic that made them forget about her mediocre face.

"You could tell Jovany doesn't love me at all, right, Killian? How about giving me a hand and getting me out of the engagement?"

"Why would I?"

"I'll owe you one. If you ever need my help, I won't say no."

Killian sneered, "Why would I possibly need your help? You should give up and get ready to marry Jovany."

"I don't want him as my fiancé. If you refuse to help me... Aren't you afraid someone else will find out about last night?"

"Why would anyone believe you? Do you really think I'd ever find your face attractive?" Killian stared at her.

She stroked her face. "Indeed, I'm not pretty. But you didn't seem to despise me last night."

"So, I'm right. You indeed planned this whole thing." Killian gritted his teeth.

He thought, "She's got some nerve. I was her target all along."

Veronica didn't deny it. "Does that matter? Admit it. You felt great last night."

Killian was momentarily at a loss for words.

Anyone who dared to plot against Killian all ended up tragically.

The fury on his face was undisguised and intimidating. If it were anyone else, their legs would have given way already.

However, Veronica didn't flinch at all. She looked into his eyes stubbornly.

Just then, Marcelo's voice rang out outside the door.

"Veronica? Where the heck are you? Get out now!"

Hearing his voice, Killian mocked, "Get ready for another engagement ceremony, my dear niece-in-law."

He didn't bother wasting time on scheming women like Veronica, so he left through the side door.

Biting her lip, Veronica realized Killian wasn't going to help her, and she had to think of something else.

Soon, Marcelo went backstage and saw Veronica.

He was furious that today's engagement ceremony ended up as a joke.

"You're so useless. You can't even keep a man?"

Veronica said indifferently, "I'm worth more than just keeping a man around."

"Bullshit! Get your ass to the hospital and get Jovany back. Forget about coming home if you fail!"

"You were there. You saw the video, right? Jovany cheated on me. And you still want me to marry him?"

Marcelo, however, didn't think it was a big deal. "Men cheat. This is common sense. As long as you stay his wife, you should allow him to do whatever he wants.

"Jovany is the heir of the McCormick family. Sooner or later, he'll inherit everything, which means you're set for life. Do you know how many women dream of that? You're lucky that the two families arranged for your engagement when you were little. Or you would have never had a chance to be his wife."

Marcelo was so pissed off by how ungrateful Veronica was.

Veronica sneered, lowering her head to conceal the mockery in her eyes.

Men were jerks, including both Marcelo and Jovany.

***

At the hospital, Jovany especially arranged a VIP room for Elyse.

Upon coming around, Elyse saw him and threw herself into his arms.

"Jovany... Jovany..."

Jovany held her tightly. "Everything's fine now. I'm here with you."

"I'm so scared, Jovany. How come the video got leaked? Will everyone point fingers at me? Will I be cyberbullied?"

"Of course not. I'm here to protect you, Elyse."

"You're so nice to me, Jovany. But I ruined your engagement. Maybe I should go and tell everyone it was all my fault. I'll tell them I seduced you. Then they won't blame you."

Jovany was deeply touched by how sensible Elyse was.

"You're so kind-hearted, silly. Don't worry about this, OK? Right now, you should focus on getting better."

"Jovany, you're so kind to me. I love you so much," Elyse said, wrapping her arms around his neck, and kissing his lips gently.

She knew how to turn him on, and soon, he started to trace his fingers along her waist. It was a private room, and no one would disturb them.

Veronica stood at the door, watching coldly as their bodies entwined together.

She was surprised at how eager they were. This was the hospital!

And of course, she wouldn't charge in there. She took out her phone, recorded a clip, and sent it to Desmond.

Then she texted, "Mr. McCormick, I came to the hospital to check on Jovany, only to witness his betrayal."

She'd think of a way to have the engagement cancelled, and then, she'd leave the Snyder family.

But Marcelo still had her mother's belongings, which she had to reclaim before she left.

Soon, Desmond took someone and came to the hospital. He kicked the room door open, forcing the two inside to stop.

"Dad..." Jovany pulled up his pants at once. "Why didn't you knock?"

"You brat! You and this tramp disgrace our family! How could you ever face Veronica? I'll beat some sense into you!"

Jovany's shrill cry rang out. Soon, Desmond brought him to Veronica.

Then he slapped Jovany hard twice. Jovany didn't dare to do anything and could only endure because Desmond was his father.

Meanwhile, he glared at Veronica. He was certain that she was the one who tipped Desmond off.

Veronica, however, ignored the hatred in Jovany's eyes and looked at Desmond.

"Mr. McCormick, about the engagement..."

After this, surely, the engagement would be off the table, right?

Though Desmond smiled kindly, his imposing presence was not to be overlooked. He said, "Veronica, I'll teach Jovany a lesson. Don't worry. I'll find another day to hold the ceremony again.

"Join us for dinner tonight, OK? So that Jovany can apologize to you properly."

He wasn't asking for her opinion, and she could only nod.

The engagement weighed on her like an anchor. She was so helpless, feeling she'd be stuck with it forever.

It was true that they had been arranged to get engaged since childhood, but given the McCormick family's status in Ironfair, Jovany could be with any woman he wanted. Why her?

Since Veronica had her head dipped, she missed Desmond's meaningful gaze.

As she left the hospital, the smile on Desmond's face vanished.

Being slapped twice, Jovany fumed, "Dad, if you want me to get married, fine. I'll marry someone else. But not Veronica! She's hideous!"

Desmond warned him, "I don't give a damn about anything else you do. But you must marry Veronica.

"Also, apologize to her properly tonight, or kiss your bank cards goodbye."

Jovany didn't get it. What was so good about Veronica? Why did he have to marry her?

And why would he apologize to her? He'd never do such a thing.

At the suburban cemetery.

Killian went to visit his mother with a bouquet of white roses.

The photo on the tombstone had yellowed with time, but her smile was still bright. She passed away before thirty, in what should have been the best years of her life.

The McCormick family ruined her life, and she didn't even get to be buried in their cemetery.

Killian stayed there for an entire afternoon and left till it was dusk.

Nash Clayton, his assistant, had been waiting outside the cemetery all this time. Upon seeing Killian walk out, he walked forward with a phone. "Sir, Mr. Desmond has called you a bunch of times, wanting to have dinner with you tonight."

"Address?" Killian's voice was devoid of any warmth.

"The Icecastle Hotel." Nash had been working for Killian for years now, and he knew how Killian did things. He'd anticipate Killian's next moves and figure everything out in advance.

"No. Only if he hosts it at the McCormick's mansion."

***

The McCormick family had long been waiting for Killian before his arrival, and Veronica was at the very back of the crowd.

The McCormick's mansion was grand, but to her, it was no different from a prison. The oppressive human nature within it was suffocating.

The meeting time was 8:00 p.m., but Killian's car only showed up around 10:00 p.m.

After waiting for him for two hours in the cold wind, a lot of members of the McCormick family were complaining.

Desmond opened the car door for Killian himself. "Come in, Killian."

Veronica looked at Killian's tall figure shining in the mansion's lights. If she had known he'd be here, she would have found an excuse not to show up.

Killian was nearly 1.9 meters tall, his imposing stature making him seem unapproachable. Beside him, others appeared ordinary, as if from an entirely different world.

It was the first time he had set foot in here after leaving at fourteen.

When he was little, his mother took him back here. Everyone ridiculed him, calling him a bastard, and those only a few years younger than him bullied him by making him crawl and sleep in a dog kennel.

Once, Gabriel McCormick, his father, was on a business trip, and he was starved for a week. They'd rather throw away their leftovers than give him a bite.

But then a girl showed up, lighting up his world.

She brought him food for a week and even arranged the food into simple words to encourage him.

He had never met that girl in person, but he knew she must have been beautiful.

In return, he put his mother's only keepsake in the lunchbox he had washed clean and gave it to her.

He had more than one purpose coming back this time. He'd visit his mother's grave, make the McCormick family pay for what they had done, and find her.

Jolted out of his thoughts, he noticed that woman standing at the crowd's edge, her gaze locked on him.

Veronica's face didn't stand out, but her eyes did.

"Come here, Veronica." He waved at her.

Immediately, everyone turned to her.

She had no choice but to brace herself, walk over to him, and greet him, "Hello, Killian."

Killian waved his hand, and Nash, who was standing aside, brought something over. It was an exquisite box with something resembling a scroll painting inside.

"Glad to meet you," he said.

Desmond was stunned as he recognized the painting—it was the authentic work of Aldrich Robinett, auctioned off to a mysterious bidder for 30 million dollars at the last auction. He had wanted it, too, but had lost to the bidder.

It turned out Killian was the bidder.

Coming back to his senses, he urged Jovany, "What are you waiting for? Accept Killian's gift for your engagement."

Jovany extended his hands, but Nash didn't give him the box. "Mr. Killian said it's for Ms. Snyder."

Veronica, however, remained motionless. She knew it was an expensive gift and what Killian meant by giving it to her.

He wanted to fix what had happened last night with money.

"Veronica?" Desmond turned to her.

He thought, "If it's really that painting, I'll think of something else to take it from her later."

Under so many people's gazes, Veronica didn't have a choice. She took the box gracefully. "Thank you, Killian."

Killian nodded slightly before being ushered inside.

The McCormick family had prepared a grand dinner party to welcome Killian.

"It's been years since you came back, Killian. I've got a room ready for you. Nothing beats home, right?" Desmond said with a fawning smile.

Killian stopped in his tracks, his gaze landing on the dog kennel.

It was far different from what it had been years ago. It was more like a proper house built for the dogs and was spacious enough for a person to sleep inside.

He used to stay there for half a month.

Parting his lips, he said, his gaze icy, "The dog kennel over there seems pretty nice. Don't you think, Desmond?"

A cold sweat broke out on Desmond's back right away. He remembered having someone drive Killian to sleep in there when Killian was a teenager.

What did Killian mean?

"Yeah... I suppose," he stuttered.

"Really? Then how about you sleep in there tonight?" Killian said.

Desmond's expression changed. He was the head of the family, and if word got out, he'd be the butt of the joke.

Before he could say anything, Jovany stepped forward.

"Why? If you like it in there, go sleep in there yourself. How dare you ask my dad to sleep in there?"

Jovany was already upset because of today's ceremony, and waiting in the wind for two hours further irritated him. Hearing Killian humiliate Desmond, he lost it.

He hadn't taken over the family company and had no idea about the current situation of the family. He thought, "Killian is just my uncle—why is Dad so terrified of him?

"I'm not afraid of him at all."

"Shut up!" Desmond scowled at Jovany.

"Killian, Jovany doesn't know what he's talking about. Just ignore him," Desmond said to Killian with a fawning smile, worried that Killian might be enraged by Jovany's words.

"Desmond, Jovany is your son. If you can't even keep him in line, how will others think of our family? I don't mind having someone disciplining him," Killian said, his voice as flat as ever, making it impossible for others to fathom his thoughts.

But everyone was nervous when hearing this.

Desmond was sweating bullets because he knew what Killian was capable of. When they were kids, he could tell how crazy Killian could be.

If he really dealt with Jovany, Jovany would suffer miserably.

"Killian, I know how busy you are. This is just a trivial matter. Don't let it waste your time." He turned to Jovany and snapped, "Go back to your room to reflect on yourself. Forget about dinner!"

"Dad!"

Jovany wanted to say something, but Desmond signaled several servants standing aside. "Take him away!"

Then he turned back to Killian. "Killian, this way."

The ingratiating smile on his face and his slightly bent forward body stunned the others, and they didn't even dare to breathe loudly. After all, the McCormick family was the richest in Ironfair, and he had always been high and mighty, never respecting anyone.

Veronica walked at the back of the crowd while looking at Killian. He was the tallest man present, and his imposing presence made him out of place.

Her gut told her he was a dangerous man.

The McCormick's mansion was luxurious and grand, and even the dining hall was adorned with crystal chandeliers.

Desmond let Killian have the main seat. Sitting at the table, Killian was like the ruler of the world, and no one dared to look into his sharp eyes.

Veronica wanted to sit in an inconspicuous corner, but Killian's gaze had been on her all this time, so Desmond waved her over.

"Veronica, you'll take Jovany's seat."

Jovany was the family heir, so Desmond had arranged for him to sit at Killian's left hand to curry favor. And now, it was Veronica who sat next to Killian.

She had wanted to stay as far away from Killian as possible, but now, they were so close that her hand would brush against him as long as she reached out.

She intently focused on the plate in front of her but still inevitably grazed the back of his hand twice.

Throughout the meal, she was on pins and needles. Luckily, Killian didn't give her a hard time, and the dinner soon ended.

After dinner, she went to the bathroom, and Desmond invited Killian upstairs.

Tianna McCormick, Jovany's younger sister, stood next to Leila McCormick, Desmond's wife, looking irritated. She had been putting up with it for an entire day.

"Mom, did you see that? Anne is swamped, yet Veronica didn't offer to help. Does she think she's one of us?"

Anne Greer was a maid working in the kitchen.

When saying this, Tianna thought, "Veronica didn't even wash the dishes today. How arrogant! Dad told me repeatedly not to make a scene during dinner today, or I would have dealt with her already."

Leila, the hostess of the family, found Veronica washing the dishes humiliating. After all, Veronica was her future daughter-in-law.

Her gaze landed on the precious wooden box. "Tianna, Veronica isn't part of the family yet and shouldn't accept such an expensive gift from Killian. It should be Jovany's."

Tianna got the message right away. "You're right, Mom. I'll get it back for him."

After walking out of the bathroom, Veronica didn't see Killian and figured he had left.

To her surprise, she saw Tianna rummaging through something furtively.

"What are you doing, you thief?" Standing behind Tianna, she saw Tianna open the box.

Inside was Aldrich's most famous painting, worth eight figures. One couldn't have it even with money.

Tianna was first startled and then calmed down.

Knowing she had been caught, she said, raising her voice, "How dare you call me a thief?"

Veronica looked at her. "Am I wrong? Weren't you stealing?"

Tianna was indeed tempted and wanted to take the painting away, but she'd never admit it.

"Can't I take a look at it? It belongs to the McCormick family anyway. Are you trying to keep it to yourself?"

"Killian said it's a gift for me. He didn't mention anything about the McCormick family. Anyone who was there heard him. If your ears aren't working, get some help," Veronica said coldly.

"I heard what he said. So what? You can give it to anyone else as you want. I like the painting, and I'm taking it away." With that, Tianna picked up the box and wanted to leave.

However, Veronica pulled her and snatched the box away. "You want it? Why don't you ask Killian for one?"

Then she was about to leave. It was almost midnight—time for her to go home.

She walked over to Leila, who was sipping tea. "Mrs. McCormick, it's late. I should be leaving."

Leila said, "Why don't you stay with us tonight? The room's ready. You can sleep with Jovany."

Leila was the hostess of a top-notch family, and her tone left no room for debate.

She was informing Veronica instead of asking for Veronica's opinion.

"Thanks, Mrs. McCormick, but my dad's waiting for me," Veronica said.

"Mom has offered for you to stay. Stop being so pretentious, OK? You've never lived in such a splendid place before, have you? Be grateful," Tianna snapped.

"Tianna!" Leila said sternly, though she deliberately waited for Tianna to finish speaking.

Then she turned to Veronica. "Ignore her. I'll have someone lead you up."

Tianna thought of something, and her eyes flickered.

"Mom, let me."

Tianna led Veronica upstairs. It was the McCormick family's old residence, and even Jovany seldom lived here. Though Veronica had come here before, this was her first time staying the night.

"Why does Dad insist on having you as Jovany's wife? You're nothing compared to Elyse. Can't you realize how ugly you are? You're so gonna embarrass Jovany," Tianna said, pouting.

Veronica was unfazed. Tianna wasn't the first one calling her ugly and wouldn't be the last one.

Besides, being ugly was just her disguise.

She said, "Since you hate me so much, why don't you talk to him and change his mind? If I really marry Jovany, you'll suffer."

"You..." Tianna glared at Veronica.

She thought, "Who's gonna suffer? You, not me.

"Dad asked me not to offend Killian because of Killian's status. Even Dad treats him with respect. Then ... what if Veronica offends him? Both Killian and Dad will be upset with her."

She led Veronica to a room. "This is your room. Go inside then."

It wasn't Jovany's room. It was meant for Killian.

Looking at Veronica, she thought, "If Veronica comes inside, I bet she'll upset Killian, and he'll be furious. How is he going to deal with her? I'm so looking forward to it."

Veronica had never been to this room before and didn't know it wasn't Jovany's room. Out of courtesy, she raised her hand and was about to knock.

However, Tianna opened it directly and pushed her inside.