Chapter 2
Roderick had the kind of face that could make one stop and stare. His sharp, chiseled features looked like they’d been carved by a master sculptor.
His deep green eyes were intense, almost hypnotic, like staring into an endless galaxy.
Helow his high, straight nose were thin lips pressed into a faint line, pale and unyielding.
His fair skin, almost unnaturally smooth and radiant, only amplified his ethereal beauty–a kind of striking perfection that was hard to look away
from.
In his hand, he larily toyed with a silver lighter, flipping it open and shut with a casual rhythm. The movement matched his laid–back demeanor, but the slight curve of his lips carried an edge–like he was amused by something only he understoo
It was a mix of arrogance and allure, the kind that pulled people in without even trying
Until now, Laurel had thought George was the epitome of charm and good looks. But standing before Roderick George was nothing. He couldn’t hold a candle to this man.
This wasn’t just anyone. This was Roderick Lynch, the eldest heir of the Lynch family, the only son of Herb Lynch.
Orphaned at a young age, he had been raised by his grandmother, Winona, alongside his sister, Sienna. The world said Winona had spoiled him rotten, compensating for the parents he lost too soon.
That indulgence had created a man who seemed untamed and reckless, someone who lived life without a care
Oslonia City knew him as the king of the rich playboys–perpetually surrounded by beautiful women and juicy scandals that filled the tabloids.
But anyone who looked closer knew the truth. Roderick wasn’t some spoiled, aimless hedonist.
Beneath the façade, he was razor–sharp, with the kind of cunning that made hi
him one of the few men who could challenge George Lynch.
Laurel knew that Roderick’s playboy act was just that–an act. If he wanted, he could crush George in an instant
A sudden thought jolted through Laurel’s mind, wiping away
ng away any lingering memories of her dream.
in she could align herself with Roderick, toppling George and the Lambert family would be a walk in the
e park.
he studied Roderick, he was doing the same, his gaze lingering on her with a quiet intensity. Though his expression remained unreadable, a Ser of something dark and knowing passed through his eyes.
aurel wasn’t just any woman. As the Lambert family’s eldest heiress and George’s fiancee, she was widely regarded as the jewel of Oslonia City
Stunning, intelligent, and poised, she was the kind of woman who turned heads without trying. Her slim waist, long legs, and natural grace made her seem untouchable.
beell w
your
Roderick’s grandmother adored her, constantly lamenting, “Such a perfect girl, wasted on that snake George Lynch. If only she could’ve bee wife, Roderick
But Roderick had never been swayed by such praise. A woman who could fall for George Lynch? How smart could she really be?‘ he’d thought.
Laurel stepped forward, breaking the silence. She smiled, calm and confident, as she extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lynch,” the said smoothly
Roderick’s eyes dropped to her hand, his lips curling into a faint smirk. “Your hand, Ms. Lambert?” he drawled, his voice low and amused. “I wouldn’t dare. If someone saw us, they might start talking. And we wouldn’t want that, would we?”
Laurel chuckled lightly, unfazed. “Afraid of a little gossips, Mr. Lynch? That doesn’t sound like you.”
His brow arched, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, but he said nothing
Laurel’s smile didn’t waver, though her tone grew sharper. “Let me be clear, Mr. Lynch. Whatever you think, there’s nothing between me and George. So, you can drop the ‘fiancée‘ act. It’s not accurate.”
Roderick’s gaze narrowed slightly, but his faint smirk remained. He didn’t respond, letting the silence stretch as if waiting to see what she’d do next.
1/3
8:16 PM c
Chapter 2
Laurel took a small step forward, closing the
gap between it
them. Tilting her chin up, she met his gaze head–on, her crimson lips curving into a confident smile that didn’t reach her eyes. How about we strike a deal, Mr. Lynch?”
Roderick’s interest finally sharpened, though his expression stayed composed. “What kind of deal?” he asked, his tone almost lazy, like he wasn’t fully invested yet..
Her smile widened, her voice calm but carrying an edge. “You help me sever ties with the Lambert family, and I’ll help you take down George.”
For a moment, Roderick just stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, unexpectedly, he laughed a low, rich sound that carried a hint of mockery
“You! Help me take down George!” he echoed, shaking his head slightly. “Ms. Lambert, everyone knows how close you and George are. Do you really think anyone would buy that?!“
Still smirking, he turned away, casually flipping the silver lighter open and shut, the soft click–click echoing in the quiet air as he started to walk off.
Laurel’s smile faltered, just for a moment, before she straightened her shoulders. Watching his tall, confident figure retreat, she raised her voice, clear and steady. You will,” she called out. “You’ll believe me.”
Roderick froze mid–step, then slowly turned around.
Laurel stood there, holding up her phone with a radiant, almost playful smile. “Mr. Lynch,” she said, her voice light but with a sharp edge, “find yourself a good seat. The show’s about to start.”
She didn’t wait for a response. With a confident stride, she turned and walked away, leaving an air of mystery in her wake.
Roderick’s eyes lingered on her retreating figure, his lips curling into an amused smirk. His dark gaze deepened, a flicker of interest sparking as he watched her disappear from sight.
As Laurel stepped into the grand hotel lobby, her phone chimed with a notification.
She glanced at the clock. 11:35 sharp. A small smile tugged at her lips. Right on time. Not even a second off.
Her fingers moved quickly over the screen as she sent a reply: [You’ll get your reward later. Nicely done.]
With that, she slid her phone back into her pocket, her face hardening. Her usual warmth vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating expression as she made her way toward the control room.
By the time the clock struck 11:50, Laurel emerged from the room, her work complete. She was steady, her mind focused, but as she walked past the fire escape, an unexpected scene stopped her dead in her tracks.
There they were: George and Regina, entangled in each other’s arms like no one else in the world mattered.
“George,” Regina whimpered, her voice dripping with fake sorrow. “It hurts so much, seeing you about to marry someone else. It’s killing me inside…
“Don’t cry, baby,” George murmured, his voice soft and full of feigned affection as he pulled her closer. “I’ve told you–this marriage is just for show. The real Mrs. Lynch will always be you.”
“Promise me, George, Regina whispered, her tone trembling with carefully crafted vulnerability. “Promise you’re not lying to me.”
“Never,” George replied earnestly, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “I adore you. How could I ever lie to you?”
They didn’t stop there. Their lips met in a deep, heated kiss, completely oblivious to the world around them.
Laurel’s nails dug into her palms as she watched, fury bubbling beneath her calm exterior. she’d believed in their so–called “sibling bond.” She’d thought their closeness was harmless, a reflection of family ties.
How bland she’d been. The truth was now glaringly obvious–they’d been lovers all along, betraying her while she played the fool.
Every muscle in her body screamed for her to confront them, to rip their charade to shreds in front of everyone.
But she held back. Not yet.
She would wait. She would bide her time. And when the moment was right, her revenge would be so devastating they’d never recover.
2/3
Chapter 2
George must have sensed her presence because he suddenly pushed Regina away, his face twisting from passion to panic in a heartbeat.
His voice wavered as he spoke. “Laurel! What… what are you doing here? I was just about to send Regina to find you!”
Laurel stood perfectly still, her icy gaze locked on them both.
Regina, clearly rattled, quickly tried to cover. “Sister,” she said softly, her voice trembling in mock concern. “I was just about to come find you. But George was so busy taking care of the guests, he didn’t even have time to catch his breath. I thought I’d help him out.”
Her words were carefully chosen, a subtle jab meant to paint herself as thoughtful while making Laurel look lazy.
And it worked. George’s frown deepened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced at Laurel with faint disapproval. Regina noticed his reaction and inwardly smirked, pleased with herself.
If she couldn’t stop this engagement, she’d at least make sure George resented Laurel
But Laurel didn’t react. Instead, she studied them both with cool detachment, her mind turning over the next steps of her plan.
Suddenly, she smiled, her tone light and almost teasing. “Regina, you’re so considerate. Maybe you should be the one getting engaged to George today. After all, no one’s specified which Lambert is marrying which Lynch, have they?”
Regina’s face lit up momentarily, but when she noticed George’s horrified expression, she quickly masked her excitement.
George, however, looked like he’d just been slapped. His heart pounded as paranoia set in. Does Laurel know something? Is this her way of hinting
Forcing a shaky laugh, he tried to explain “Laurel, just now Regina tripped, and I helped steady her. You’re not upset about that, are you?”
Laurel’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. “Steady her?”
y her? With your mouth?‘ she thought but didn’t say.
Instead, she feigned confusion. “Upset? About what! You helped her. Why would I mind?”
George’s brows furrowed, suspicion still clouding his gaze. Then what did you mean about Regina getting engaged to me! That
was it?”
‘t just a joke.
Laurel chuckled softly, her voice light and casual. “Of course it was a joke. Look at Regina–she’s so beautifully dressed today. I couldn’t resist. teasing her a little.”
Relief washed over George’s face as he let out a quiet breath. “Laurel,” he said, his tone shifting to a scolding one, “today is our big day. You’re my bride–the woman I’m marrying
someone overheard and misunderstood.”
“Don’t say things like that. What
at if som
