The officer frowned deeply. "If you don't want to marry him anymore, can't you just talk it out and call off the engagement?"

"The wedding's tomorrow," I continued calmly. "I've already spent all the money they gave me. And I don't want to get married."

"How much did you spend?" the officer asked. "You can negotiate and return it."

"Fifteen million."

The room went quiet.

At that point, it wasn't just a generous wedding gift. It was an outrageous one.

The officer insisted that I contact the groom's family directly.

I had heard long ago that my intended husband wasn't exactly known for his patience.

With shaking hands, I took the phone the officer handed me. To my surprise, the man on the other end didn't sound angry at all.

That made sense. This was a business arrangement. We hadn't even met.

Besides, the wedding hadn't been publicly announced, so the impact on Mason Group would be minimal.

"You're certain you don't want to marry me?" the man asked evenly.

I answered quietly, "Yeah."

"Then we'll call it off."

Through police mediation, I was required to return the 15 million dollars to the Masons' account by noon the next day. Otherwise, they would file charges.

I nodded happily.

That night, instead of scrambling to raise money, I spent the entire evening drinking at a bar.

The next morning, I returned home.

The entire villa was buzzing with celebration. The yard was crowded with people coming and going.

Not only were employees from Castillo Enterprises there, but even classmates Hannah and I once knew had shown up.

They gathered around Hannah, showering her with praise.

"Hannah, you just keep getting prettier! Out of our whole class, you're the one who really made it."

"Yeah, we'll all be counting on you to keep us fed in the future."

The employees chimed in, too.

"They say the Mason Group CEO doesn't care for women, but look at our Ms. Castillo. She's got him wrapped around her finger!"

"We'd better stick close to her from now on."

I let out a cold laugh.

Good luck marrying into the Masons. They were still waiting for the 15 million refund.

As they were busy flattering her, someone suddenly noticed me at the door.

"Daphne, what's with the dark circles? Where did you go messing around last night? Today is Hannah's wedding. Even if you're just the housekeeper's daughter, you can't show up looking this sloppy."

My gaze settled on Hannah.

She met my eyes directly and said, "Daphne, you don't seriously think you're the Castillos' real daughter, do you? On my wedding day, you're hanging around like a stray. If you screw things up, who do you think's going to take the blame?"

"What do you mean I'm pretending?" I shot back. "This is my home."

The moment the words left my mouth, laughter erupted.

The guy who had followed Hannah around like a shadow since college sneered openly.

"Daphne, have you no shame?

"Your mom works here as a housekeeper. That's the only reason you get to live in this place. Hannah's been kind enough to give you everything, and now you're trying to impersonate her?

"We've known Hannah for years. Everyone knows she's Mr. Castillo's only sister."

People from Castillo Enterprises joined in, saying they had never even seen me at the company.

One of Hannah's followers laughed knowingly.

"So Hannah arranged jobs for most of her classmates, and you didn't get one. That's why you're barking here like a stray. You're loud, sure, but Hannah only gave you a job paying three grand a month."

Before I could respond, the woman slapped me across the face in a fit of rage.

My cheek burned instantly. I clenched my teeth and glared at her.

"I'm warning you. I'm supposed to be getting married today. Now that you hit me, Mason Group won't let this slide."

"Are you still dreaming?" someone scoffed. "Drank too much last night and haven't sobered up yet? Want us to wake you up with some cold water?"

As they spoke, someone brought over a bucket of icy water. I tried to dodge, but two people grabbed my arms.

The freezing water poured over my head, sending a violent shiver through my body.

Before I could even recover, another slap landed across my face.

Hannah stepped forward and pinched my chin between her fingers. "Feeling awake now? If not, we can add some props."

She smiled faintly.

"Knives, whips, hot tongs. Which one do you like?"

One of Hannah's followers handed her a small kitchen knife.

Hannah tapped the flat of the blade against my cheek, smiling coldly.

"We grew up together. I was going to let you go, but you just had to make trouble on my wedding day. Wayne is marrying me, not some useless nobody like you."

Her lackey kicked hard at the back of my knee.

My legs gave out, and I dropped to my knees.

Hannah planted her heel on my face. "You're nothing but my pet now. Grovel and apologize. Say you're sorry a hundred times. Maybe I'll be generous enough to forgive you."

Blood ran from the corner of my mouth. I laughed softly and looked up at her.

"Keep dreaming. As long as I don't agree, the Masons' wedding convoy won't show up today."

"Still talking big?" someone sneered. "When their cars arrive, I'll tear that mouth of yours apart. You really haven't woken up, have you? You actually think you can control the Masons?"

They didn't believe a word I said. Kicks and blows rained down on me.

I curled up on the ground, my whole body aching.

Even after they got tired of beating me, no wedding cars appeared.

Hannah panicked. She rushed over and grabbed my chin, squeezing hard. "What did you do? Why haven't the Masons come yet? You must've pulled something to ruin my wedding!"

I smiled faintly. "Well, it's because the Masons know you're trying to take my place."

She slapped me hard across the face. "You're still holding onto that nonsense? I'll throw you to the dogs right now!"

Completely unhinged, Hannah ordered them to drag me toward the kennel.

Just then, a sharp honk cut through the air.

The Masons' wedding convoy had arrived.

I froze, surprised. Hadn't the engagement already been called off? Why were they still here?

Before I could think it through, Hannah was already glowing with excitement as she climbed into the lead car.

I was hauled up by her follower and shoved in after her.

"Today, we'll let you see what a real upper-class marriage looks like," she sneered.

I hurt too much to respond. After a long while, the pain dulled, and the cars came to a stop.

The door flew open, and I was kicked out onto the pavement. My face hit the steps. Blood poured from my nose, making me look even more pathetic.

People around us laughed openly.

"Now that you're actually at the wedding, are you feeling awake yet?"

Hannah's smug expression filled my vision.

I replied calmly, "Until the ceremony's over, nothing's decided. Hannah, where's your groom?"

As soon as I finished speaking, the hotel doors swung open.

Wayne Mason stepped out, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. His cold gaze swept across everyone present.

Instantly, the crowd fell silent.

"I didn't expect Mr. Mason to be this handsome! He and Hannah look perfect together!"

Hannah blushed shyly, then shot me a triumphant look. "Daphne, when I go to bed tonight, I'll reward you with a stray dog."

Wayne walked straight toward Hannah.

The next second, the color drained from her face, and terror flickered in her eyes.