I reached the hotel entrance where my driver was already waiting with the car. Just as I was about to get in, I heard hurried footsteps behind me.

"Joanna!"

Declan had chased after me, with Cassidy, pale as a sheet, trailing close behind.

"What on earth do you want?" I asked, my brow furrowing.

"You were completely out of line today," he accused, pointing a finger at me. "Rejecting me again and again. I know you're angry, but if you keep this up, I'm going to start taking it seriously."

I nearly rolled my eyes. Taking a deep breath of the cold air, I said firmly, "I am serious. Declan, I will not accept your proposal. I gave up on you three years ago. Besides, I'm already married."

To my surprise, Declan let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You don't have to lie, Joanna. You're just saying that to get a rise out of me."

"Yes, Joanna," Cassidy chimed in, sidling closer. "Everyone in Chicago knows how much you love Declan. How could you possibly marry someone else? Declan loves you too, which is why I'm willing to step aside for you both..."

As she spoke, her features crumpled into that familiar, pitiful mask, her eyes welling with tears.

"Impossible... how could you be married?" he murmured. "That dress is new—Parisian haute couture. And that perfume... You knew I was going to propose. You dressed for me."

I realized there was no getting through to them.

"I am married," I reiterated calmly. "Declan, we were over three years ago. Stop harassing me—it wouldn't look good if someone saw us."

"My husband loves me very much, and we are very happy. As for this dress and perfume? I'm sorry, but I've long forgotten your preferences."

Cassidy cut me off, her voice choked with emotion. "Joanna, why must you hurt Declan with lies? If you really have a husband, why did you come back alone today?"

Declan's eyes lit up instantly. He looked at me with a glimmer of hope, as if convinced I was still madly in love with him.

Once upon a time, Declan and I were childhood sweethearts. Our families were equals, and being together seemed like a matter of course. As the daughter of the Sterling family, I had even been willing to manage his family's affairs for him.

Even after his mistress, Cassidy, appeared, I forgave him time and time again, defending him in front of both our families.

But what did he give me in return? Betrayal after betrayal.

He claimed he only saw Cassidy as a sister who needed protection, but what kind of brother takes care of his sister in his bed?

Looking back, I must have been blind. But now, all I felt when I looked at Declan was a deep, unshakeable annoyance. Nothing more.

"Think whatever you want," I said, walking towards the black Rolls-Royce waiting by the curb without a backward glance, ignoring the hurt in his eyes. "Just stop bothering me. I don't want to see either of you again."

But the next morning, I wasn't woken up by my alarm, but by a barrage of messages from a friend.

[Joanna, are you really getting engaged to Declan?]

Confused, I clicked the link my friend sent—a screenshot from the society pages.

My brow furrowed the moment I saw the headline.

[Tierney and Sterling Families Rekindle Old Flame, A Powerful Alliance Reborn! Childhood Sweethearts Finally Get Their Happily Ever After!]

Below were fawning comments from clueless readers, praising our supposed love story.

[This is a real-life fairy tale!]

[A prince and princess, a match made in heaven.]

I was about to contact the media to retract the story when Declan's call came through.

"Did you see the news? Surprised? I knew you cared about your pride. Are you over your little tantrum now?" His voice was filled with smug arrogance.

"Did you leak this?" I demanded coldly.

"What's with the tone? Our engagement is a done deal," he said, a note of contempt in his voice. "I'm telling you, agreeing to this marriage is me doing you a favor. The Tierney family is about to secure the backing of a major power in this city and become the top family in Chicago again."

Impossible. The Tierney family's power had been declining for years. I had returned this time precisely to uproot it completely.

I feigned a casual tone to probe him. "Oh? I had no idea the Tierney family still had that much pull. I heard from my father you've been a little tight on funds lately."

"Hmph." Declan let out a short, disdainful laugh. "I'll be honest with you. I've already made contact with Don Donovan—he's willing to partner with the Tierneys."

He had actually contacted the Donovan family?

If he succeeded, my plans could be completely ruined.

My heart tightened, but I masked it with flattery. "Is that so... It seems the Tierney family is truly poised to reach new heights. I wonder if I might have the chance to meet this powerful man?"

"Of course," Declan answered without hesitation. "The Tierney family's reputation is solid again, and the Don just informed me he'll personally attend our engagement party in three days."

He lowered his voice. "So, in three days, you have to be there. Otherwise, I can't guarantee the consequences for your Sterling family. He's not someone you can afford to offend."

His threat hung in the air. I let the silence stretch, a new plan already taking shape.

After a long silence, my voice came out steady and controlled. "Declan... I'll be there."