Chapter 2

A few days later, Grant called. “Still away on your business trip?”

“Come back. Vivian’s back in the country and wants to see everyone. She asked for you specifically.”

I frowned. “I’m still busy here. You guys can meet up without me.”

He sounded annoyed. “Can’t you put your work on hold?

“Vivian invited you, and you’re going to ignore it?

“You’re coming whether you like it or not. Otherwise, say goodbye to the East District land.”

I paused. I’d put too much work into those building plans to lose them now. If Grant pulled the plug, it would all be for nothing.

Fine, I would go. Our relationship was about to end, so I should take this opportunity to say goodbye.

I went to the hotel at the address he’d sent. The private room was packed, mostly with Grant’s friends.

Grant and Vivian sat together in the middle, deliberately matching, like a couple.

When Vivian saw me, she stood up at once, all fake warmth. “Nadia, you made it.”

“We’ve been waiting. Oh, is this your seat? Sorry, let me move.”

Grant’s face went cold. “Stay where you are. She was late—she can sit in the back.”

“Sorry, Nadia.” Vivian sat on Grant’s lap with a troubled look. “Since Grant said so…”

I shrugged and pulled out a nearby chair. “It’s fine. I don’t mind.”

I didn’t care what they did anymore.

Later, I went to the bathroom. When I returned, I overheard Grant’s friends talking.

“Vivian and Grant are perfect together. You’ve known each other since you were kids.”

“Exactly. What’s so great about Nadia? She’s nothing compared to Vivian.”

“Now that Vivian’s back, why don’t you two get back together?”

“Don’t start rumors. Vivian’s career is just taking off.” Grant did not deny it, though. He looked at Vivian with loving eyes.

How could I have fallen for a guy like him?

When I walked in, Grant’s friends were loudly praising him.

“I heard Grant bought a forty-million-dollar custom-built piano for Vivian’s concert. How generous!”

“Wow, such support! This must be true love!”

Grant looked down on me, and his friends followed suit. They didn’t even bother to hide it in front of me.

“What do you mean by ‘support’? Vivian has the talent. She deserves it,” Grant said casually.

I smiled and looked down. Grant was practically calling Vivian his one true love.

He then looked at me and added, “By the way, I’ve invested in the Sterling family’s land too.

“Nadia, don’t worry. I’ll sign the contract when I get back.”

“Oh, I’ve heard about that,” someone quickly added, “But I heard you only put in ten million.”

“Tsk, that’s just a quarter of the price of the piano!”

The room filled with quiet laughter. They were making fun of how little I had.

I almost laughed too.

What had I been thinking? Why had I wasted so much time on a guy like Grant?

Then a woman pointed at the tiara on Vivian’s head. “Vivian, that tiara is stunning!”

Vivian blushed and looked at Grant. “Grant gave it to me for my concert.”

I knew it at once. It was the tiara I was supposed to wear at our engagement.