Chapter 2

2.

Dorian Ford stood protectively in front of Ivy, looking down at me with ice-cold eyes. "Your grandfather is dead. Wasting all this money on a funeral is pointless―it's not like you can see the benefit!" "Don't forget, the money you're spending is technically Ford money now."

"Giving this slot to Ivy's dog will help her feel less guilty about Luck's death for a few days. Be a bigger person and apologize to her." He snatched the medal from my hand and placed it in Ivy's palm. Before my eyes, they began carving the dog's name right over my grandfather's legacy.

I was speechless with rage, my eyes bloodshot as I stared at him. When we first got engaged, the Ford family was so broke they had to sell their cars and house. They couldn't even afford a decent engagement gift.

I only gave Dorian a chance because he seemed so sincere, even going abroad to learn massage therapy to help Grandpa's leg. That was the only reason he was ever allowed to get close to me. Otherwise, with the Fords' status back then, he wouldn't have even qualified to be my family's security guard!

And now, for the sake of Ivy Fawn, he was humiliating me and spitting on my grandfather's sacrifice. "Dorian! You told me you wanted to handle the funeral because you were worried about my grief? It was all just to bury a dog?!" He knit his brows impatiently and shoved me back as I tried to grab the medal.

"So what if it was? Your grandfather lived a long, privileged life. He doesn't need a fortune spent on him now that he's gone!" "And stop threatening Ivy with 'consequences.' I know the truth. Your grandfather was just a corrupt old man who hoarded money. I'm doing you a favor by not reporting your family for fraud!" My grandfather had been awarded the Medal of Honor for his secret service. It was a massive achievement.

The government was supposed to handle the funeral, but Dorian had begged me for the chance to show his "devotion." I had specifically petitioned the officials to let him handle it. I never imagined it was all just a ploy to make Ivy happy.

A few early guests had started to arrive, and seeing the scene, they actually began to "advise" me. "Your grandfather left a massive estate. A young woman like you can't manage that alone. You should apologize to Mr. Ford so he'll take care of your assets." "Ivy is the darling of the Ford family. You have to live with them eventually; why make enemies now?"

"It's just a funeral, honey. Your grandfather is already dead. Letting Ivy have her way will earn you some points with your future in-laws." I looked at these "peacemakers" and let out a cold laugh. I bolted toward the altar and smashed the dog's portrait to the ground.

"I'm saying this for the last time! This is my grandfather's funeral! You Fords get your trash and get the hell out of here!" As I finished, the Lynn family guards finally arrived at the scene. I pointed at the Fords and ordered the guards to throw them out.

But the guards, who usually treated my grandfather's orders as law, stood frozen with conflicted expressions. Dorian let out a mocking snort, looking incredibly smug. "Ruby Lynn, everyone in Bay City knows that the Lynn family assets are already under Ford control. Who do you think these guards actually work for?"

Ivy clung to his arm, acting like a spoiled queen. "They work for us, obviously! You smashed my Luck's photo and ruined the ceremony. If you don't kneel and apologize to his spirit, you're the one getting thrown out!" "Better be careful, or your own guards might drag you out kicking and screaming!"

Hearing the guests whispering and mocking me, I couldn't hold back the fire in my soul anymore. "The Ford family begged my grandfather for this marriage! Since you've decided to be bastards today, I'll say it in front of everyone." "My engagement to Dorian Ford is officially over!"