Chapter 2

2

Another friend leaned in to watch. Leo's scowl deepened by the second.

The cheap red string of the bracelet lay on the floor, looking pathetic and out of place.

Crystal stood behind Leo, her head bowed as if she were about to burst into tears.

Leo looked at me with pure annoyance. "Jade, was that really necessary? It's just a move to London. We can still be friends when you get back!"

"Move to London?"

My friends turned to me, their eyes wide with shock.

"Weren't you guaranteed a spot in the local fellowship? Your career path is much better here!"

One friend grabbed my arm. "We agreed to build our empire in this city together, remember?"

"If you go to London, we'll lose touch. If something happens, we won't be there to help you."

"Can you still change your mind? Is it too late?"

Leo crossed his arms and let out a light laugh. "The deadline was last night. But with Jade's credentials, I'm sure she got in."

My friends were practically vibrating with anxiety.

"Your family's business is about to be handed to you! Why would you run to London now?"

"Your half-sister is going to tear the company apart if you leave!"

I just gave a bitter smile and stayed silent.

They knew my situation better than anyone.

My sister and I had been locked in a cold war over the inheritance for years.

If I left for London, I'd come back to find my house occupied by a new master.

Everyone envied my life as an heiress, but no one saw the thin ice I walked on every day.

"Where are your fellowship papers?" a friend asked urgently.

"You used to be the one who fixed everything for us. Ever since Leo came back to town, you've become a different person."

"Did he tell you something? Did he manipulate you?" another friend blurted out.

【This friendship is actually kind of touching.】

【Too bad they're all going to be destroyed by the male lead later.】

【Standard stumbling blocks in a romance novel.】

I stared at the floating text, saying nothing.

Leo looked a bit guilty for a split second.

"Wow, you guys are making me sound like a villain," he said, raising his voice.

"Fine! If it's such a big deal, I'll just go to London with her!"

I stood up slowly and looked him straight in the eyes.

"My life doesn't need a sidekick. I make my own decisions, and I don't regret them."

Just then, Leo's mother walked over, smiling brightly. She was completely oblivious to the tension.

"Oh, look at you two! Soon we'll be one big family. Having a good chat?"

She turned to her son. "Leo, honey, why are you standing so far away? Go stand by Jade."

Leo pressed his lips together and didn't move an inch from his spot in front of Crystal.

His mother finally noticed the girl hiding behind him. Her face turned cold instantly.

"How many times do I have to tell you? You have an alliance to maintain. Stop hanging out with trash from the slums!"

"You don't get to decide my life!"

Leo suddenly exploded. "Crystal and I are in love! Are you even my mother? You always take Jade's side!"