Chapter 2

2.

After I moved into the Pierce estate, Mrs. Pierce treated me like a princess.

I had my own suite, private tutors for piano and dance, and the best education money could buy.

She eventually sat me down for a heart-to-heart.

"Callie, I'll be honest with you. I didn't just adopt a daughter; I'm looking for the perfect daughter-in-law."

"You need to work hard. Quinton is coming home from London in a month. If you catch his eye, your future is set. The entire Pierce empire will belong to him."

In the previous timeline, Quinton hadn't cared for Cassie at all, which made her life a living hell.

I didn't dare hope that the cold, arrogant heir would actually fall for me.

I had to find another way to secure my position.

One month later, the Pierces hosted a massive gala to celebrate Quinton's return.

The elite were all there. The Sterlings were invited because of a minor business deal they had with the Pierces.

Cassie spotted me immediately. She was wearing a cheap knockoff dress, while I was in custom silk.

"Sister, today is going to be the most humiliating day of your life," she hissed.

In the last life, this gala was her first meeting with Quinton.

He had taken one look at her and scowled.

Then, in front of everyone, he had told her to get out of his sight.

She had tried to cling to him, claiming she was his future wife.

He had literally kicked her away like trash.