Chapter 2

2

Late that night, I wrote a lengthy letter to my father.

In it, I detailed Carter and Quinn's shady dealings. I also clearly stated my conditions and bottom line for giving up my identity and marriage arrangement.

Standing beside me, Aria vented her frustration on my behalf.

"My Lady, that's Marquis Rowan. He's incredibly talented and has a limitless future ahead of him. Are you sure you won't regret this?"

I smiled faintly. I absolutely wouldn't regret it. Rowan Lancaster was far more than just "talented."

In my past life, he was a man of boundless ambition. On the surface, he acted like a loyal patriot, but in the shadows, he colluded with foreign powers, preparing to stage a massive military coup.

I accidentally noticed something was wrong and broke off the engagement, but I was ultimately kidnapped by Carter and Quinn. That led to my horrific end.

This time, since they are so eager to jump into the fire, I will gladly give them a strong push.

On the day of presenting the betrothal gifts, the streets outside the Gallagher estate were incredibly noisy, filled with loud music and deafening cheers.

Leading the procession was Rowan Lancaster, the young Marquis, sitting tall on a magnificent black stallion with a priceless jade pendant hanging at his waist. A massive, majestic parade of lavish gifts followed closely behind him.

Rowan dismounted with graceful agility, striding confidently to the front of the procession while his eyes scanned the crowd. When he spotted Quinn, dressed in a pale pink gown with her eyes shyly downcast, his gaze instantly lit up.

Quinn took a step forward, her voice soft and delicate. "Marquis Rowan, you brought the betrothal gifts personally today. I am truly overwhelmed by this honor."

She offered a shy, subtle smile, her tone laced with thirty percent bashfulness and seventy percent calculated testing.

Rowan observed her for a moment before his gaze softened. The corners of his lips curled up slightly, clearly very satisfied with her.

A few days later, a high-society gathering for elite ladies was held at the Starlight Lounge, the most prestigious club in the Capital.

Quinn held a crystal wine glass, casually making small talk with the others, though her tone carried an intentional showiness.

"The Marquis has been swamped with official duties lately, but he still makes time for me every single day. I just made a passing comment, and he sent his men hundreds of miles away to fetch a rare trinket just to make me smile."

Hearing this, the crowd immediately chimed in with flattery.

"Miss Sinclair, you are truly blessed. Marquis Rowan spoils you beyond measure."

"Unlike a certain someone who, despite having a prominent family background, ended up completely ignored and unwanted." Someone laughed with veiled sarcasm, intentionally shooting a sideways glance at me.

I watched coldly as the smile on Quinn's face grew even brighter, my eyes filled with pure mockery and disdain.

Just then, Rowan appeared out of nowhere. He walked briskly toward Quinn, his tone incredibly gentle. "Why didn't you wear an extra layer? It's freezing outside, and I don't want you catching a cold."

Seeing this, the other ladies praised them even more loudly. "Oh my, the young Marquis sure knows how to dote on his woman! It makes us all so jealous."

Quinn smiled sweetly, pretending to ask casually, "By the way, My Lord, my sister is here too."

Hearing this, Rowan swept a brief, indifferent glance over me before stating coldly, "You are the only one in my heart."

At those words, Quinn smiled even more arrogantly, every feature on her face radiating smugness.

Sitting nearby, I picked up my cup of Earl Grey tea, took a small sip, and let a cold smirk touch my lips.