Chapter 4

My conversation with Julian ended on a terrible note.

Once I got home, I approached Grandpa and brought up the marriage alliance with the Vance family.

Grandpa was surprised. "What made you change your mind so suddenly?"

I wrapped my arm around his, keeping my tone light. "I was young and foolish before, always chasing after some fantasy of 'true love.'"

"Now I realize that a socially compatible alliance with someone we know well is the best choice. Plus, I trust your judgment, Grandpa."

Grandpa patted my hand, looking relieved. "I'm glad you’ve grown up."

"Damian Vance might seem a bit cold, but he’s incredibly capable and has outstanding character. He’s someone you can rely on."

My interactions with Damian Vance went much smoother than I expected.

He was a busy man, but he always made time for me.

We went out for dinners, visited art galleries, and attended concerts.

Our dates were always perfectly organized, yet they catered exactly to my interests.

Slowly, I realized that beneath his cold exterior lay a deeply attentive and gentle man.

He would remember books I casually mentioned wanting to read and bring them to our next meeting.

During my period, he would silently order me a warm drink instead of iced water.

He never crossed any lines, always maintaining a respectful distance, yet he made sure I felt his care.

A month later, I decided to bring Damian home to meet Grandpa.

I specifically asked Grandpa not to tell Julian about my relationship with Damian yet.

Damian kept a very low profile, and few people in the business world knew his face.

Julian had only seen him from a distance a few times at events and had never interacted with him personally.

Sure enough, when Julian brought Chloe back that evening and saw Damian sitting in the living room, his face darkened instantly.

His eyes practically turned to ice when he saw my hand naturally resting in Damian’s.

Damian’s manners were absolutely flawless, and the gifts he brought were exactly to Grandpa’s liking.

Grandpa was thrilled with him, the smile never leaving his face.

Only Julian and Chloe sat there like awkward outsiders.

Chloe kept glancing at Damian, a flash of admiration and a hint of jealousy flickering in her eyes.

After dinner, Grandpa called us all into the study.

He took out a document from the safe, his expression serious.

"I originally planned to reveal this after I passed away."

"But now that Fiona has found a reliable partner to spend her life with, it’s better to give this to you both early."

Chloe’s eyes lit up, assuming it was the inheritance. She couldn't wait to pipe up:

"Don't worry, Grandpa. Once Julian takes over the family business, we will make sure Fiona is well taken care of."

She hadn't even married into the family yet, and she was already counting the Forbes fortune.

Too bad her little plan was about to fall apart.

Grandpa shot her a cold glare. "When did I ever say Julian was inheriting the Forbes estate?"

"Who else would?" Chloe’s voice turned shrill. "Are you going to let a younger generation like Fiona split the inheritance equally with her elder? That’s not fair!"

Julian also looked at Damian and me, his tone frosty. "I think Chloe makes a fair point."

"Fiona never cared about these things before. Her sudden interest now... is it her own idea, or is she being influenced by someone else?"

He shot a pointed look at Damian.

"Besides, since my brother and sister-in-law are gone, I am the only male heir of the Forbes family. I should be the one taking charge."

His message was clear: he wanted the entire Forbes estate for himself.

Grandpa slammed his hand on the desk, rattling the teacups. "I am not dead yet!"

"Let me tell you something, Julian. Forget about splitting the inheritance. When I pass, everything under the Forbes name goes to Fiona!"

Julian snapped his head up. "Dad, have you lost your mind?"

"Grandpa hasn't lost his mind," I said coldly.

"Like I said, you are no longer my uncle. Naturally, you no longer have any right to the Forbes inheritance."

His pupils contracted sharply. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said." I stepped forward to take the document from Grandpa, but Julian suddenly grabbed my arm.

"Explain yourself!"

He gripped my wrist so tightly I felt like my bones were going to shatter.

"There's nothing to explain." I forcefully yanked my hand away.

"Grandpa legally removed you from the inheritance list a long time ago."

Julian’s face turned deathly pale. "What?"

"Years ago, when Grandpa mentioned we weren't blood-related, did you assume my father was the one who was adopted?"

Looking at his shocked face, a wave of vengeful satisfaction washed over me.

"My dear step-uncle, you are the orphan Grandpa took in."