In public, he was a ruthless and terrifying business demon, but in private, he was a devoted wife-doting man. He indulged her every whim, clearing all obstacles for her, allowing her to do as she pleased, and spoiling her beyond reason at the slightest provocation. He said, "Cathy, in the past, you didn't have the luxury to be willful. From today onward, you do." She smiled sweetly. "Mr. Owen, I'm clinging to you for life." "My honor, Mrs. Owen." To save her family, Cathy had no choice but to enter into a fake marriage with Roderick, helping him secretly meet with his lover, Tracy, while enduring Tracy's humiliation. She had long grown used to such treatment-it was, after all, just a financial transaction. But what she never expected was that, by sheer coincidence, Roderick's greatest and most feared rival, Anthony, actually wanted to keep her as his mistress. And the most shocking part? She was still, at least in name, Roderick's wife... and Anthony was rumored to be Roderick's uncle.
Chapter 1 What a Poor Little Thing
Slap! A crisp slap echoed through the room.
Tracy, dressed in a mini skirt, teetering on fifteen-centimeter-high heels, and wearing heavy yet artful makeup, crossed her arms and looked down with an air of superiority.
Cathy, standing in front of her in a simple white wedding dress, hadn't even figured out what had just happened.
"Why did you slap me?"
Tracy stared at Cathy's bare, porcelain-like skin-smooth and flawless, even without makeup. That face drove her insane with jealousy.
"I just wanted to remind you-though I can't marry Roderick, you're nothing more than a mere shield for us. Your marriage is fake, so don't even think about getting any funny ideas!"
Being slapped for no reason, Cathy stared coldly at the woman in front of her, who looked as smug as a hen that had just laid an egg.
No matter how furious she was, she had taken the money, and now she had to deal with the trouble that came with it.
Taking a deep breath, Cathy silently reminded herself to endure-to hold back.
"Miss White, I'm fully aware that this is merely a contractual arrangement. Besides, I already have someone I love, and it's not Roderick. Once the contract ends, I will leave Roderick cleanly, with no lingering ties."
Even though Cathy had reassured her, no woman could feel secure seeing such a face by her man's side.
"Good. Consider this slap a warning-so you don't forget your place. A woman like you, who would do anything for money... who knows what you might try to pull..."
Tracy was about to continue her mockery when a knock on the door interrupted her.
"Miss Turner, are you ready?"
The deep, clear male voice belonged to Roderick. Tracy shot Cathy a glare.
"I don't want Roderick hearing anything unnecessary. Remember your role-you're nothing but a paid actress."
Cathy clenched the fabric of her dress, forcing herself to maintain the grace she was expected to uphold.
"Miss White, I don't have the habit of gossiping."
"Good. Touch up your left cheek so no one notices."
With that, Tracy strutted away on her high heels, swaying her hips seductively.
The door opened, and in an instant, Tracy's voice softened, turning sweet and gentle.
"Roderick, Miss Turner is still doing her makeup. Even though this is just a formality, the details still matter. Otherwise, your family might start suspecting."
"Why are all the makeup artists outside?"
"Miss Turner prefers doing her own makeup. Let's wait outside."
The door closed. Cathy stared at her reflection in the mirror, then slammed her fist against the vanity.
From the very first time she had met Roderick, he had made things crystal clear:
"I already have someone I love. Marrying you is just to shut my family up.
I know the Turner family is struggling financially. I'll pay twenty million. If you agree, we'll get married, but we won't register it legally. The wedding will be low-key. Any issues?"
The Turner family was on the brink of bankruptcy. Thinking of her parents, Cathy had no reason to refuse.
"Thirty million. I agree to all your conditions."
"Fine. Thirty million."
"Deal. I won't interfere in your personal life, and I'll play the role of Mrs. Smith in public. But you are not allowed to touch me."
"That's exactly what I wanted."
This marriage was nothing more than a transaction. He didn't love her, and she didn't love him.
But she hadn't expected someone to give her such a harsh "welcome gift" right from the start.
Yes, she was in it for the money-but in Tracy's eyes, that made her a woman without dignity.
Two silent tears slid down her cheeks.
What Cathy didn't know was that the mirror in front of her was actually a two-way mirror.
On the other side, a handsome man with golden hair and piercing blue eyes held a cigarette in one hand, resting his head on the other in a lazy posture.
Watching the fragile yet stubborn woman who had nowhere to vent her emotions, the man curled his lips into a devilish smirk.
"What a poor little thing."
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