When Bella unexpectedly became pregnant, her boyfriend's first love happened to return to the country. The two grew close again, leaving Bella as the laughingstock of the industry. Everyone said that Megan, the fake heiress of The Hunter family, was exceptionally talented, like the bright moon in the sky, while the real heiress, Bella, was worthless-nothing more than dirt beneath their feet. What they didn't know was that the mastermind behind The Hunter family's powerful empire was Bella. The reason why The Hunter family members became renowned fashion designers, famous directors, celebrated singers, and popular idols was all because of Bella. Yet, when Bella was betrayed during her pregnancy, they forced her to marry a completely paralyzed man in exchange for benefits. Later, when Bella's true identity was revealed, The Hunter family regretted everything. Her ex-boyfriend even came to her in tears. "I know I was wrong. Please forgive me, for the sake of the child, okay?" At that moment, a cold voice rang out. "My child has nothing to do with you." Eugene, the powerful and ruthless head of The Scott family, a man who made countless socialites swoon, walked over and wrapped his arm around Bella's waist, his tone intimate. "Bella, let's go home."
Chapter 1 Forced Marriage
Bella found it amusing.
She and Megan had been mistakenly switched at birth and only returned to their respective families at the age of thirteen.
However, when Bella returned to The Hunter family, Megan did not return to her biological family.
Bella's father, mother, and her four Hunter brothers couldn't bear to part with Megan.
To avoid upsetting Megan, they sent her to Mr. Old Hunter's residence, and she only returned after starting her career.
They reassured Megan that, regardless of blood ties, they would always be a family.
When Bella first returned to The Hunter family, she had been warned not to have delusions-no matter what, the marriage alliance between The Hunter family and Eugene of The Scott family was meant for Megan.
But now that Eugene was in a coma, The Hunter family wanted her to take Megan's place?
Blake was displeased with Bella's attitude.
"Marrying Eugene is an honor for you. If Mr. Old Hunter hadn't saved Mr. Old Scott's life back then, do you think you would even have this opportunity?"
"Hah!" Bella sneered. "If it's such a great opportunity, why isn't Megan marrying him?"
Blake furrowed his brows, about to speak, when Bella's mother interrupted.
"Bella, I know you've always been jealous of Megan, but I didn't think you could be this cruel."
Bella: "?"
"Your sister isn't like you. She was raised with love and care, unlike you, who can endure hardships. With The Scott family's current situation, sending her there would be like pushing her into the fire."
Looking into her mother's furious eyes, Bella lowered her gaze with self-mockery.
Megan's biological father was a butcher, her mother a vegetable vendor-life was hard for them.
Since childhood, Bella had been responsible for all the household chores. Her adoptive parents were strict, and beatings were common.
While she suffered through freezing winters washing dishes until her hands were swollen and red, Megan was pampered by The Hunter family's maids.
While she struggled to finish chores before she could study, Megan had private tutors, piano lessons, and dance classes.
Yes, Bella could endure hardships-but only because she had no choice.
Liam, the fourth brother and a famous singer, glanced at Bella with disapproval.
"What kind of attitude is that? Marrying into The Scott family isn't a punishment."
Bella ignored him.
Liam was always close to Megan and had never liked Bella.
She retorted coldly, "What does this have to do with you?"
Liam scoffed.
"Even if Eugene is in a coma, The Scott family is still one of the most powerful families. Many women would kill for this chance. You should be grateful."
"Grateful?" Bella laughed sarcastically.
People still believed in "marriage to lift a coma" in this day and age?
She kept her face cold. "Whoever wants to marry him can do it. Don't drag me into this."
Evan, the second brother and a well-known fashion designer, adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses.
"Bella, you need to consider this from multiple perspectives."
Bella frowned, not understanding what he meant.
"Bella!" Blake's voice grew heavier.
"As The Hunter family's daughter, we didn't raise you for nothing. You have a duty to consider the family's future."
Just as he finished speaking, Megan's soft voice rang out.
"Dad, don't say any more. If my sister doesn't want to, then forget it. I'll do it."
She stood there in a soft pink dress, hands clasped nervously, her wide eyes full of innocence-like she had mustered all her courage to speak.
Her words barely fell when Chester, the eldest brother, objected.
"No! Megan, you can't marry him."
He anxiously pulled Megan to his side, then glared at Bella.
"How could you be so heartless? You're forcing your sister into this?"
Blake's face darkened.
"Bella, you know The Hunter family is facing a crisis. Without The Scott family's help, we will suffer great losses."
Bella's expression turned even colder.
She had joined The Hunter family's company before she even graduated.
Officially, she was Chester's secretary, but behind the scenes, she had been strategizing for him.
Over the years, she had helped the company not only stabilize but surpass competitors.
This current crisis was due to Chester ignoring her advice and investing in a risky project.
The project required long-term investment and substantial funding, causing a financial strain.
She never expected The Hunter family to solve their problems by sacrificing her.
She had thought that if she treated them well, they would eventually accept her as family.
Just as they had accepted Megan.
But now, she realized that no matter how much she gave, they had never truly considered her one of them.
The first person they thought to sacrifice was her.
Taking a deep breath, she demanded, "The Hunter family's financial losses are because of your poor decisions. Why should I pay the price?"
Blake, seeing her resistance, narrowed his eyes and softened his tone.
"Didn't you want to save that maid? Eugene's medical team is the best in the world. If you marry into The Scott family, you'll have a chance to get her treated."
Bella froze.
She had been raised by Mr. Old Hunter, but it was Nanny Mandy who had truly cared for her.
Two years ago, Nanny Mandy had suffered a fall and had been in a coma ever since.
Bella had spent years searching for a cure, but nothing had worked.
Eugene's accident had led The Scott family to gather the best medical experts in the world.
If Nanny Mandy had even the slightest chance of waking up, Bella wouldn't let it slip away.
Looking at her indifferent mother, Megan's fake innocence, and her father's cold calculations, Bella felt an unbearable chill in her heart.
Her disappointment reached rock bottom.
After a long silence, she finally spoke, biting her lip so hard it almost bled.
"Fine. I'll marry him."
She would use The Scott family's medical resources to save Nanny Mandy.
And she would also use this chance to escape The Hunter family's clutches.
Hearing her agreement, her father's tense face relaxed, and her mother finally smiled.
"I knew you were a sensible girl. Our family is counting on you."
The Scott family's wealth and reputation were unparalleled.
Marrying into their family would bring The Hunter family immense benefits, far beyond Mr. Old Scott's promised business deals.
Bella's father was basking in joy when her voice rang out again.
"But I have one condition."
Her father chuckled.
"We're all family. Just say what you want. There's no need for conditions."
Bella looked at his fake smile, clenched her fists, and stated each word clearly:
"I want three percent of the company's shares."
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