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Gavin sneered.
"What do you know? I have insider info! Guaranteed returns! You warn against it? What’s your proof!"
I shook my head.
"I don't have proof, but high risk follows high reward."
"You call this 'insider info'? I knew the project six months ago. Still no takers yet. It doesn't guarantee trouble, but definitely screams risk."
Gavin gave me a dismissive look.
"Amelia, don't mistake Mr Wright's kindness for your own business acumen."
"I rebuilt Payne Corp. My vision is proven. Big rewards demand big risks."
"You're just jealous, trying to get my attention."
I nearly flipped the table.
Leo placed a hand on mine, grinning.
"Yeah, you're right. Confidence is rare. My fiancée needs eye-bleach. We're leaving."
He steered me out.
"You had terrible taste. He's trash. I'm awesome."
I shrugged.
"Family ties. He was decent. I didn't expect the switch."
Leo tapped my head.
"You saw it. He cared about the Wright name."
"Anyway, you hid your true identity. Otherwise, you won’t see his true colors."
Leo was right.
"See? Men differ. Realize I'm the catch? Reconsider?"
Leo was indeed handsome, sharp. But... we were too familiar. I rolled my eyes.
"Eyes on the road."
...
I thought the engagement scandal died down. But next day, I trended again.
I'd been followed.
Obviously, Gavin and Isabella's doing.
"Fake Heiress Exposed - Still Walks Off With Billion-Dollar Mansion?"
A photo of me entering my estate was posted.
Comments flooded with hate.
[Disgusting! How dare she steal the true heiress's life AND the mansion? The Wrights are pushovers!]
[That payout? Maybe not father-daughter... something creepier.]
[Rich people are twisted. Blood daughters lose to mistresses.]
It got worse. Isabella gave an interview.
She played the victim, teary-eyed.
"Regarding rumors about Amelia and my father... I don't know specifics. But Dad always favored her."
"Him secretly buying her a mansion? Sadly, not surprising."
She implied everything without saying it.
Rage burned through me.
I could take slander. But dragging Mr Wright?
Isabella, you asked for this.
Leo called immediately.
"See, Amelia? Rumors spiral! Announce yourself! Next they'll say you have secret love children!"
"Set up a press conference. Announce the Hamilton Group founder's debut."
"Finally! On it!"
"And... bid up the Southside land."
"Didn’t you say it was bad?"
A cold smile touched my lips.
"My target isn't the land... Just bid high. Don't win."
