Chapter 3

My words made Brandon's eyes flicker.

But Tiffany spoke first. "Sister Ashley, Brandon worked hard and has an exceptional mind to grow his company this big. He achieved financial freedom through his own ability. Don't act like you helped him that much."

I paused, taken aback. Exceptional mind? Ability? Financial freedom?

He couldn't even grasp the basics of a business plan, how did *he* suddenly become a genius?

When he first started his business, I gave him a million dollars from my family. Then I got a few multi-million dollar projects from my dad for him to work on.

To avoid hurting his ego, even the core department heads of his company were managers I pulled straight from my father’s company.

He was the only one who swelled with pride, convinced he was a talent, wondering why elite professionals from various fields would join his fledgling little company – he believed it was because they saw his capability.

If I hadn't been pulling the strings behind the scenes, how could he have transformed a small startup into a major company on the verge of going public in just two short years?

Other friends who overheard our conversation started whispering.

"That woman just said this is *her* house, and Tiffany is the side chick. Do you think she's telling the truth?"

"I think it's possible. I always said Tiffany's boyfriend is so much older than her, maybe she got scammed!"

"But, Tiffany's boyfriend is protecting her so much. If it were a real wife catching a side chick, the cheating guy wouldn't dare act like this, right?"

"Grab your popcorn, let's see how this plays out."

Chelsea couldn't stand it anymore. She shouted, "Stop guessing wildly! This *is* Tiffany's house. I've been here many times. I've personally seen Tiffany and her boyfriend sleep in the master bedroom, and I've met her mother – *that's* a true socialite!"

My heart sank. The thought of them rolling around on *my* bed made me sick to my stomach.

Tiffany twirled the diamond ring on her finger and spoke again. "This is *my* house. Everyone here can testify. I think *you're* the one who should leave. Brandon, I don't want to see her. Can you make her leave?"

Brandon nodded. "This is your home. Whatever makes you happy, Tiffany."

Chelsea yanked my hair and started dragging me out.

"Lady, you need to know your place. Who openly tries to steal someone else's boyfriend like this? You’re so pathetic."

Then, she yelled to the others, "Do you guys want to see what this bitch looks like stripped bare? It’ll really get justice for Tiffany!"

My pupils contracted. I instinctively crossed my arms over my chest.

Some of the guys couldn't hold back. They reached out and started tearing at my clothes.

I struggled with all my might, screaming Brandon’s name, hoping he would stop them, save me.

Brandon frowned, about to raise his hand to intervene, but Tiffany pulled him back.

"Brandon, don't worry. My friends know what they're doing. They just want to stand up for me. Besides, this way, won't you have more leverage over her?"

Brandon looked enlightened, pinching her cheek. Both of them watched as my clothes were torn, leaving me exposed.

"Let go of me! This is illegal!"

Chelsea raised her hand and slapped me. "We're just getting rid of pests for the people! Besides, you love stealing men, right? We have so many guys here, you should be happy!"

As her words fell, I felt countless hands on me…

Just as despair washed over me, a voice echoed from the doorway.

"How's my little princess's birthday going? Mommy's gift has arrived."