Chapter 2

A year ago, at my own birthday party, I had said the exact same thing.

Back then, the Vance family hadn't gone bankrupt. The ballroom was packed with high-society guests, and Chloe was just the daughter of a minor parts supplier.

That night, someone accidentally dropped the homemade cake she had brought me.

Everyone crowded around, grabbing the confession letter she had hidden inside the cake box and tearing it back and forth.

They read it out loud in mocking, exaggerated accents, roaring with laughter.

"Man, she really is the ultimate simp. Julian, teach me your ways. I want a clingy puppy like that too."

"Jesus, what century are we living in? Who bakes cakes and writes love letters to confess? So cringe."

"Well, Chloe loves eating cake herself. Julian, honestly, aren't you touched?"

They took turns making fun of her until I coldly scoffed, "Who the hell would ever fall for that fat pig?"

The crowd went dead silent for a second, followed by waves of uproarious laughter.

"Bark! Chloe's giving you a shot, aren't you going to take it?!" The jeers from the people around me yanked me back from the memory.

I looked at Chloe and lowered my head.

"Woof!" A bark echoed through the room, shocking everyone.

No one spoke. I barked again.

Then, I forced a humiliating smile. "Are you satisfied, Miss Miller? Please don't deduct our service fee."

Chloe remained dead silent. Someone nearby pulled out a phone to record a video. Seeing this, the manager nudged me to keep going.

I took a deep breath, opening my mouth to degrade myself further just to please her.

Suddenly, Chloe hurled a glass of wine straight into my face.

"Enough! Julian Vance! You really have no shame left when it comes to money, do you?! You truly disgust me. Get the hell out!"

All her amusement was gone. She began downing one glass of liquor after another.

I bowed repeatedly, flashing a shameless grin as I scrambled out of the VIP room, looking like a total scumbag who didn't care about dignity at all.

No one knew that I didn't have much time left to live. A dying man has no use for dignity.