Chapter 2

At my words, my dad's head snapped up to look at me:

"Scarlett!”

"Do you know what you're saying?”

"In my life, Mr. Sterling has only ever had two women in his heart: your mother and you!”

"Ten years ago, your mom became like this because she saved me. I owe her my life. How could I possibly do anything to betray her?!”

My dad's voice trembled, his emotions raw, as if he'd been gravely wronged.

"Forget a love child. If I ever had even the slightest thought of disrespecting you and your mother, it would be an insult to myself!”

Looking into his sincere and honest eyes, my heart sank.

He was right. I had seen for over a decade how much my dad loved my mom.

And his kindness to me was absolutely flawless.

When I was learning to walk, he'd cast aside all pride and dignity, crawling on the floor to let me ride on his back like a horse, just to make me smile.

Knowing I was scared of thunder, no matter how busy he was at work, he'd take time off on stormy days to come home and comfort me, telling me: "Scarlett, don't be afraid. Dad's here.”

When I was seriously ill as a child and diagnosed with kidney failure, he donated his kidney without a moment's hesitation.

Afraid I'd feel burdened, he kept it a secret from me for three whole years, until I discovered it during a medical check-up.

He was the best person to me in this world.

Could a man who cherished his wife and loved his daughter with his very life really have an illegitimate daughter out there?

Thinking this, my tone softened a bit:

"Dad, I was just kidding.”

My dad sighed and patted my head:

"Scarlett, don't make jokes like that anymore. Remember, your dad values this family, you and your mom, more than his own life!”

"I would never, ever do anything to hurt you or your mother in this lifetime.”

I nodded, not saying another word.

The next day, I went to school as usual.

When I reached the classroom, I immediately saw Willow sitting in my seat.

She was surrounded by classmates.

"Willow, is that pen a Montblanc Artist Series? I saw it in a magazine, it's so classy!”

"Willow, my family's new resort is having its soft opening this weekend. I'd love to invite you and your friends to come hang out. Everything's on us! Do you have time?”

"Willow, my mom heard that the Sterling Corp heiress transferred to our class, so she specially asked me to give you an unlimited gift card for our supermarket. She hopes we can get to know each other better!”

Willow haughtily enjoyed the compliments and flattery from everyone.

When she saw me enter, she merely lifted her eyelids, showing no intention of getting up.

Instead, my deskmate, Amber, approached me with a smirk and said haughtily:

"Scarlett, Willow wants to sit by the window to get some fresh air. Why don't you give her this spot? You can sit over there.”

As she spoke, she pointed to an empty seat in the corner of the classroom, next to the trash can.

I stood my ground, silent.

Willow glanced at me, her face full of disdain:

"Want more money, do you?”

She pulled out another five hundred dollars: "Here's another five hundred. To buy your seat. You don't have a problem with that, do you?”

Everyone in the class looked at me with amusement, expecting me to take the money and back down.

I glanced at my books, which had been carelessly tossed next to the trash can, and said with an icy expression:

"I do have a problem.”

"This is my seat. Please get up.”

Willow's expression froze, and she glared at me angrily:

"What do you mean?”

"It's just a stupid seat! It's an honor that I even want it! Do you know who my dad is?!”

I spoke coolly: "Mr. Sterling, CEO of Sterling Corp. You said so yesterday.”

"So?”

"What does that have to do with you occupying my seat without permission and throwing my belongings on the floor?”