Chapter 4Heiress

At 7 PM, I arrived at the wrap party for his new movie.

The first person I saw was Isabelle, dressed to the nines. She was wearing a Chanel 2025 couture gown, Christian Louboutin heels, and the new Tiffany High Jewelry collection.

Not a trace of the drowned rat from this afternoon.

And Liam. He was kneeling at her feet, taking off her shoe, gently massaging her ankle.

Isabelle looked down, blushing demurely.

So. She was his White Moonlight.

Two crew members nearby were gossiping.

“I always thought Liam Pierce was this cold, untouchable 'Zen Prince.' I never knew he could be so sweet to his girlfriend.”

“Are you kidding? That’s Isabelle Jiang. The real Jiang heiress. That dress probably costs more than your car, and she’ll wear it once and throw it away.”

...

I started to walk over. One of the crew members stopped me.

“Hey, this is a private wrap party. If you’re not cast or crew, you can't be here.”

I pointed at Liam. “I’m here for him.”

The other crew member sneered. “Are you one of his psycho stans? Get lost. We don't want you here.”

“Liam Pierce.”

My voice cut through the noise. The entire party went silent.

Liam looked up, panicked, and dropped Isabelle’s foot. He stared at me in disbelief.

Isabelle quickly put her shoe on and linked her arm through his, forcing him to walk over and face me.

Liam looked guilty. He was probably used to obeying me.

Isabelle, however, held up her hand, flashing a diamond ring that matched his.

“Sister, I forgot to tell you. Liam and I have been together for years. He’s already asked me to marry him. I’m taking him to see Dad next week.”

I had to laugh.

While I was funding his entire career, I’d asked him to marry me. He said, “Wait. Just wait until I’m a global star. I’ll propose to you on a live global broadcast.”

And I actually believed him.

Isabelle leaned in, her voice a low, triumphant hiss. “Does that hurt? Seraphina, this is just the beginning. I will make everyone remember that I am the real heiress. You’re not even worthy of carrying my shoes.”

“RIIIIIP!”

I grabbed the front of her gown and tore it open.

She screamed, clutching the fabric to her chest. “My dress! Why did you rip my dress? This is the new season! It’s priceless!”

I smiled. “It was a press sample that was delivered to my house this morning. I can rip my own clothes if I want to, can't I?”

She panicked, terrified I’d expose her for stealing my clothes and jewelry. She immediately burst into tears.

“Sister, first you pushed me in the pool, and now you embarrass me at my own party… We’re family, not enemies…”

She looked so pitiful. I was unmoved. Liam, however, looked heartbroken.

He immediately took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around her, scowling at me.

“Seraphina, are you trying to kill her?”

I raised an eyebrow. “It’s her fault, you mean? Did she get that name from my mom’s memorial, or did you find her just to please me?”

Liam said, seriously, “Isabelle is not a 'her.' She's not a toy. She's my girlfriend of three years, the woman I've loved for ten.”

I smiled. “Then what am I?”

Isabelle clutched his hand. He squeezed back, his voice firm. “You were a mistake, Seraphina. We’re over.”

My smile faded. “I was a mistake?”

He looked scared. But the thought of finally being free of me, of marrying Isabelle, must have given him courage.

“Seraphina, I’m grateful for your… love. But as LA's 'Zen Prince,' I need to be pure. Even though you’ve insulted me, I thank you for the money you spent paving my way in Hollywood. Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back. Every cent.”

“But I can't give you myself.”

“I love Isabelle. I’m going to marry her. Don't harass me, and stop attacking her. Just let us go.”

He seemed to forget: without me, he was nothing.