Chapter 1A Mother's Justice

As Hugh Sullivan's intended wife, the title of "Mrs. Sullivan" was the last thing I ever wanted.

On our wedding day, standing outside the dressing room, I overheard a conversation between my father and Hugh.

"Hugh, are you truly willing to marry Elara for Celia's sake?"

"If you have second thoughts now, I can still find someone else to take her place."

A heavy sigh from Hugh. "I'm the only one who can tie Elara down, make her give up her claim on the inheritance. Everything I'm doing... it's all for Celia."

A slow, silent smile spread across my lips.

Oh, Father. You've grown so foolish in your old age. Did you really think marrying me off would be enough to neutralize me? That it would clear the way for you to welcome your illegitimate children into the family and hand them the Vance family's billion-dollar fortune?

And Hugh... he gave himself far too much credit. The only reason I agreed to this union, the only reason I gave him a second glance, was because he was the man Celia Vance had her heart set on.

And what could be more satisfying than stealing the one thing your enemy cherishes, using him completely, and then casting him aside?

After all, my mother taught me from a young age: what is yours, you take back, by any means necessary.

* * *

My father clapped Hugh on the shoulder, his voice heavy with meaning. "I appreciate your devotion to Celia. After the wedding, I'll transfer five percent of Vance Enterprises' stock to you as compensation."

But Hugh refused flatly. "I don't want compensation. When Celia gets back from her trip, I just want to be the one to explain this to her, to make it right."

Celia. Always the precious jewel they cradled in their hands. To avoid upsetting her, my father had conveniently sent her on an overseas vacation right before my wedding. I'd expected this, of course, but hearing the words spoken aloud still sent a familiar pang through my chest.

I pursed my lips and turned away, quietly signaling my makeup artist to fetch the wedding ring I'd "forgotten."

What isn't mine, I don't want. But what is rightfully mine... you will never take from me.

The ceremony reached its peak. With a perfect, demure smile, I linked my arm through my father's and walked toward Hugh. He placed my hand solemnly into Hugh's, patting our joined hands with a look of fatherly affection and concern.

"Elara, you only just returned home... and with your mother gone so early, and me so busy with work... I haven't been able to care for you properly. Now that you're marrying Hugh, I can finally rest easy, knowing he'll look after you."

I dug my nails into my own thigh, hard, until the sting brought tears to my eyes. I let out a choked sob and threw myself into my father's arms. Peeking over his shoulder at Hugh, I whispered in a trembling, childish voice, "Daddy, what if... what if Hugh isn't good to me?"

Hugh's body went rigid, his brow furrowing in a flicker of irritation. "Elara, I'll be good to you for the rest of our lives."

A pathetic performance. I scoffed internally, ignoring him completely.

Clinging to my father's arm, I rocked it gently. "Daddy, do you remember when I was eight and threw a tantrum because I wanted a little brother to protect me?"

"You spun me around and around, and you told me I was your one and only precious pearl, and that you would protect me forever."

My father's smile faltered. He knew where this was going. But I pressed on, my voice dripping with manufactured innocence.

"It was only later that I learned Mommy couldn't have any more children after she had me. But you never cared about the rumors, about people saying you needed a son to be the 'pillar of the family.' You always took such good care of us."

"Even after Mom passed away five years ago, you never remarried or had other children. Daddy, thank you. Thank you for giving all your love to just me and Mom."

Coming from anyone else, such words would have melted a father's heart. But my father had a secret mistress and two secret children tucked away in the shadows. He had always treated me like a naive little princess, assuming I was clueless about his affair, about the second family he'd raised behind our backs. His plan was to use this very reception to bring his mistress and illegitimate children out into the open, to force me to accept them.

I wouldn't give him the chance.

Before he could muster a response, the guests began to murmur their approval.

"Harrison Vance is famous for doting on his wife and daughter. He's a true role model in our circle."

"A man of such high moral character, it's no wonder he's built such an empire. He's an inspiration to us all."

My father prized his public image above all else. The praise from his peers sealed his lips shut. His face was a mask of strained discomfort as he instinctively glanced toward the audience, where I knew Madeline and her son, Caleb, were sitting. Their faces were tight, their fists clenched.

Their long-planned ambush had been effortlessly dismantled by my "innocent" little speech, and now they were all squirming, trapped in the spotlight. I kept my expression pure and deeply moved, but inside, I was fighting back a triumphant laugh.

My father sighed heavily, but I wasn't done yet. I decided to turn up the heat.

"Daddy," I said, my voice clear and loud. "Even though I'm getting married, I'll still be your only child, right? Your most precious pearl, forever and ever?"