Chapter 12
“Right? She’s not even in the same league as us. Zac was just messing around. Now that Wendy’s back, it’s time for Charlotte to pack up and leave.”
Charlotte felt nothing.
She knew exactly why Wendy had sent that video–part of it was to stake her claim, the other part was to humiliate her, to rub reality in her face, and push her to leave Zac.
And Wendy fully expected it to work
She probably imagined Charlotte crying her eyes out, heartbroken, humiliated, and finally dumping Zac before packing her bags and running
back home.
But what she never could have imagined was that none of it got to Charlotte.
Zac, still slurring sweet nothings to Wendy in the video, only made her sick.
Disgusted, she exited the chat without watching further.
Her fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before she typed out a message.
“You’re right. We’re not in the same league.”
Wendy saw the message and smirked, quickly replying–but using Zac’s phone.
“At least you have some self–awareness
Seeing the response, Charlotte let out a quiet scoff.
Gibson Corporation’s so–called ‘empire‘ wasn’t even on the same level as a single subsidiary under her family’s name.
The profits Gibson bragged about every year? That barely compared to what her father casually threw into a side project.
The Riley family had been in business for four generations, growing into one of the top ten wealthiest familles in the country.
Compared to them, Zac was just another rich kid with nothing but his last name to his credit.
And the irony? Not a single one of them had a clue,
None of those people had ever realized that the “Riley” in Charlotte Riley was the same “Riley“” as Desmond Riley.
The little exchange did nothing to ruin her mood.
With the whole day free, she stayed in and relaxed, scrolling through designer websites, picking out her engagement dress.
After going through dozens of options, she finally narrowed it down to three but now she was stuck.
Option 1:
A champagne–colored modem gown. Light pink embroidery intertwined with delicate crystal embellishments, and across the shoulders, three strands of tiny pearls draped elegantly from the neckline to the back. The entire gown sparkled with a sweet, youthful charm.
Option 2:
A soft moon–white strapless gown. The bodico featured a delicate ring of sculpted roses, cinching at the waist and hugging the curves before Dlowing into a floor–length mermaid silhouette. It was mature, elegant, and refined.
Option 3:
Acreamy off–white, off–shoulder princess gown. A sheer layer of delicate tulle overlayed the dress, scattered with tiny crimson rose petals. The design was romantic and ethereal.
Still undecided, she screenshotted all three and posted them on her Instagram:
Story with the text:
“Can’t choose between these three! Help me decide!”
Within minutes, the likes and comments started rolling in.
Sean: “They’re all beautiful. If you li
like them, just get them all
Her childhood best friend, Lena Zeller, commented as well:
“Wow, Lottle, your taste is Impeccable! All three would look amazing on you. Just have
Her other best friend, Mia Carter, added:
“Buy, buy, buy! Our princess Lottle looks stunning in everything!”
Her assistant, Sophie, was quick to comment as well
“Whoa, whoa, whoa–hold up. What’s this for? Are you getting married or something?!”
buy them all. He won’t e
even blink at the price.”
Charlotte scrolled through the flood of likes, compliments, and excited congratulations, but a few comments stood out.
Quinn:
Eugene: “Charlotte, what exactly is this?”
Ethan: “No way, you actually posted this? This is cracking me up!”
Coworker A: “These are all designer pieces. Before showing off, maybe check the price tag first. Forget buying, you couldn’t even afford to rent
Conworker B: “Danti, must be nice. Your life is my dream.”
And then, the most amusing one of all—
Zac:
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. Looks like Zac finally sobered up.
Right on cue, her phone buzzed with a message from him.
“Delete that post.”
Charlotte: “No.”
“So this is your grand plan? A public stunt to force my hand? Did you not hear anything I said to you before?”
Charlotte: “Oh.”
“Charlotte Riley, enough already”
She didn’t bother responding
