Chapter 1

The scorching July sun beat down mercilessly on the parched earth of Zenith City in Easternvale.

Inside the Gulliver residence, Grace Gulliver confronted her father, Brad Gulliver.

"Dad, did you just say that you want me to marry someone? Would you really stoop so low as to sell your own daughter off for prestige? Aren't you afraid of what everyone else will say about you? Don't you have a conscience?"

Grace had just returned home after her college exams had ended. She had then been hit with this shocking news, which had led to her unleashing a barrage of accusations at her father.

Who in their right mind would want to marry her?

Hearing her daughter's outburst, Jennifer Williams patted Grace's shoulder reassuringly. "What are you talking about? That's why we've asked you to come home. It's to discuss this marriage proposal."

Grace gestured toward the pile of gifts on the floor. "Mom, are you telling me that we're going to have this discussion after you've already accepted everything?"

Grace was just an ordinary college sophomore. She had yet to enjoy her summer break when her mother's urgent phone call had summoned her home. Upon returning, she had learned that someone was interested in her and wanted to marry her.

Who could it be?

It turned out to be the prestigious Jefferson family from Nordlandia.

Grace's jaw dropped when she learned that it was the Jefferson family. She sat motionless on the couch, seeming as if she had been struck by lightning.

Her parents exchanged worried glances before turning to look at her.

"We'll be having a meal with the Jefferson family tomorrow. You..."

"Mom, please, I need to be alone for a while," Grace said before rising mechanically and retreating to her room.

Although she could confidently reject any marriage proposal in Easternvale, she was powerless when faced with the Jefferson family. After all, even the most lawless individuals knew not to mess with the Jeffersons.

The Jeffersons were a prominent family renowned for their generations of good business acumen in Zenith City. The slightest whim of a Jefferson could send ripples throughout Easternvale's entire economy.

In short, the Jefferson family was powerful, and Grace couldn't afford to offend them.

Grace rested her chin on her hands as her expression twisted with worry. "What am I going to do? This sudden marriage might just be the death of me," she muttered.

Grace felt torn. Should she be lamenting her predicament? Or should she be happy?

The next day, she went to meet the Jeffersons with her parents.

However, her face was now dotted with red spots. When she opened her mouth to speak, her breath smelled terrible, and she even had a missing tooth.

She was wearing a mismatched yellow scarf on her head, and her lips were painted a bright magenta-pink shade. Her nails were each painted a different color, in varying shades of red, pink, and purple.

Overall, Grace's current appearance couldn't be described as merely plain or ugly. She was stomach-churning.

Brad pointed at Grace and introduced her, "Mr. Jefferson, this is my daughter, Grace."

This was her?

Was this really her?

Filled with doubt, Peter Jefferson put on his glasses to take a closer look. He compared the photo in his hand to the young woman standing before him.

The woman in the photo had delicate features, and her eyes sparkled like stars. She was a vision of ethereal beauty, and her petite frame radiated an undeniable allure.

How could this greasy-haired, acne-scarred, and unpleasant-smelling woman before him be the same person? She looked like someone that even the most curious ghost would avoid.

Thankfully, Peter's son, Oliver Jefferson, wasn't present. Otherwise, he would most likely disagree with this marriage.

"Why does she look so different from the photo?"

With a downcast gaze and a self-deprecating sigh, Grace murmured, "The photo was heavily photoshopped. This is what I really look like."

Peter hesitated.

Grace smiled inwardly as she observed Peter's hesitation. She knew that the Jeffersons wouldn't accept her in this state.

Brad and Jennifer immediately understood the situation, realizing that their daughter's plan might actually be successful.

The other day, the Jeffersons had suddenly appeared before them with a marriage proposal. Their tone that day had been threatening, leaving the Gullivers with no room to refuse.

Brad took the initiative and addressed Peter directly, "Mr. Jefferson, we've deceived you with the photo. I'd like to offer you my deepest apologies. Why don't we call off the engagement? I'll arrange for the gifts to be returned to the Jefferson residence immediately."

"No. I quite like Grace," Peter replied.

"What?"

Chapter 2

Peter had to be blind.

Despite his age, Peter's mind was still sharp. He understood the Gulliver family's hesitation to marry off their daughter, but John Ravenwood's prophecy stated that Grace had to be the one in this destined marriage.

"I think the 15th of August is a good date. Let's set the wedding date for that day."

Not only had Grace failed to change the Jefferson family's mind today, but she had even sealed her fate, and the wedding date had also been set.

Grace said to her parents, "I'll marry him."

"Grace..." Jennifer was worried about this forced marriage.

Today's meeting had been meant for both families to get to know each other. However, from the Jefferson family, only Peter and his eldest son, Jason Jefferson, had shown up. Not a single female relative of theirs had attended.

Even the groom-to-be, Oliver, wasn't present, and he also hadn't bothered to call.

Brad felt that his daughter was being treated unfairly. "We're not marrying her off. I'd like to reject the marriage proposal," he declared.

He only had one precious daughter. Why should she marry Oliver, who was eight years older and didn't even show her the slightest respect?

The Jefferson family's status meant nothing to Brad. He'd rather give up his business than see his daughter unhappy.

After all, he only had one daughter, and her happiness was the most important thing.

Jennifer also exclaimed, "That's right! We earn money to provide a good life for our children, but now that this money has become such a burden, we'll just give it up if we have to."

With newfound determination, Brad and Jennifer made up their minds and drove back home.

Grace's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude.

But, how could she bear to let her parents give up their years of hard work? They could give up everything else, but what would it mean for her brother? She couldn't be that selfish.

Over at the CEO's office in Jefferson Corporation, Oliver was working at his desk.

His cold demeanor and aloofness hung heavy in the air, and it could be sensed even from a distance. He was a handsome man. His features were sharp and chiseled, with a broad forehead and a high nose.

Just then, Peter entered the room, but Oliver barely spared him a glance before diving back into his work.

Peter took a seat on the couch and announced, "Your wedding will be on the 15th of August."

Oliver had been signing some papers. He paused in his actions and raised his head to look at his father.

Peter picked up the cup of coffee on the table in front of him and brought it to his lips. He blew on it lightly before taking a sip.

"I know you've been insistent on not getting married for years. Your mother wouldn't want to see you remain unmarried either."

Peter continued, "The wedding date has already been set. Your bride is from the Gulliver family. Her name is Grace Gulliver, and she's a very special girl. She's 20 years old and still a college student."

"What? 20 years old? Give her to James instead," Oliver said with a sneer as he replied without a thought.

"You bastard!" Peter scolded. "Oliver! She's your future wife! You can't just give her to your nephew!"

Peter became furious every time he spoke to his second son. Oliver was like a rebellious bone lodged in Peter's throat. His words and actions were a constant source of irritation to him.

Peter generally avoided seeing Oliver unless it was absolutely necessary.

Oliver suggested, "How about this? Whoever chose her has to marry her."

"Oliver!" Peter was once again so angry with his son that he couldn't speak.

"You can't escape this time, Oliver. The wedding plans have already been finalized. Prepare to approach the Gullivers with a proposal. Remember, even death won't excuse you from this marriage."

Oliver's sharp eyes narrowed as he said coldly, "Never!"

Peter swallowed angrily as he looked at Oliver. Faced with Oliver's resistance, he decided to play his trump card.

"Get married, and I'll tell you everything I know about her," he declared.

This time, it was Oliver's turn to be surprised.

He knew who Peter was referring to.

He narrowed his eyes and asked, "Are you investigating it too?"

Peter put his cup down and stood up. "The wedding will be on the 15th of August. Be prepared."

Time flew by, and the wedding day arrived as scheduled.

Chapter 3

Grace's wedding dress was custom-made by a renowned Southlandia designer, and it reportedly cost the Jefferson family hundreds of thousands of dollars. The extravagance was a testament to the Gulliver family's prestige.

Despite wearing such an expensive gown, Grace didn't feel particularly happy.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror. With the red marks gone from her face, her charming appearance was revealed once again.

With her fair, delicate features and slightly chubby cheeks, she possessed a doll-like quality that accentuated her youth. Despite this, her petite frame remained undeniable.

As she entered the room, Jennifer dismissed the makeup artist with a wave of her hand. Now, only she and Grace remained.

"Grace, you really shouldn't have agreed to this."

Grace reassured Jennifer with a smile, "I suddenly think that getting married might be kind of fun."

Jennifer's eyes were filled with self-reproach as she placed a hand on Grace's face. She gently stroked her face and asked, "Grace, what exactly did Mr. Jefferson say to you the other day?"

Grace was taken aback as Peter's words flooded back to her.

"Grace, do you have any idea what it means to offend the Jefferson family?"

Grace had remained silent, so Peter had continued, "You know it deep down. Your eyes tell me that you don't fear the Jeffersons.

"But have you thought about your family? What about your parents and your brother? Your selfishness will have consequences. I'm sure you've heard about the Westwood family."

Grace's eyes had widened in disbelief as she stared at Peter.

The Westwood Corporation was once a century-old enterprise in Zenith City, boasting a vast fortune and powerful backing. However, one day, it had all come crashing down. Some of the company's executives were imprisoned, and the rest had fled abroad and were afraid to return home.

Back then, the Gullivers were no match for the Westwoods. The mere thought of Peter using this tactic against her family had sent shivers down Grace's spine.

Grace's hands had clenched involuntarily. A long silence stretched between them before she had finally replied, "Mr. Jefferson, may I know why you chose me?"

Peter had chuckled, and his eyes had sparkled as he said, "It's quite ridiculous, actually. I'll tell you when the time is right."

Grace nodded. "I hope that time will be soon."

"So, do you agree to marry Oliver?"

"Only if you promise not to target my family. My parents have poured their hearts into building their business."

Snapping back to reality, Grace looked at her mother's worried face and forced a cheerful smile.

"Mom, it's nothing to worry about! The Jefferson family is great. They're wealthy and successful, so you and Dad don't have to worry!"

In another room, Peter pulled out a stack of papers and a USB drive. "Here's everything you've been looking for," he said.

Oliver reached for them, but Peter moved his hand away and said, "Wait until after the wedding."

Oliver's throat felt as if it was being constricted under his father's grip. With a hard swallow, he donned the groom's attire and pushed open the door.

Thus, the marriage ceremony began.

There were many guests present at the wedding. There were no media and paparazzi inside the venue, as only those of a certain status had received invitations from the Jefferson family.

Oliver's marriage to a woman from the Gulliver family had shattered the hopes of countless other families. The Gullivers themselves were instantly catapulted to the top of the social hierarchy.

In the bride's dressing room, a knot of apprehension tightened in Grace's stomach as she contemplated her life ahead.

The time had come.

Holding her wedding gown, she walked unsteadily in her unfamiliar high heels toward her waiting father. Seeing his slightly red eyes, Grace forced down the emotions welling up in her heart.

As the doors opened, all the lights in the venue fell on her and Brad.

Grace linked arms with her father and moved to walk on the petal-strewn path.

From across the room, she glanced at the man waiting for her.

This was the first time Grace was seeing her husband, Oliver Jefferson.

Chapter 4

Despite the two of them residing in Easternvale's Zenith City, Grace and Oliver had never met each other before.

However, she had heard of Oliver before. Oliver was a 28-year-old man. He was successful in his career, and he had a handsome appearance.

In Easternvale, he reigned supreme in the economic sphere. Countless lifelines of the region's businesses rested in his hands.

He was the object of fear for many, but he now stood before Grace as her groom.

Despite his youth, he exuded a powerful demeanor. His stern face subconsciously induced tension in anyone who faced him.

At this moment, Oliver appeared disheveled and dusty, as if he'd just flown in from a business trip. He hadn't even bothered to tidy himself up before the wedding.

The marriage seemed to be a chore to him. It seemed that he wasn't happy with this marriage either.

In that case, they were on the same page.

With that thought, a smile played on Grace's lips.

As her father placed her hand in Oliver's, Grace's tense fingertips turned icy. Her fingers brushed against Oliver's hand. The warmth of his palm flooded her, and she instinctively tried to pull away.

But Oliver was quick to react. He swiftly closed his hand around hers, tightly gripping her hand before she could even attempt to retreat.

Their eyes locked.

Oliver's gaze swept across her face, lingering on Grace's startled, doe-like eyes. For a fleeting moment, his usually calm and unreadable depths rippled with an unfamiliar emotion.

After a moment, he turned his head away and no longer looked at her.

The warmth radiating from Grace's fingertips sent a shiver through Oliver. Internally, he scoffed, feeling as though he'd robbed the cradle.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the guests, the bride-to-be was lost in a world of her own.

The priest asked the bride, "Grace Gulliver, do you take Oliver Jefferson to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

Silence fell upon the grand hall, the weight of the question hanging heavy in the air.

Grace's heart hammered in her chest. Oliver, who was standing closest to her, couldn't help but notice her rapid and abnormal breathing.

Sensing her distress, Oliver gently interjected, "Answer him."

His deep, resonant, and magnetic voice cut through the silence, prompting Grace to tighten her grip on the bouquet in her hands.

Grace looked up with her eyes wide in confusion.

Oliver waited, the silence stretching painfully between them, but still no "I do" came from Grace.

A commotion in the hall caught his attention, prompting him to tighten his grip on Grace's hand.

Oliver stole another glance at his wife, her nervousness accentuated by the constant ringing in her ears.

Oliver's eyes narrowed. If Grace dared to humiliate the Jeffersons at the wedding, the Gullivers were surely doomed.

But Oliver's gaze collided with Grace's. Her clear eyes held him frozen for a moment.

Oliver immediately reached out with his free hand, brushing a stray strand of hair from Grace's face. To an outsider, the gesture was undeniably intimate.

Despite maintaining a carefully distant posture, Oliver hissed a threat in Grace's ear. "If you daydream again, you'll disgrace the Jefferson name, and the Gullivers won't fare well either!"

The words slammed into Grace like a wake-up call, sending her racing heart plummeting to her stomach.

Yes. This was a wedding of convenience, after all.

A self-deprecating smile tugged at Grace's lips. As she met Oliver's gaze this time, her eyes held a newfound determination.

She whispered in Oliver's ear, "Thank you for the reminder!"

Grace's warm breath tickled Oliver's ear, laced with a scent that sent a shiver down his spine. His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, and his dark eyes darkened further.

Chapter 5

His ears flicked involuntarily. With a nod of acknowledgment, he looked up at the priest.

The priest caught Oliver's gaze and immediately asked Grace again with a smile, "Grace Gulliver, do you take Oliver Jefferson to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do!" Grace exclaimed, nodding vigorously.

As she spoke, the hearts of Peter and Grace's parents, who had been hanging by a thread, settled.

The priest then asked Oliver, "Oliver Jefferson, do you take Grace Gulliver to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do."

Oliver's voice sounded harsh in Grace's ears.

Grace couldn't help but look up at the man beside her again. Regardless of whether it was just a deal, this man would be her husband from now on.

"Please exchange the rings, newlyweds."

The crowd erupted in applause.

Feeling the awkwardness settle after the applause, Grace turned to Oliver and asked, "Do we have to give a speech for the ring exchange?"

Oliver ignored her and grabbed her hand roughly before jamming the ring on her finger.

What a rude man! Grace's impression of him plummeted.

It was her turn to put the ring on him, and she also deliberately used brute force to put the ring on his left ring finger.

The pain forced Oliver to scrutinize his vengeful wife.

Well, she was quite vengeful despite her petite size.

Grace was about to yell at Oliver when she met his gaze again. His eyes were unreadable, and his stare made Grace's heart feel jittery.

She misinterpreted his silence as anger over her earlier use of excessive force when putting the ring on him. Now, she fretted that he might be harboring a grudge.

It seems like he was also a vengeful man.

Their wedding day finally came to an end.

That night, Grace returned to the Jefferson residence.

The thought of her wedding night flooded Grace's mind. Unable to face reality, she flinched, squeezing her eyes shut. She nervously bit her lip, wondering what to do.

The door to the bridal chamber creaked open, jolting her awake. She quickly stood up from the foot of the bed.

Upon seeing the man who entered, she gulped nervously.

The thought of having to share a bed with this stranger sent shivers down her spine.

Oliver walked toward the room and approached Grace.

Grace backed away in fear. "Um, let's get to know each other a bit. My name is Grace. I'm 20 years old, and I'll be a sophomore in college after summer break. I… I…"

"How did you convince him?"

Oliver's eyes were filled with ferocity as he looked at the girl in front of him. Consumed by his desire for his father's information, he impulsively agreed to the marriage without a second thought.

Given the throngs of people vying to marry into the prestigious Jefferson family, how on earth did this seemingly ordinary girl convince the stubborn old man?

Grace was taken aback. "What do you mean? I don't understand what you're talking about."

"Don't get greedy, Grace," Oliver muttered to himself. "What isn't yours won't stay yours. Marrying into the Jeffersons doesn't guarantee safety. It's quite the opposite, actually."

Grace finally understood. He suspected that she had used some underhanded tactics to convince his father to marry her.

To clear up the misunderstanding between them, Grace explained, "Oliver, you were forced into this too, weren't you? I was too."

A sneer twisted Oliver's lips. "The Gullivers secured at least 15 new projects today alone. And you claim that you were forced?"

His tone infuriated Grace.

She had tried to explain things kindly, but he didn't believe her. "Oliver, are you mocking my father for sacrificing me for his own gain? Believe me, if your father hadn't forced mine, he'd sooner starve than sell me to your family!"

Chapter 6

"Alright, I'll just wait and see if the Gulliver family comes crawling to me for help when they're starving to death."

Oliver whipped out his phone and barked an order to his assistant, "Acquire the Gulliver family business."

"Which Gulliver family, Mr. Jefferson?"

"My father-in-law's family," Oliver replied while looking at Grace.

Grace felt the urge to punch Oliver in the face despite it being their wedding night. She shouted angrily, "Oliver, you're nothing but a self-proclaimed business tycoon!"

"You—"

He hadn't expected Grace to actually shout at him.

Still wearing the evening gown that she had worn to greet guests, Grace ran out of the bridal chamber. She rushed out of the room and grabbed a random maid by the arm. "Where's Mr. Jefferson?" she asked.

Her sudden appearance startled the maid. "In the bedroom, I think."

"And where's his bedroom?" she asked again.

The maid then pointed in a direction.

Just then, a noblewoman emerged from around the corner. From her age and attire, Grace recognized her as Oliver's sister-in-law. She was Jason's wife, Juniper Stone.

Juniper instructed the maid, "You may leave now."

The maid bowed and retreated.

Grace looked at Juniper, surprised to see a woman three years older than her own mother.

Juniper approached Grace, her eyes scrutinizing her from head to toe. "What do you want with Peter?"

"He didn't fulfill his promise to me."

Juniper shot a glance at Oliver who was trailing behind Grace, then looked back at her. "On your wedding night, you dash out of the bridal chamber instead of staying in there? Are you afraid that people won't recognize the two of you?" Juniper critiqued Grace and sternly reprimanded Oliver.

Oliver retorted, "Juniper, this is none of your business!"

Oliver's words made Juniper choke up. Her face flushed crimson, and she stormed out with fury burning in her eyes.

Grace followed the direction the maid had pointed in earlier.

When they reached Peter's door, they were met by Rodrigo Brock, the butler. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw Grace and Oliver.

"Mr. Oliver, Madam Grace. Shouldn't you be in the bridal chamber? Why are you here?"

Grace replied, "I need to see Mr. Jefferson. He broke his promise to me."

"Mr. Jefferson's turned in for the night. Whatever the matter is, let's discuss it tomorrow," Rodrigo suggested.

Just then, a voice came from inside the room. "Rodrigo, I'll meet with them in the study."

Five minutes later, Peter, who was clad in a dressing gown, entered his study to find the newlyweds already settled on the couch.

As Oliver watched Grace's simmering anger, his own eyes narrowing in puzzlement. Why was her first reaction to his plan to acquire the Gulliver family's business to confront his father?

"What brings you here?" Peter asked.

Grace stood up and walked over to Peter. "Mr. Jefferson, you promised that the Jefferson family would never target the Gullivers!"

Peter glanced at the man sitting calmly on the couch. Knowing Oliver's personality, he could already piece together the situation.

"Please step outside. I need to talk to Oliver alone."

Grace had already made a scene. Before she could say another word, she was being ushered out.

Although she wasn't being unreasonable, it was her family's business, and she didn't want to make unnecessary sacrifices.

After getting married into the Jefferson family, her family's company was now about to be acquired.

And if she didn't marry into the Jefferson family, her family's company would go bankrupt.

"Mr. Jefferson, if you can't fulfill your promise, then I can't keep mine either."

"Get out!" Peter snapped.

Grace clenched her fists and turned to leave.

In the study, Peter told Oliver, "Withdraw the order. Don't touch the Gulliver family."

"Dad, what exactly do they have on you?" Oliver asked.

Peter replied, "Oliver, don't make me repeat myself. If I find out you're targeting the Gulliver family again, don't blame me for being harsh."

Seeing his father's unusual seriousness, a spark of curiosity flickered in Oliver's mind. "I'm becoming more and more curious about the secrets you two are hiding."