Chapter 1 A Bitch's Provocation

I was meeting a client at a café when a waitress spilled coffee all over me. Before I could even say a word, she started sniffling and tearing up.

"I didn't mean to." She looked apologetic, but there was an unmistakable hint of arrogance in her expression.

I frowned. "Can you get me some napkins?"

She sluggishly handed me a few. "I'm just a student working part-time here. Please don't tell the manager about this."

I dabbed at the mess on my clothes, realizing the outfit was ruined.

"So, your first instinct is to avoid getting in trouble?" My patience was running thin.

She actually had the audacity to huff. "I already said I didn't mean to, and I apologized. Why are you making this so difficult?"

If she had handled it properly, I wouldn't have even considered making a fuss.

"Saying it was an accident and taking responsibility are two different things, sweetheart." I reminded her with a polite smile.

The waitress let out an impatient sigh. "It's just a piece of clothing. How much could it possibly cost? I'll pay you."

She pulled out her wallet, fished out a few hundred-dollar bills, and tossed them arrogantly onto the table like she was doing charity work.

"Is this enough?"

I shook my head.

Her smug expression faltered. She begrudgingly took out a few more bills before saying sharply, "This should be enough."

I took my time responding. "This dress is a new release. You can check the official price yourself."

Someone nearby had already done the search and gasped. "10 thousand dollars?"

The waitress' face twisted in shock. "Who are you trying to scam? No dress costs that much! I could find plenty of outfits like this on the street."

I didn't bother arguing. Instead, I picked up my phone and headed toward the manager's office.

Her face paled. "I'm sorry, miss."

Just then, my client called, so I paused.

"Answer your call, miss. You're rich anyway. Why make a big deal over a little money?"

…

My meeting got canceled last minute, so I went home early.

My younger brother, Archie Houghton, was bringing his girlfriend over today. Hearing voices outside, I got up to greet them, only to hear a familiar voice.

"That crazy old hag at the café was such a psycho. I already apologized, but she wouldn't let it go. She just wanted to flaunt her wealth and bully us poor folks. Archie, your sister isn't like that, right?"

Archie patted his chest. "Relax, she isn't like that at all. Jillian?"

I went downstairs, glanced at the stunned waitress from earlier, and smiled.

Archie, oblivious to the awkwardness, held his girlfriend's hand and introduced us. "Jillian, this is my girlfriend, Evie Carter. Evie, this is my sister, Jillian Houghton."

Evie stiffened. "Jillian…"

I sat down casually. "Oh, please. Didn't you just call me an old hag?"

Archie finally pieced things together. "Evie, the woman you ran into at the café was Jillian? What are the odds?"

Evie lowered her head and pouted. "Jillian, are you still mad at me?"

I was confused by her act.

Archie quickly comforted her. "Jillian has tons of clothes. It's just one dress. Don't cry."

"I know." Evie curled into Archie's side. "I may not come from money, but I never wanted to take advantage of you. I'll pay for the dress."

Archie waved it off. "We're family. There's no need to talk about money."

Then, he turned to me and shook my arm like a kid. "Jillian, Evie's had it rough. Don't be mad at her, okay?"

He was shaking me so much that I felt dizzy. "How old are you? You're still acting like a child."

Archie beamed. "So you're not mad anymore?"

He turned to Evie. "Come on. Say thank you to Jillian."

She mumbled a reluctant, "Thanks."

Since she was someone Archie cared about, I softened my expression. "You're still young. Make sure to think things through before you act. I don't ask for much. Archie is my only brother. I just need you to treat him well."

Archie grinned. "Don't worry, Jillian. Evie's great! One day, she and I will join the family business, and you won't have to work so hard."

I nodded. "Alright. You two have fun. I have work to do."

"Okay! Don't overwork yourself!"

On my way to the garage, I realized I had forgotten something and turned back.

"Archie, your sister runs the whole company?" Evie asked.

Archie replied, "Yeah. I'm still young. I've got time to have fun. Plus, it means I can spend more time with you."

"But I read news stories about siblings fighting over family businesses. You and Jillian get along, but you should still be careful. You never know."

I didn't hear Archie's response.

I had no intention of going back inside now, so I turned to leave.

Chapter 2 Enduring for Archie

On the weekend, Archie brought Evie home, giving our grandma, Marlene Payne, a chance to meet her.

"Jillian," Archie called from upstairs. "Evie wants to try your homemade bread. Can you bake some for her?"

"Sure." I put down my work, rolled up my sleeves, and headed to the kitchen.

Archie beamed. "You're the best."

"I'm glad you know it." I smiled wryly.

Our parents had passed away early, so Archie and I had always been the closest to each other. I had spoiled him since we were kids.

As I took some eggs from the fridge, Archie lingered instead of leaving immediately. After a moment, he asked, "Jillian, would you give me anything I ask for?"

The kitchen fell silent.

A few seconds later, he chuckled. "I hear a car outside. Grandma must be here. I'll go get her."

After he left, I let out a quiet sigh.

Once the bread was baked, the meal was ready as well.

Evie came downstairs and sweetly linked arms with Grandma. "Marlene, I have some great news for you."

Grandma had been skeptical of Evie, but after hearing her whisper, she burst into laughter. "Oh, that's wonderful! Come, sit down. Don't tire yourself out."

Evie smiled demurely. "I'm alright."

I placed the warm bread in front of Evie. "It's still a bit hot. Let it cool before eating."

Evie didn't seem to hear and just kept talking to Grandma. "Marlene, can I come visit you often when I'm free?"

"Of course. Nothing would make me happier."

Feeling awkward, I pulled my hand back and sat down.

Evie kept Grandma entertained, making her laugh endlessly. Then, she glanced at the bread in front of her and scrunched her nose.

"Ugh, this tastes way too rich. Who put this here? Don't they know pregnant women shouldn't eat such sweet things?"

The mention of Grandma's precious great-grandchild was enough to send her into a rage. She slammed the table. "Looks like someone's asking to be fired! Who put that bread there?"

Archie walked in at that moment, only catching Grandma's question.

"Jillian made it for Evie. What's wrong, Grandma?"

Grandma turned to me with a cold expression. "Jillian, Evie is pregnant now. She can't eat sweet or greasy foods. From now on, don't put things like this in front of her."

Archie tried to intervene. "Grandma, I—"

Evie cut him off, saying, "Archie, I feel like going for a walk. Will you come with me?"

"Of course. Grandma, Jillian, we'll be back soon."

Archie shot me an apologetic look. I gave him a reassuring smile, then turned to find Evie smirking triumphantly.

I frowned. It was obvious that Evie had done this on purpose. But for Archie's sake, I held back.

Grandma was so happy and excited about the baby that she couldn't stop smiling.

"Jillian, dear, don't do anything like this again. The first trimester is crucial. As their sister, you need to take good care of them. One day, when you're older, you'll rely on them too."

I didn't want to hear it, but out of respect for her, I said nothing.

"Come on, Grandma. I'll take you home."

…

I had been busy with work, so the next time I saw Archie was at the office.

"Look who it is," I teased with a smile.

Archie rubbed the back of his head. "Evie and I were just passing by, so I thought I'd stop in. I didn't expect the new office building to be this fancy. Jillian, do we own the whole building?"

Chapter 3 The Unfamiliar Brother

"There are other companies too," I replied.

Archie said, "That's fine. I've heard this area is pretty expensive. By the way, Jillian, once Evie's pregnancy is stable, I'm thinking of joining the company to help you out. Can you find me a position?"

I pressed the intercom button and called for my secretary, Kaylee Powell. I asked her if any positions had become available recently.

Kaylee listed a few.

Archie's face twisted slightly. Jokingly, he said, "I'm your brother, Jillian! You're giving me such a small position? That'll be embarrassing."

I had Kaylee leave, then turned to Archie. "You haven't had experience with this kind of work, so start small and learn as much as you can. That way, it'll be easier for me to promote you later."

Archie blurted out, "But you didn't start out small. You got the top position right away, and you're doing great. Why can't I do the same?"

"Archie, things are different now. When I took this position, I had no choice. But now, there are people depending on their paycheck. If the higher-ups make a wrong move, it's their livelihoods on the line."

I paused, trying not to sound too harsh. "Don't worry. I'll make sure someone trains you properly. Once you get the hang of things, we can talk about promotion, and no one will be able to say a thing."

He reluctantly agreed. "Fine. I'll let you get back to work then."

After watching him leave, I sat down and pressed my forehead.

Kaylee came in. "Ms. Houghton, are you getting another headache?" She poured me a glass of water. "Mr. Houghton really knows how to add to your stress. You've already got so much on your plate at the company."

I took a sip of water but didn't respond.

Kaylee stepped aside. "Ms. Houghton, Mr. Harmon called. He wants to take you to lunch."

"Tell him I'm not available."

…

I wasn't sure if it was his dissatisfaction with the position, but in just a few days, Archie had spent five million dollars.

Logan Harmon told me that Archie had ordered a five-carat diamond ring from his store.

The next day, Archie and Evie came to see me.

He carefully helped Evie sit down, then announced, "Jillian, we're getting married."

"That's great! When are you planning the wedding?"

"We were thinking of next month, before Evie gets too far along. It'll be easier that way," Archived said.

"Alright, I'll make sure to send you both a big gift."

"Thanks, Jillian."

Archie hesitated for a moment, then Evie nudged him. "Come on. Say it."

I smiled. "Is there something else?"

Archie took a deep breath. "Jillian, I want you to give me the house at Meadowlark Heights."

Surprised, I looked up, wondering if I had heard him right.

Archie continued, "Evie's still in school, and that house would be perfect as our marital home. It'll make things easier for her."

I laughed in frustration. "Have you forgotten why I bought that house in the first place?"

It was to be closer to the company. I had been handling so many things that I needed somewhere nearby to rest, especially with the late hours I worked.

Honestly, it hurt me to see him betraying me like this.

We were both orphans, and we had built a life together.

After losing our parents, I had worked tirelessly to keep things afloat. To make life easier, I had even bought a house closer to the company. Archie knew that.

"Just buy another one, Jillian. Evie really likes that house."

His attitude was starting to shift, becoming more demanding. "Or is it that you don't want to give it up? Were all those kind words you said to me before just lies?"

Chapter 4 Asking for the House

I stared at Archie in shock. "Archie, is this really how you see me?"

Evie grabbed Archie's arm, standing firm. "Since Jillian won't agree, let's just forget about it. If she doesn't like me, it's fine. But now that you're getting married, she can't even give us a house? We won't ask her for anything anymore."

Archie bit his lip, and his gaze turned doubtful.

The door to the office opened, and Grandma walked in. "I could hear you two arguing from down the hall."

Archie immediately rushed over. "What are you doing here, Grandma?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "How could I not be here when you're getting married? It's such an important event in your life!"

Grandma sat down and got straight to the point.

"Jillian, Archie is the last son of the Houghton family. His marriage can't be treated carelessly. I like Evie. And now they're having a child. It's double the good news. Since it's set for next month, let's make sure it's done properly.

"The entire Houghton family fortune is his. Now, he's asking you for just one house as his marital home. And you're refusing to give it up? That's not right, is it?"

Evie smiled smugly. "Marlene, you're so understanding."

"Since Grandma says so, I won't oppose it. You can have a grand wedding," I said.

Archie asked, "Jillian, what about the house at Meadowlark Heights?"

"No way." I shot him down immediately. "I'm living there myself. I don't want to move. But I have a few other empty places that are just as good. You can choose one, and I'll consider it a wedding gift for you."

Archie's attitude softened slightly.

But Evie wasn't having it. "I like the Meadowlark Heights one. The baby likes it too. If you really care about us, you wouldn't keep the best for yourself."

"Jillian..." Grandma's lips drooped. With a look of disappointment, she said, "You're really disappointing me."

Evie looped her arm around Grandma's, acting all sweet. "Marlene, if Jillian doesn't want to give it, then don't pressure her. I don't care where I live. It's all the same to me. I didn't think she'd be so cold to you guys."

She glanced around the spacious office and continued with a hint of jealousy, "It's already so hard to get a house from her. If Archie ever wants to take over the company, it's probably going to be impossible."

Evie's words sparked something in Grandma, and her expression darkened immediately.

Archie's lips twitched, his eyes accusing me as if I had taken something from him.

I had finally had enough. "Get out!"

"Jillian..."

I didn't want to see them anymore, so I had Kaylee escort them out.

…

"You're looking pretty down." Logan was leaning against the counter, holding an emerald bangle. He grabbed my hand and started measuring it against the bangle. "Not happy to be out with me?"

I was irritated beyond belief. "Just spit it out."

Logan clicked his tongue. "Oh, the intricate emotions of a woman. You weren't this impatient when you were in bed."

The store assistant's eyes lit up with curiosity at those words.

Logan seemed pleased with the bangle. "I'll take this one. Wrap it up."

The store assistant nodded. "Sure, sir. Please follow me to the register."

"She'll pay," Logan said, pointing at me.

Seeing her shocked expression, he explained, "Married men have a tight budget. You know how it is."

I could feel the store assistant's gaze shift. Her eyes were filled with shock as if to say, "So you're that kind of person."

Chapter 5 Enough Is Enough

I shot Logan a glare before swiftly paying the bill.

Logan took the bags from the store assistant with a "thank you".

"Want to head upstairs and take a look?" he asked.

I was about to decline. But before I could, Logan wrapped his arm around my waist. "Come on. It's rare we're out together. Let's just relax a bit."

We wandered around the mall for a while and bought a lot of things.

Most of the time, Logan chose the items while I paid. It was like he was addicted to it. "Babe, do you think my wife would like this dress?"

I rolled my eyes at him. His casual closeness was throwing my mind into a whirlwind. Still, I actually managed to forget about Archie's issues.

The salesperson had been earnestly describing the dress, showering me with compliments about how great it would look on me. But as soon as Logan spoke, it made the young lady's face turn red, leaving her hesitating and unsure.

I smiled helplessly. Just as I was about to ask her to leave us, Logan grabbed my hand. He held it gently, his fingers tracing over it.

"That's enough."

"Don't be mad. Help me pick out a few more outfits for my wife, and tonight, I'll be yours for the whole evening."

Fortunately, a phone call interrupted the moment.

I sighed in relief. "Who is it?" I asked curiously.

"Can you wait until I leave before you show your smirk?" Logan messed up my hair playfully before answering the call.

"Hey, Dad. What's up?"

I handed the clothes Logan had picked to the salesperson to have them packed.

"You haven't been to the office all day! What's so important that you skipped work?" came the voice from the other end of the line.

Logan replied lazily, "Does spending time with my wife count?"

"Spending time with her doesn't—" The voice quieted for a second, then calmed down. "Alright, have fun. When are you bringing her home so your mom and I can meet her?"

"We'll see. I'll hang up now." Logan spun his phone in his hand. "Did you hear that? When's your head going to nod yes?"

My face flushed, and I shoved him. "You should head back soon."

"You're so cold-hearted." Logan stood up. "I'll take you home first."

…

It seemed like Evie had sparked something in Archie. This time, he was determined to get the house at Meadowlark Heights. He sent me message after message, acting as if it was his right.

Grandma also started coming by more frequently, pushing me to give in. All the peace I had found from spending a day with Logan vanished.

Grandma tried to reason with me. "It's just a house. If you give it to him, it'll be over. He's the last man of the Houghton family. Aren't you going to rely on him in the future anyway? Why make things hard for him now?"

"You're wrong, Grandma." I laughed bitterly.

But Grandma seemed to ignore the underlying meaning of my words.

"One day, you'll have to get married. Archie is the only one left in the family," she said.

She still clung to the belief that once a woman got married, she was no longer part of the family and that it was a disgrace for a woman to handle the family business.

I thought for a moment and realized some things needed to be said now, no matter how difficult.

"But it's my house. Whether I get married or not, it's my personal property."

It seemed like I had touched on an unpleasant topic, as Grandma's lips curled downward in disapproval.

"Jillian, you're a woman. How can you have the whole company in your hands? Don't you fear what people will say? How can a woman run a company? Archie is a man, and he's naturally good at this.

"Sure, when he was younger, he didn't understand. But now he's grown up, and he's getting married. It's time for you to hand over the company to him. Only then can he take it to greater heights.

"Don't worry. Both Archie and I have seen how much effort you've put into running the company these years. You'll get everything you deserve."