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Chapter 2 What Bad Luck

Just as Daphne hopped into the taxi, her phone buzzed like crazy.

"Daphne, where the heck are you? Didn't you say you'd be back soon?"

Before she could even get a word in, that annoying voice made her roll her eyes.

"I'm on my way."

She hung up, closed her eyes, and let her mind drift back to when her dad was still around and her mom wasn't stuck in bed.

The Morgan Group used to be a big deal. But then her parents got into that car crash on the way to the airport. Her dad died instantly, and her mom ended up paralyzed.

Her aunt Mabel and uncle teamed up with the three big families in Irvingport to tear the company apart. When it all went down, Daphne didn't cry. Her only fear was not getting revenge before she kicked the bucket.

But today felt like a solid first step.

In Irvingport, and maybe even worldwide, Carl Ward was her best bet. If she was gonna go for it, she had to aim high and take big risks.

When she got home, the smell of food hit her.

Daphne dropped her stuff and headed to the kitchen. Skylar Tate, the housekeeper, was just setting a meal on a tray. She smiled when she saw Daphne.

"Miss, you're back. I was just about to take this to your mom."

"How's Mom?" Daphne asked, grabbing the tray.

Skylar nodded. "She's doing well. Took her meds and even got some sun."

As Daphne carried the tray to the living room, she saw Mabel toss a new bracelet aside and glare at her.

"Stop wandering around. If you die out there, it'll be a pain for us to deal with your body."

Daphne had heard it all before.

"Got it, Mabel," she said, her voice flat.

Mabel was about to spit out more venom when an angry voice cut in. "Daphne, pack your stuff and move out! Where am I supposed to put all my clothes?"

Daphne's cousin, Emily Johnson stormed in, still in her high heels, with store staff trailing behind, carrying bags of jewelry and clothes.

Daphne said softly, "I'll move today, Emily. Let me pack up."

Annoyed by Daphne's calm and submissive attitude, Emily muttered something under her breath and slipped into the slippers a servant handed her.

This house felt like it belonged to Emily and her mom.

As Daphne left, Emily snuggled up to Mabel. "Mom! Didn't you say you found some old guy for her? How long is she gonna stay here?"

"Don't worry."

Mabel smirked. "Before she goes, we can still squeeze some money out of her. Her good stuff will be yours soon enough."

Olivia Simpson's Room

"Mom, maybe this time is our only chance." Daphne looked at her mom, who had just fallen asleep after eating, her eyes full of determination. Olivia was paralyzed from the waist down and usually kept to herself, only really talking to Daphne and Skylar.

As Daphne was lost in thought, her phone rang. She quickly picked it up.

"Save my number. Meet me at city hall at 9 AM tomorrow with the materials."

"...Okay." Daphne pretended to think for a moment before agreeing.

The next day, in Carl's car outside city hall, Daphne slipped two marriage certificates into her bag.

"Should I keep them all with me?"

"Yes."

Carl didn't say much else and started the car.

The early autumn sunlight warmed the car. Daphne glanced at Carl, wanting to say something but holding back.

Carl broke the silence. "I'll take you home. If you need anything, just let me know."

Daphne nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Ward."

"No need for formalities; we're married now."

Daphne nodded again. Despite his cold demeanor, Carl wasn't hard to get along with. Plus, he was really handsome.

Carl sighed lightly and glanced at her. "If you like my looks so much, should I stop so you can take a good look?"

Daphne blushed and quickly looked away. Her previously pale face looked much better.

What she didn't see was Carl's slight smile.

Emerald Manor

The house was luxurious but understated, quiet and orderly. Carl didn't go in; he just dropped Daphne off at the villa entrance, saying he had some matters to attend to.

The housekeeper, Evelyn Thomas, in her early forties, was efficient and polite.

Evelyn gave Daphne a quick tour of the villa and said, "Mrs. Ward, if you need anything, please feel free to ask."

"Evelyn, they are here."

Evelyn's expression changed briefly before returning to normal. She excused herself and quickly walked out of the main villa.

In less than two minutes, Evelyn returned.

"Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Lyra Ward would like to invite you for afternoon tea. The car is waiting at the door."

"Mrs. Lyra Ward?" Daphne was still a bit confused.

Evelyn explained, "She's Mr. Ward's stepmother."

Daphne wasn't naive; she sensed the tension, especially since Carl wasn't around.

As Evelyn escorted Daphne out, she tried calling Carl, but he didn't answer.

In the car sat a middle-aged woman with a pleasant face, who warmly took Daphne's hand and asked the driver to start the car.

When they arrived at the coffee shop, a stern-looking middle-aged man was already seated. He had to be Carl's father.

The tension between Carl and his father, Jesse Ward, was well-known. While Carl was still in college, he had maneuvered his way into Cristalia's armed forces. Jesse had invested heavily in Cristalia to infiltrate the military, only to be outplayed by his own son.

Since then, Jesse had been trying to suppress Carl, but Carl wasn't as easy to deal with as he had thought.

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