Chapter 7

My decision to use Carter as a stand-in wasn't just because of what I had uncovered about the Strauss family a year ago. Carson had not gone abroad of his own free will. It was because his father, Remington Strauss, had an illegitimate son who was only a year younger than Carson. And that son was Carter. Otherwise, how could two people possibly look so much alike? I looked at Carter, a hint of mockery in my eyes evident. "Being with you is my own downfall." With those words, the Rolls-Royce sped away.

I didn't care about Carter's feelings. All I wanted was to get some good sleep to meet Carson in my best condition tomorrow. Unbeknownst to me, Hazel, after being thoroughly scorned by me, was not treating Carter with her usual tenderness as she strode away. Hazel's face turned completely red as she stopped chasing after Carter and made a phone call, her voice filled with a furious owner's rage.

Meanwhile, Hazel was busy spreading rumors, subtly telling Carter that I had dumped him for a wealthy man. Sure enough, he felt a profound blow to his pride. Which man could accept the fact that he was inferior to another? Watching Carter's face grow darker, Hazel smiled with satisfaction, pleased to know there was no chance at all for Carter and me to get back together.

At the same time, in the car, I received the news of Hazel's spreading rumors about me. "What do you think I should do?" The butler pursed his lips before replying, "Then let's take down the Weston family!" I was silent for a moment. It had only been a few months, and the relationship between us had become tense. There was no need to make things worse. I just wanted Carter and Hazel to stop messing with me.

When I got home, I gave my waiting parents a big hug. As I sat down at the dinner table, my mother chided, "It's been quite a while since you last came home. Don't you miss us?"

I cooed, "Of course I miss you both, so here I am!"

"I don't think so. It's because of Carson, right?" my father said with a sigh of disappointment. "If it weren't for our family's helicopter getting to the airport faster, you probably would have forgotten us."

I waved my hand and said seriously, "How can Carson compare to you and Mom? You guys are the best!" Only then did my father stop rolling his eyes at me, grunting with satisfaction.

Carson's gifts arrived before he did. I looked at the Strauss family members, who were still coming and going at dinner time, somewhat puzzled. "Mom, Dad, what's going on?" Before my mom could respond, my dad cut in, "Hah, Carson is so eager to please us!" He laughed heartily, gesturing for me to look at the corner where the gifts had piled up into a small mountain. My mom was quite pleased, always satisfied with Carson. "These gifts have been sent from a few days ago until today!"

Somewhat speechless, I dialed that all-too-familiar number. "Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable. Please try again later..."