Chapter 2 The Fiancée

"You're always the busiest," one of the elders chuckled. "I heard your new infrastructure investment fund sold nearly a hundred billion in its first week. Congratulations."

Even those outside the industry had seen the flood of financial reports. This fund had an unstoppable momentum, breaking records across all platforms.

"Just fortunate to have the trust of our investors," Arthur replied, neither humble nor arrogant, brushing off the praise with effortless ease.

His words always carried a veneer of warmth, but those who knew him well understood his innate coldness and detachment. Conversations with him rarely went beyond the surface.

Anne's legs were still sore, so she found a quiet corner to rest.

Halfway through the banquet, Mrs. Old Moore sent someone to fetch her.

"Anne, Austin is on a video call. Come quickly."

"Alright."

She had almost forgotten-Austin was her betrothed fiancé.

He was abroad, but as the old lady's favorite grandson, he never missed a family banquet. Though he couldn't be there in person, he always made sure to call in on time.

The hall was lively. After greeting his grandmother and a few elders, Austin's charming smile turned to Anne.

"Anne, did you miss me?"

His face was bright, handsome-sunshine-like.

She responded mechanically, "Of course I did."

Performing affection with Austin every month-it had become second nature.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the man sitting in the distance. He seemed relaxed, almost indifferent, but at her words, the corners of his lips curled slightly, as if mocking. His eyes darkened, unreadable.

"Anne, I should be able to return by the end of the year."

"Great. I'll be waiting for you."

Hearing Austin's announcement, Mrs. Old Moore and the elders were visibly pleased-especially Austin's mother, Camilla.

Austin was exceptionally good-looking, charming, and seemingly warm and pure at heart. Even someone as shrewd as Arthur showed his younger brother special favor.

But only Anne knew-Austin was a complete psychopath.

The old lady joked beside him, "Austin, you're biased. You're coming back, and the first person you tell is Anne. Don't you think your grandmother and mother miss you just as much?"

Austin pouted playfully. "Grandma, Mom, I love you both the most! I just wanted to surprise you."

The old lady chuckled. "Sweet-talker."

After the call ended, Austin's mother, Camilla, wiped her eyes, turning to Mrs. Old Moore.

"Austin has been away for five years now, Mom. This time, you can't be biased. When he returns, don't send him away again."

Mrs. Old Moore smiled. "I'm not biased. I treat them all equally."

At that moment, Camilla glanced at Anne before quickly looking away, saying nothing more.

But that glance-Anne understood it perfectly. Disdain.

Disapproval of the engagement the old lady had arranged.

And honestly, Camilla's dissatisfaction was justified.

Among the Moore family's younger generation, the eldest, Adam, had been introduced by the old lady to Betty, the daughter of a prominent Chicago politician. With the upcoming election, the Miller family's influence in the city would skyrocket, providing Adam with immeasurable benefits.

The second son, Arthur, was also being matched with influential families. Mrs. Old Moore had been arranging meetings with prominent heiresses in Chicago, seeking an alliance to further his business empire.

Yet for Austin, she had preordained Anne.

Compared to the true socialites, Anne's background was ordinary. Her mother was the head of obstetrics and gynecology at a central Chicago hospital, and her father was a pharmacology researcher.

Compared to the other heiresses, she had no social standing, no network, and no political value.

So, Camilla's resentment was understandable.

Everyone present was sharp enough to notice Camilla's glance at Anne.

And all of them agreed-the old lady was playing favorites.

Anne was merely a foster child in the Moore family, not a true heiress.

To be engaged to Austin?

She was far from worthy.