Chapter 3 THE GAME SHE DIDN'T KNOW WAS PLAYING

"If only you had told him you were a Belmont, he wouldn't have dared to even look at that Andrea girl twice," Diana, Cardi's younger sister, ranted.

"I know, Di," Cardi replied softly. "But I didn't want him to love me because of my wealth. I wanted something real."

Diana rolled her eyes. "Oh please! That kind of love doesn't exist on Earth. Maybe try Mars." They both laughed.

"So, how wealthy is Andrea's family now?" Diana asked.

"Wealthy? Don't tell me you've forgotten the Greysons. The man who used to be our gardener when we were little."

"Uhh... I can't remember."

"Come on, Di. The gardener with the two-year-old daughter. Drietty used to share her toys with her."

"Ohuu! That one? I remember now! But how did he become wealthy?"

"When he lost his wife, Lady Miyani gave him one of her companies so he could raise his daughter better," Cardi explained. "But don't ever call them wealthy. They're rats compared to us."

Diana shook her head. "So Dennis left you for her? The same girl Drietty shared toys with?"

Cardi nodded.

"Do you think Andrea or her dad recognized you?"

"No way. Andrea was too young to remember, and Mr. Greyson... Well, I've changed a lot. Puberty and all that. I doubt he knows who I am now."

"So what's your plan for Dennis? You're not letting him go scot-free, are you?"

"Of course not, Di. I'll make him come crawling back on his knees. I'm not a Belmont for nothing."

*Knock, knock!*

The door creaked open.

"Come in, Trevor. I know you've been eavesdropping," Diana said flatly.

"Welcome home, Cardi. I missed you so much," said Trevor, their younger brother, walking in with a big smile. He rushed to hug Cardi tightly.

"I missed you too, Trevor. And your special hugs," Cardi laughed.

"Congrats, Cardi," Trevor said, kissing her cheek. "By the way, I was listening in, and... I think I owe you an apology."

"An apology? For what?" Cardi asked, confused.

"I know Andrea Greyson. And Dennis lied to you. Her father didn't promise him any wealth."

Cardi's eyes widened. "What?"

Trevor nodded. "Dennis is leaving you for Andrea because she's about to become a billionaire. And a celebrity."

Diana blinked. "Wait... how do you know that?"

Trevor chuckled. "Come on, Di. I own the biggest music record label in America. Even though Cardi now technically has leverage as a co-owner." Trevor rolled his eyes.

"Oh please," Cardi smiled. "You built that label with your own hard work. I would never interfere."

"Thanks, Cardi. But... after this year's audition, Andrea won. She's getting wealthy and famous through my label. That's what Dennis is chasing."

"How much is she earning?" Cardi asked.

"Five million dollars a week. In royalties."

Diana scoffed. "Dennis is chasing her wallet, not her heart. Poor girl."

Trevor hesitated. "It's not too late. We haven't made the winner announcement public yet. We sent her the confirmation, but the official reveal is at this weekend's award concert."

"How big is the event?" Cardi asked, her tone firm.

"Huge. The stadium will be full, eight million seats are already booked. Billions watching live, plus tons of artists and press."

Cardi's eyes darkened. "Perfect. That's exactly where I'll teach them both a lesson."

Diana laughed so hard, her back fell on the bed. "It's so ironic. He dumped the legitimate owner of the company to chase the lowest-paid employee."

"I'm sorry for signing her, Cardi. Maybe if I hadn't, you and Dennis would still be together," Trevor said.

"No, Trevor. You helped me see the beast I fell for. Thank you."

She stood up, adjusted her suit pants, and grabbed her phone. "See you two later. I'm heading to the bank. I have some scores to settle."

---

After Cardi left, Trevor turned to Diana.

"Di, can I tell you something personal? Promise you won't tell Cardi?"

"Of course."

"Remember when I said I had a new girlfriend? The one you kept bugging me to reveal? It's Andrea Greyson."

"WHAT?!" Diana shouted.

"I know, I know... and now she wants to marry Dennis. She never even told me."

"Wait, were you both officially dating? Or did you just think you were?"

"We were official. I asked her out, and she said yes. We even... spent a night together."

"Trevor, ew! Wasn't it obvious she was just trying to impress you, so she could be signed."

"I didn't see it then. But now I'm wondering... why would she leave me for Dennis? She knows I'm richer. She knows I love her. Dennis is a broke divorcee twice her age. It makes no sense."

"So... Do you still love her?"

Trevor sighed. "Come on, Di. Love doesn't just disappear overnight. You know me. I'm not even into girls. She was the first. She took my virginity."

Diana looked him dead in the eye. "Did you take hers?"

Trevor hesitated. "No."

"NO?! And she's only 22? Something about her story isn't adding up."

"She said it was too painful to talk about. I believed her."

"Wake up, Trevor!" Diana pinched his cheeks, lightly. "You're a Belmont. Start acting like one. She played you. She doesn't deserve a drop of your tears."

Trevor wiped his eyes. "I see it now. I just didn't expect to be heartbroken like this."

Diana hugged him. "It's okay to feel hurt. It's okay to cry. But what's NOT okay is staying stuck. Own your pain. Then rise above it."

"Thanks, Di. I think I need a moment alone."

He walked out of the room. Diana watched him leave, then picked up her phone and dialed Cardi.

"What's up, Cardi? Come home soon... there are more scores to settle."