Chapter 1: The Gala Humiliation

The grand ballroom of the Grand Hyatt was ablaze with crystal chandeliers and overflowing with champagne. Tonight was the 5th anniversary of Carter Luxury Group, a brand that had surged from obscurity to become the fastest-rising powerhouse in the high-fashion industry.

Natalie stood near the back corner, wearing a simple beige linen dress. She held a glass of warm water, her gaze calm as she watched her husband, Ethan Carter, shining on the central stage in a tailored Italian tuxedo.

To the public, Ethan was a self-made prodigy. But only Natalie knew the truth. Five years ago, Ethan was a bankrupt designer starving in a cold basement. It was Natalie—hiding her true identity as the sole heiress of the global Sinclair Consortium—who privately directed Sinclair’s top supply chains and secret capital to build Ethan’s brand from the ground up.

She chose to remain hidden, believing that true love required no ostentation.

“Look who’s slinking in the corner like a kitchen maid,” a shrill, mocking voice broke the air.

Chloe Vance walked over, dripping in diamonds and wearing a custom crimson gown that Natalie herself had anonymously sketched last month. Chloe was the general manager of Carter Group’s flagship restaurant and Ethan’s recent “rising favorite.”

“Natalie, why are you hiding here?” Chloe smirked, eyeing Natalie’s plain attire with utter disdain. “Ethan is entertaining the chief investors from Paris. You looking like a beggar is an embarrassment to the Carter family. If I were you, I’d take out the trash and slip out through the back door.”

Natalie raised her eyes, her gaze sharp yet unbothered. “Chloe, you are merely an employee hired to manage a restaurant. On what authority do you tell the wife of the CEO to leave?”

“Wife?” Chloe laughed loudly, attracting the attention of nearby guests. “A wife who cooks, cleans, and hasn’t brought a single penny or connection to Ethan in five years? You’re just a parasite leeching off Ethan’s success!”

Before Natalie could answer, Ethan walked over, his forehead creased with annoyance.

“Natalie! What are you doing causing a scene here?” Ethan scolded without asking what had happened. “Chloe organized this entire gala. Don’t ruin her hard work with your narrow-minded jealousy!”

“Jealousy?” Natalie looked directly into Ethan’s eyes. “Ethan, did you forget whose hand pulled you out of the mud five years ago?”

Ethan’s face darkened with irritation. “Stop bringing up the past! I made Carter Group what it is today through my own blood, sweat, and brilliance! You did nothing but stay home and wash my clothes. Know your place, Natalie!”