But the next morning, I wasn't woken up by my alarm, but by a barrage of messages from a friend.
[Joanna, are you really getting engaged to Declan?]
Confused, I clicked the link my friend sent—a screenshot from the society pages.
My brow furrowed the moment I saw the headline.
[Tierney and Sterling Families Rekindle Old Flame, A Powerful Alliance Reborn! Childhood Sweethearts Finally Get Their Happily Ever After!]
Below were fawning comments from clueless readers, praising our supposed love story.
[This is a real-life fairy tale!]
[A prince and princess, a match made in heaven.]
I was about to contact the media to retract the story when Declan's call came through.
"Did you see the news? Surprised? I knew you cared about your pride. Are you over your little tantrum now?" His voice was filled with smug arrogance.
"Did you leak this?" I demanded coldly.
"What's with the tone? Our engagement is a done deal," he said, a note of contempt in his voice. "I'm telling you, agreeing to this marriage is me doing you a favor. The Tierney family is about to secure the backing of a major power in this city and become the top family in Chicago again."
Impossible. The Tierney family's power had been declining for years. I had returned this time precisely to uproot it completely.
I feigned a casual tone to probe him. "Oh? I had no idea the Tierney family still had that much pull. I heard from my father you've been a little tight on funds lately."
"Hmph." Declan let out a short, disdainful laugh. "I'll be honest with you. I've already made contact with Don Donovan—he's willing to partner with the Tierneys."
He had actually contacted the Donovan family?
If he succeeded, my plans could be completely ruined.
My heart tightened, but I masked it with flattery. "Is that so... It seems the Tierney family is truly poised to reach new heights. I wonder if I might have the chance to meet this powerful man?"
"Of course," Declan answered without hesitation. "The Tierney family's reputation is solid again, and the Don just informed me he'll personally attend our engagement party in three days."
He lowered his voice. "So, in three days, you have to be there. Otherwise, I can't guarantee the consequences for your Sterling family. He's not someone you can afford to offend."
His threat hung in the air. I let the silence stretch, a new plan already taking shape.
After a long silence, my voice came out steady and controlled. "Declan... I'll be there."
