Ethan's version of "making them bleed" came swiftly and mercilessly.

He taught me to leverage my position as the Lawrence daughter-in-law to take control of the household's procurement matters.


At first, Mrs. William and the senior staff tried to obstruct me, but after I "accidentally" shattered several priceless vases and "accidentally" triggered Ethan's alarms again, they quickly fell in line.

I acquired the vendor list and casually replaced several key suppliers.

One was a gourmet food supplier reportedly owned by Victoria Lawrence's family, the Woods.


My reason was simple: "My husband is allergic to seafood. No more seafood in the mansion, effective immediately."

Victoria Lawrence cornered me for a "chat," her words dripping with thinly veiled threats.


"Jade, you've barely been married a week and you're already overstepping. Some arrangements aren't yours to change."

I sat across from her, stroking a ragdoll cat I'd had delivered to "keep me company," projecting perfect calm.

"Mother, you misunderstand," I replied with an innocent smile. "I'm only concerned for Ethan's health. The doctor insists we eliminate all potential allergens. Besides…"

I shifted tactics smoothly, "I couldn't help noticing that your previous supplier charged nearly forty percent above market rates. The Lawrence family may be wealthy, but surely you don't enjoy being fleeced?"

Victoria's expression darkened instantly. "What absurd accusations!"

"Am I wrong? The accounting records would settle it quickly," I maintained my smile. "I'm only looking out for the family's interests. Wouldn't you agree, Mother?"

Victoria stood speechless for a moment before storming out, unable to counter my logic.

I knew there must be substantial kickbacks involved in that arrangement.

By cutting off her cash flow, I'd made an implacable enemy.

But that was precisely what Ethan and I wanted.

The angrier our enemies became, the more likely they'd make mistakes.

Sure enough, within days, Luna sought me out.

Gone was her usual arrogance—she arrived bearing gifts and apologies.

"Sister, I was so thoughtless before," she said, pushing an elegantly wrapped box toward me. "I picked this necklace especially for you—you'll look stunning in it."

I opened the box to find a dazzling diamond necklace.

"Unexpected gifts usually come with strings attached," I said coolly. "What's your angle this time?"

Luna's smile faltered momentarily before she recovered.

"Sister, how can you think that? We're family after all," she cooed, sliding next to me and linking her arm through mine. "Actually, it's Mother Lawrence—she wants to ask you a favor."

"Oh?"

"The Lawrence Group's anniversary gala is coming up. Mother Lawrence wants you to attend."

I laughed inwardly at her transparency.

The Lawrence Group's anniversary gala was the social event of the season.

In previous years, Ethan had stood proudly beside his father.

After his "accident," Zachary had usurped that position.

Victoria Lawrence inviting me—the fake daughter they'd married off as a sacrificial lamb—could only mean trouble.

She clearly wanted me to humiliate myself publicly, giving her grounds to cast me out.

"I'll pass," I refused flatly. "My husband needs me here."

"Don't be like that," Luna wheedled. "This is your chance to change people's minds about you. If you make a good impression, even Zachary might start treating you better."

She deliberately mentioned Zachary, trying to bait me.

Unfortunately for her, Zachary now inspired nothing but revulsion in me.

I feigned hesitation. "But… I don't have anything suitable to wear."

Luna's eyes lit up with triumph. "That's easily fixed! I'll take you shopping! I know the perfect boutique—they have the most exquisite gowns!"

I understood immediately.

The trap would be sprung at that boutique.

I told Ethan about Luna's invitation.

After listening, he gave a cold laugh. "Go. Whatever trap she's setting, make sure it snaps shut on her instead."

As he spoke, he pulled a black card from beneath his pillow and handed it to me.

"No PIN needed."

I stared at the unlimited black card, my pulse quickening.

"This is…"

"Should my wife pay for her own clothes?" he asked with raised eyebrows, his husky voice carrying an undeniable authority.

A strange warmth spread through my chest as I accepted the card.

"So I should… max it out?" I joked.

A flash of amusement lit his dark eyes. "If you like."

Two days before the gala, I "eagerly" accompanied Luna to her exclusive boutique.

The manager rushed to greet Luna the moment we entered.

"Miss Johnson! Welcome back. Everything has been arranged as you requested."

Luna shot me a smug look. "Sister, choose anything you like. My treat today."

I feigned gratitude and began browsing the collection.

The gowns were undeniably stunning—and priced accordingly.

I deliberately selected the most understated white gown. "This one will do."

Disdain flashed in Luna's eyes before she masked it with a smile. "You have such… simple taste. But isn't it a bit too plain for the wife of Ethan Lawrence?"

She gestured toward a fiery red strapless gown on the opposite rack.

The dress was daringly cut with minimal fabric, covered in crystals that caught every ray of light.

"This would suit you perfectly," Luna insisted. "With your fair skin, red would be absolutely striking."

I examined the dress while inwardly smirking.

This dress was clearly the centerpiece of their trap.

I pretended to be tempted but hesitant. "It's awfully revealing…"

"Don't be such a prude," Luna laughed, thrusting the dress into my hands. "Just try it on—if it doesn't work, you can choose something else."

I allowed myself to be "reluctantly persuaded" into the fitting room.

The moment I slipped into the dress, I detected the sabotage.

The zipper had been tampered with—it was unnaturally tight, with what felt like a thin wire hidden along the seam.

If I wore this to the gala, one wrong move or a slight bump would cause the entire back to split open.

I'd be humiliated in front of the entire elite social circle.

A truly vicious plan.

I emerged from the fitting room.

Luna's eyes lit up when she saw me. "Wow! Sister, you look absolutely stunning!"

I had to admit, the dress was expertly cut to showcase my figure perfectly.

"Really?" I asked shyly, turning in a slow circle.

"Absolutely!" Luna grabbed my hands excitedly. "This is the one! Trust me, you'll be the center of attention at the gala!"

Looking at her face, so eager for my public humiliation, I laughed inwardly.

"Alright," I nodded, "this one it is."

I took the dress and returned to the fitting room.

This time, instead of changing, I pulled a small Swiss Army knife from my purse.

I carefully worked at the sabotaged zipper, removing the hidden wire.

Then I changed back into my clothes, collected the bagged gown, and rejoined Luna.

At checkout, Luna eagerly reached for her wallet.

But I was faster, sliding Ethan's black card to the clerk.

"I'll get this."

Luna froze. "Where did you get that?"

I simply smiled, saying nothing.

The clerk's demeanor transformed instantly upon seeing the black card.

Under Luna's shocked stare, I purchased not only the red gown but also the sapphire evening dress she'd been eyeing longingly, plus several other exquisite pieces.

"Your total comes to eight hundred and seventy-six thousand dollars, ma'am."

I didn't even blink. "Charge it."

Luna stared at the lengthy receipt printing out, her face draining of color.

She never imagined that I—the discarded fake daughter—could outspend her, the precious true heiress.

"Jade, you…"

"Dear sister," I patted her shoulder, smiling like a cat with a canary, "thanks for introducing me to this lovely boutique. As a token of my gratitude, I'll have a special surprise for you at the gala."