Chapter 42

"Hey! It's Frank Harris!" The man slouched in front of Luna White with a cocky grin.

Luna wrinkled her nose in disgust, waving him away like a bothersome fly. "I don’t care who you are! This is a new era—I have a fiancé, so stop bothering me!" Just looking at this scoundrel made her sick.

Frank froze. Since when did this little brat talk so boldly?

"Luna, my family is one of the wealthiest in the village. You won’t find a better match!" He puffed out his chest, raising his voice.

Luna scoffed. "Oh, so you think you’re some prize? Don’t worry—I wouldn’t touch you with a ten-foot pole. Uncle, I’m leaving!" Without sparing him another glance, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Frank stomped his foot in frustration. He was known as the most charming bachelor in the village—what girl wouldn’t give him some respect? Yet today, this nobody had the nerve to humiliate him!

Jack White watched the scene unfold, secretly pleased but feigning disappointment. "Ah, that girl’s grown too proud to even listen to her own uncle. Frank, I’m sorry..."

"She just got into some college—what’s the big deal?" Frank spat through gritted teeth.

Jack lowered his voice. "Keep it down! That girl’s got a temper—she nearly beat her cousin to death yesterday. Honestly, it’s a blessing this didn’t work out..."

His words pretended to console but only fanned the flames of Frank’s anger.

Grumbling, Frank followed Jack back toward the house, ready to storm off—until he spotted Clara White sitting in the main hall.

"Oh dear, who upset our Frank?" the old woman asked, squinting.

Before Frank could answer, Maya White stepped out with a glass of sweetened water. The girl cast him a shy, fluttering glance, and instantly, his anger cooled.

Clara took Frank’s hand with a sigh. "It’s all Luna’s fault for being so ungrateful. Frank, I truly wanted you as my grandson-in-law..."

Frank’s eyes gleamed with calculation. "Grandma, I really wanted to marry Luna, but she—"

"If you truly want her, I have an idea." Clara leaned in, whispering conspiratorially.

Frank nearly jumped when he heard it. The old woman’s plan was downright vicious! Even he, as shameless as he was, had never considered something so low.

"But... if we get caught, I’ll end up in jail!" He shook his head frantically.

Clara grew impatient. "What’s there to fear? We’ll back you up!"

Just then, Maya lifted the curtain and stepped in, batting her lashes. "Frank, if you really like me... make this happen. Consider it... my dowry."

Staring at Maya’s coy expression, Frank found himself nodding. After all, Luna was beautiful—it wouldn’t be a loss. And once it was done, he could still marry Maya. A perfect deal.

"Fine! I’ll do it!" He grabbed Maya’s hand. "But remember—once it’s over, you’re marrying me!"

Maya blushed and nodded. "I promise." She couldn’t wait—Frank’s family was well-off, after all.

Both wore sweet smiles, though their minds teemed with deceit.

Unbeknownst to Luna, a venomous trap was closing in around her.