Chapter 1

The moment my older sister, Nina Farro, laid out her conditions, Tristan Conte's expression darkened.

The rest of the Farro family were so terrified that they didn't dare to speak a single word.

Put nicely, Nina was just trying to reclaim her freedom and refusing to be reduced to a bargaining chip in a marriage alliance.

But the reality was that she was openly challenging the Conte family and humiliating Tristan in public.

Tristan snorted out loud.

"You can't force something that isn't meant to be, huh? If that's the case, Mr. Farro, the Yak City deal is off."

The Farro family had a cash shortage and was waiting for the Conte family's funds to keep them afloat.

They were the ones who now needed the Conte family's help. My father, Saul Farro, was so anxious that sweat poured down his face.

"Nina just hasn't come around yet. Please don't hold it against her. She's always been stubborn. Just give me a few days to persuade her to say yes."

Tristan's voice turned cold.

"Look at her attitude. Will she really change her mind a few days later? Or have you already found another investor? Is that why you think you can disregard the Conte family?

"Nina Farro, think about it carefully. Are you sure you want to call this marriage arrangement off?"

Nina pushed the door to the chapel open and stood beside the door.

She looked graceful, dressed in simple linen, with only light makeup on her face.

Her voice was soft but determined, her gaze shining with indifference.

"Mr. Conte, I believe I've made myself clear. As long as you agree to the three conditions I laid out, I'll marry you. Otherwise, I'd rather spend the rest of my life praying in peace and solitude than go against my own wishes and suffer through a marriage that brings me no peace."

Tristan gave a sudden laugh, his voice cold enough to send a shiver down one's spine.

"Suffer? I wonder if you will still have the luxury of sitting here praying when the day comes that the Farro family goes bankrupt and falls apart."

The words "goes bankrupt and falls apart" hit everyone in the Farro family like a blow.

They couldn't help but feel a chill of fear.

Nina's mother, Celeste Silvi, burst into tears and begged, "Nina, I know this isn't what you want, but think about your dad and me!"

Saul was already at his wit's end. He had no choice but to swallow his pride and beg, "Please, Nina. Just say yes for now."

Nina merely stuck her chin up and said nothing.

Tristan's gaze grew sharper as anger tore through him.

Everyone in the Farro family held their breath, yet Nina still insisted on pursuing her own freedom and refused to become a sacrifice for a family alliance.

I didn't understand why she was so determined, or why she was willing to drag the entire Farro family down with her.

All I knew was that I didn't want to see the Farro family fall.

Mom was still in the hospital waiting for money to proceed with her surgery.

I dashed forward and stood in front of Tristan, my voice trembling but firm as I said, "Mr. Conte, if you don't mind, I'm willing to marry you!"

The moment I said those words, the entire room fell silent.

Tristan gazed at me in confusion. "Who are you?"

Before I could explain, Celeste quickly cut in, "Mr. Conte, I'm embarrassed to say this, but her name is Stella Farro. She is the illegitimate daughter my husband had when he was young and foolish."

She deliberately stressed the words "illegitimate daughter", as though she wanted to make sure Tristan heard every single word.

Nina finally came back to her senses and looked at me with sympathy.

"What are you doing? A woman doesn't have to define her life through marriage. Freedom matters more. Don't make a rash decision just because you're trying to help. I won't stand by and watch you walk into a marriage I know is wrong, only to suffer because of me."

Tristan shot Nina a pointed look.

"Suffer? So this is how the Farro family views the marriage alliance with my family."