Ethan Blackwell paced the hallway outside the private room, sweat beading on his forehead. His father’s words echoed: Not a dime. No million in cash. No gift at all. Lydia would skin him alive.

  He forced a smile and slipped back inside.

  The Harringtons were mid-toast—weak champagne flutes raised, forced smiles masking the earlier disgrace at the Grand Harbor.

  “Wen—Ethan,” the patriarch said, voice tight. “When are your parents arriving? An engagement without the in-laws feels… incomplete.”

  Ethan swallowed. “Soon, sir. Business trip delay. They’ll be here.”

  Lydia crossed her arms, eyes narrow. “And the betrothal gift? You promised it tonight. My fifth cousin got ten thousand and one—symbolic. I expect at least a million in cash. On the list. Or I walk.”

  The room quieted. Ethan’s smile cracked. “It’s… coming. Any minute.”

  A roar of engines cut through the night. Tires screeched outside.

  A Harrington cousin burst in, breathless. “It’s here! Fourth branch—the gift is here!”

  The table erupted. Lydia and her mother surged forward, faces glowing. Even Sophia stood, curiosity pulling her to the window.

  Lydia shot Sophia a smug look. “What are you staring at? This isn’t for you.”

  Sophia sat back down, head lowered. Her own wedding had been a quiet courthouse affair—no gifts, no celebration. Just shame.

  Outside, Ethan rushed forward as a black Mercedes pulled up. His second uncle, Charles Blackwell, stepped out—stern, unimpressed.

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  “Uncle! I knew Dad wouldn’t abandon me—”

  Charles ignored him, gesturing to the trunk. Two men carried a single large box forward.

  “Here,” Charles said flatly. “The Blackwell family’s betrothal gift for your fiancée.”

  He set it down and turned to leave without another word.

  “Wait—Uncle? Aren’t you staying?” Ethan called.

  Charles didn’t look back. “We’re done.”

  The box sat alone on the pavement.

  Inside, the Harringtons crowded around. Lydia knelt, hands trembling with excitement. “This has to be it. Gold bars. Diamonds. Something huge.”

  She lifted the lid.

  No cash. No jewels.

  Loose green tea leaves filled the top—fragrant, cheap West Lake Longjing. Beneath, buried like an afterthought, a single wristwatch.

  The room stilled.

  “What… is this?” Lydia whispered.

  Ryan Kensington leaned in, sniffed. “Tea. Definitely green tea.”

  Aunt Victoria forced a laugh. “There must be more underneath. Diamonds. A hidden compartment.”

  They dug. Tea scattered. The watch came free—plain metal, no engravings, no shine.

  Sophia’s mother, Evelyn, picked it up. “This… this is the same model I bought on sale last week. Twenty dollars, free shipping. Label’s still on the back.”

  Lydia snatched it. “You’re lying. This is Swiss. Diamond-set. Worth millions.”

  Evelyn turned it over. The price tag fluttered: $19.99 – Taobao Hot Item – Free Shipping.

  The room exploded.

  “Green tea… and a cheap watch?” someone muttered.

  “Green tea bitch?” another voice whispered.

  Laughter—sharp, cruel—rippled through cousins who’d once envied Lydia.

  Lydia’s face drained of color. She stared at the watch, then at Ethan. Tears welled.

  “You promised…” she choked. “A million in cash. Face. Respect.”

  Ethan stammered. “Lydia, I—I thought—”

  Slap.

  Her palm cracked across his cheek. The box flew—tea leaves raining like confetti.

  “I’m done,” she hissed. “The engagement is off. You’re nothing. A fake. A liar.”

  She stormed out. Victoria followed, cursing under her breath.

  The patriarch sat frozen, face ashen. The room emptied of joy, filled with whispers.

  Ethan stood alone, cheek stinging, future crumbling.

  Then tires roared again—louder, deeper.

  A convoy pulled up outside. Black SUVs. Men in dark suits poured out, forming two precise lines.

  One stepped forward, voice carrying through the open doors.

  “Dare we ask—is Miss Sophia Harrington present? The Vanderbilt family has come to present a betrothal gift.”

  Silence.

  Every head turned.

  Sophia froze, heart slamming against her ribs.

  “Mine…?” she breathed.

  The fake prince’s gift was green tea and a $20 watch. Lydia’s world just imploded.

  Then the Vanderbilts showed up… for Sophia?

  What do you think is in that real betrothal gift? And how long until someone connects the dots to Alex?

  Drop your theories below—I’m reading every one!

  Thanks for the comments, ratings, and follows. Ch7 is coming fast—the truth starts slipping out.