Chapter 3

Lucas arrived at the gallery looking serious, carrying a thick folder.

"You found something, didn't you?" I asked as soon as I saw his expression.

He sat across from me, his face grim. "Before I show you this, I need to know—have you heard anything about Ryan's past?"

I hesitated. "My roommate mentioned some crazy story about him going to prison for Stella, but it sounded so unbelievable. Is it... is it true?"

"It's true." Lucas opened the folder to reveal Ryan's criminal record. "Manslaughter. He was sentenced to one year in prison. Three years ago, while trying to protect Stella, Ryan severely injured a thug who was harassing her outside a bar."

My hands were trembling. Hearing the rumors was one thing, but seeing the official documents made it devastatingly real.

"But what your roommate probably didn't know," Lucas continued, "is what happened next." He flipped to the prison visitation records. "Stella only visited him once."

"Once?" The shock hit me like a physical blow. "Ryan went to prison for her, and she only visited once?"

"And that visit..." Lucas hesitated. "The guard said Stella flaunted her engagement ring in front of Ryan, telling him she'd found someone better and could never want a broke ex-con."

Blood rushed to my head. That diamond ring—it was the one my brother Nathan had given her.

"What else did she say?"

"She said Ryan was stupid for going to prison for her. Her new fiancé was rich and successful—that's what smart women choose." Lucas's voice was low. "That wealthy fiancé was Nathan."

I covered my mouth as tears welled up. I wasn't crying for Ryan, but for my brother's kindness. To Stella, Nathan was just a wealthy tool.

"Did my brother know all this?"

"Yes." Lucas turned to the next page. "Nathan knew Ryan went to prison protecting his own fiancée. He felt guilty, secretly helped reduce Ryan's sentence, and even provided him with a job opportunity."

My heart pounded. "So Nathan knew Stella still had feelings for Ryan?"

"Yes. Nathan once wanted to step aside, but Stella cried and begged him, saying she'd forgotten Ryan. Nathan was too kind—he chose to believe her."

I slumped in my chair. My gentle brother's kindness had been exploited.

"Lucas," I looked at him with new respect and confusion, "how did you manage to get all this information so quickly?"

He looked slightly uncomfortable. "I... I have some connections. My father used to be a police detective before he retired. And honestly, I'd been wondering about Ryan since he started working here. Something about his story never quite added up." He paused. "When you asked for my help, I called in a few favors."

"My brother's death..." I whispered.

"I looked into it." Lucas's expression became even more grave. "Nathan's car accident was suspicious. He was emotionally agitated that day, like he'd just had an argument. An hour before the crash, he tried calling you, but couldn't get through."

I tried to remember. "That day I was on a date with Ryan—my phone was off!"

"Nathan also received a package from a private detective agency. After reading it, he looked terrible and rushed out."

My blood nearly froze. "A private detective? What was Nathan investigating?"

"Still looking into it. But based on the timeline, Nathan likely discovered some secret about Stella and wanted to tell you, but ran out of time."

"I'm responsible for my brother's death." I whispered. "If I'd answered his call that day..."

"No, Scarlett." Lucas gripped my hand. "It's not your fault. If anyone should be held responsible, it's not you."

I looked up at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I'll find out what secret Nathan discovered. If Stella is really hiding something, I'll help you uncover it."

I wiped my tears, forcing myself to stay calm. Now I knew more of the truth:

Ryan went to prison for Stella and was cruelly abandoned by her. Nathan knew everything but chose kindness and forgiveness. Stella manipulated everyone's feelings, including my brother's goodness. Nathan discovered some secret before his death and wanted to tell me.

And I—foolish me—had been kept in the dark, even becoming a pawn in their game.

"Lucas," I looked into his warm eyes, "why are you willing to help me? You've only worked at the gallery for less than two years, and we're not exactly close..."

Lucas's expression became complicated. "Scarlett, I'm not just helping you because of justice. I..."

"You what?"

"Never mind, we'll talk about that later." He stood up. "What matters now is—what are you going to do?"

I stood up too, my mind was made up.

"I'm going to make them pay." My voice was cold and determined. "Ryan wants to use me to get Stella back, Stella wants to continue her perfect life—I'll give them exactly what they deserve."

"How?"

"I'll keep pretending I don't know anything, until the wedding day." A cold smile crossed my lips. "Then in front of everyone, I'll expose their true faces."

"That could be dangerous," Lucas said worriedly.

"No, it won't be." I shook my head. "They think I'm naive. I'll use their underestimation to give them a lesson they'll never forget."

That evening, Ryan came home on time. He looked tired but still tried to appear happy.

"Baby, how was work today?" He kissed my cheek.

"Great." I smiled sweetly. "Oh, you're right about Stella—she might not be ready for a new relationship. I won't bring up introducing her to anyone anymore."

Ryan visibly relaxed. "You're so understanding."

During dinner, I deliberately said, "Tomorrow's Stella's birthday. I want to buy her a gift. What do you think I should get?"

"Birthday?" Ryan's eyes immediately lit up. "Tomorrow, November 15th?"

November 15th—the day he went to prison.

"Yes. I'm thinking of a necklace to match that big diamond ring of hers."

Ryan's chopsticks suddenly stopped. That diamond ring—the one Stella had flaunted in prison.

"She has plenty of jewelry already..." his voice was hoarse.

"No, jewelry is perfect. Since she's single now, she should dress up and find new happiness."

Ryan fell silent, eating mechanically. I knew my words stung him, reminding him of the humiliation in prison.

But I felt no sympathy. He could suffer, but he shouldn't use me as a tool.

That night, while Ryan showered, I checked his phone:

Ryan: Tomorrow's your birthday.

Stella: You still remember...

Ryan: It's the most important day of my life.

Stella: Also my most painful day. Forget it, it's all in the past. How's your plan going?

Ryan: Very smoothly. She trusts me completely.

Stella: Good. We must be careful not to let her find out.

Ryan: Don't worry, she knows nothing. After we're married, I can take care of you openly.

Seeing this, I almost laughed out loud. They thought I knew nothing?

I took screenshots and saved everything, then deleted the traces.

When Ryan came out, I was reading in bed. "Want to buy Stella's gift together tomorrow?"

"I have work tomorrow." He avoided my eyes. "You go ahead."

"Okay, I'll give her a surprise."

I turned off the lights and lay down, texting Lucas: "Want to help me buy Stella's birthday gift tomorrow? I want to get something special."

Lucas replied quickly: "No problem."

I smiled and put down my phone.

Tomorrow, I would begin my counterattack.