From Underworld to Crown

I smiled at the camera as my fiancé knelt before me, the world believing I was the luckiest woman alive. But they didn’t see the messages flooding my phone—Eva’s taunts, Richard’s lies, the video of them together in a car that rocked with sin. I said yes to the ring, yes to the wedding, yes to the lie. Because while they celebrated, I was already planning the fall of their empire. My father leads the most feared syndicate in Europe. And tonight, on my wedding day, I will livestream their ruin.

From Underworld to Crown

I smiled at the camera as my fiancé knelt before me, the world believing I was the luckiest woman alive. But they didn’t see the messages flooding my phone—Eva’s taunts, Richard’s lies, the video of them together in a car that rocked with sin. I said yes to the ring, yes to the wedding, yes to the lie. Because while they celebrated, I was already planning the fall of their empire. My father leads the most feared syndicate in Europe. And tonight, on my wedding day, I will livestream their ruin.

Chapter 1 Unfaithful Fiancé My fiancé, Richard Ahmed, hadbeen unfaithful.

His mistress, Eva Marsh, sent me a provocative video.

In the video, Richard and Eva were passionately kissing, while his friends cheered loudly, "You twoare perfect for each other. You should get married."

Richard's parents were holding Eva's hand, saying, "You're the onlyone we see as part of the family."

I let out a cold laugh and dialed the number of my father, the head of a criminal syndicate. "Get in touch with a team for me. I have a live stream event planned."

"Alright. The condition is that you return to Zlomont and become the new head of the Brooks Group."

...

"Oh my, she looksso happy."

"I'm so envious of Isabella, to be favored by Mr. Ahmed."

The throng's voices rose and fell, yet I felt nothing but asuffocating weight in my chest.

In the center of the red carpet, Richard knelt on one knee, holding up a ring set with a red diamond. His eyes held such deep devotion, like I was his entire universe.

I gazed at him, my heart churning with uncontainable rage.

The photos and videos sent by Eva were still on my phone, her brazen provocation like daggers stabbing my heart, making it hard to breathe.

I had an urge to smash the phone on Richard's face and ask him what he truly thought of me.

But thatwasn'tenough!

A hysterical confrontation wouldn't balancethe humiliation I felt!

Both Richard and Evaneeded to pay for what they did to me!

"Isabella, will you marry me?" Richard urged, his tone filled with anticipation.

I beamed slightly, concealing my anger deep in my eyes. "Yes."

Cheers erupted, applause thundered.

The ring slid onto my finger, cold against my skin, and he pulled me into his arms, kissing me deeply amidst the crowd's uproar.

I battled the wave of disgust, letting my thoughts drift back to the summer five years ago when we confirmed our relationship.

Richard's eyes then were full of endless affection, and he swore he would love me forever. But itturned out his "forever" lasted only five years.

After the proposal succeeded, Richard eagerly began planning the wedding. He attended to every detail, from invitations to the wedding dress, as if he were the perfect fiancé.

Watching his busy figure, I sneered inwardly. If not for the constant reminders from the texts on my phone, he might have fooled everyone.

"You're too sensitive. Richard just loves me a little more."

Eva's messages kept popping up, her tone casual, as if purposely trying to provoke me.

I clutched my phone tightly, forcing myself to remain composed.

"The custom jewelry has arrived at the store. I'll go with you to take a look," Richard suggested, kissing my cheek. "I'll help you pick out more."

I didn't refuseRichard's invitation to shop.

The store manager enthusiastically displayed necklaces from thesafe, inviting me to try them on.

I smiled gracefully, comparing them in the mirror, while my peripheral vision caught Richard in the background, his focus entirely on his phone, fingers swiftly moving across the screen.

"How about this one?" I deliberately interrupted him.

Richard cast a glance at me quickly. "It's nice, and suits you perfectly..."

His phone rang again, his brow furrowed, and he quickly made an excuse. "Dear, there's a problem with the wedding arrangements. I need to go back right away."

"I'll go with you." I settled down the necklace, fixing my gaze at him.

"No need, it's too far," he immediately refused, his tone even a bit urgent. "I don't want you to tire yourself."

My heart chilled slightly, but I still managed to smile. "Alright, you go ahead."

He left a kiss on my forehead, hisvoice tender. "Choose one you like. I'll surprise you when I return."

I nodded slightly, watching him leave in a hurry. Once his silhouettevanished completely, my smile faded.

The store manager came over,asking warmly, "Would you like to try some other styles?"

"No, thank you." I shook my head, my voice carrying a glacial edge.

Upon leaving the jewelry store, my phone buzzed again.

A new screenshot of message appeared on the phone.

Eva said, "I miss you so much."

Richard replied, "Baby, I'm on my way."

My breath caught, fingersturning cold.

Eva added, "Don't mind. He's just overly concerned about me."

I clenched the phone tightly, trying to suppress the stabbing pain in my heart, then opened my contacts to find the encrypted number.

I filled my lungs and worked up the courage to press the call button.

"Hello?" A deep, authoritative voice soon came from the other end, carrying a sense of pressure.

"Help me arrange a live stream event," I said.

After a moment of silence, a cold laugh echoed through.

"What kind of status do you have to dare command the head of the Brooks family to serve you?"

Chapter 2 The Recording I didn't hesitate. "You must admit, Carson, I am still your best successor."

There was a moment of silence on the other end ofthe line, followed by Carson Brooks' sardonic chuckle. "Isabella, you're way too full of yourself."

I clenched my fingers, my voice steady. "It's confidence. Without enough confidence, I wouldn't have reached out to you."

"Very well." Carson's tone gradually took on a serious edge. "I can helpyou, but you must agree-to accept my test and prove with your abilities that you are worthy of becoming the true successor to the Brooks Group."

My heart tightened painfully. I knew this was the price of making a pact with him who was like a devil. "I agree."

Carson seemed satisfied with my straightforwardness, his deep voice slowly resonating. "I'll give you Walter's phone number. Hewill provide whatever you need. Do not disappoint me, Isabella."

Not long after hanging up, my phone rang again. Eva sent a recording.

I clicked to play it.

"Aren't you supposed to be with your fiancée?" Eva's laughter was seductive.

"Aren't you missing me?" Richard replied breathlessly.

Then came the sound of kissing and rustling fabric. The recording abruptly ended.

I stared at the screen,my hand trembling, each breath a stab of pain.

My stomach churned, and I even wanted to rushover and tear apart their self-righteous facade! But I had to endure-now was not the time.

A hunter must be patient, or they risked becoming the hunted.

The screen lit up with an unfamiliar number. "Miss Brooks, I am WalterSaunders, Mr. Carson Brooks' secretary." The voice was crisp and composed. "The live stream team is ready. When would you like to proceed?"

I took a breath, enunciating clearly, "A weekfrom now, at my wedding."

"Understood." He paused. "Additionally, tonight you will represent the Brooks Group at the Douglas family's Royal Charity Ball. I've sent the invitation and guest list to your email. The dress and jewelry are ready for you."

I knew this was Carson's arrangement. I had no power torefuse, nor did I intend to.

"I understand."

After hanging up, I was about to come up with an excuse to brush off Richard, but he messaged me first. "Darling,there's an emergency at work tonight. I'll be back late."

I stared at the message, unable to suppress a sneer. I knew the Ahmed Group's project schedules better than he did. There was no overtime plannedtonight. As for where was he going, I already had the answer in my heart.

Sometimes I even tortured myself wondering if every night he stayed out, he was in Eva's bed.

The Royal Charity Ball proceeded as scheduled. As the representative of the Brooks Group, I signed a $300 million donation, setting down the pen amid applause. It was a prestigious event where donations signified influence and status.

I mingled with a champagne glass, handling the scene with ease, though it felt utterly dull.

Until I heard a familiar voice.

"Mr. Sanderson, let me introduce-this is Miss Eva Marsh, the chief planner of the Ahmed Group. She is in charge of the AO3 project in collaboration with your company."

I froze for a moment, then turned around.

Eva was dressed in a nude gown, affectionately holding Richard's arm, her smile both smug and sweet.

My breath caught, and then I laughed. The AO3 project? I built this project from scratch, but Eva took all the credit. And Richard had the audacity to bring her to such an event?

I raised my champagne glass, my gaze clear, my tone laced with just the right amount of surprise and innocence.

"Oh my, Richard, what brings you here?"

Chapter 3 Lose Composure "Isabella?" Richard's eyes flashed with shock and confusion, almost losing composure as he lowered his voice to ask, "What are you doing here?"

I didn't answer. Instead, I turned to Jayden and greeted him with a handshake, keeping my usual poised smile.

Then I asked softly, "Richard, since when did Eva become the chief planner at Ahmed Group? How come I never knew?"

Richard was momentarily stunned but quickly covered it up, saying, "It's a necessary change for the group's operations. Eva's talents will bring morebenefits to the company. Plus, she did an excellent job on the AO3 project."

I pretended to be confused, "But the person responsible for the AO3 project... was me-"

Before I could finish, he abruptly interrupted, "Isabella, not now. Don't talk about this in front of others."

Richard hurriedly bid farewell to Jayden and led me towards a corner of the ballroom. I noticed Eva's gaze was filled with smugness and arrogance.

"I'm sorry." Richard pulled me to a secluded spot, he sounded apologetic, "Thiswasn't my idea; it was my father Danny's."

I replied coldly, "The AO3 project is mine. You know how much effort I put into it."

Richard reached out to embrace me, speaking in a lowvoice, "Of course I know. But if I want my parentsto agree to our marriage, I have to make compromises."

My breath caught.

Richard's parents never liked me. To keep Richard and his family out of criminal syndicate conflicts, I hid my identity as Brooks family's heiress. In their eyes, I was just an ordinary girl surviving on scholarships. Meanwhile, Eva, the adopted daughter of Ahmed family with millions in inheritance, was their perfect match for Richard.

"Isabella, I promise this will be the last time," Richard said urgently. "Just endure it once more, for our future."

I stared at him. This man, whom I once loved with all my heart, had said the same "the last time" too many times before.

I almost raised my hand to slap him but forced myself to hold back.

I lowered my gaze, pretending to be aggrieved. "Alright... for our wedding."

His eyes lit up, and he hugged metightly. "Thank you, Isabella, thank you for your understanding."

In his embrace, my resentment deepened.

At that moment, Eva approached. "Richard!" she called flirtatiously, deliberately elongating her voice.

As Richard let go of me, Eva inappropriately linked her arm with his. She leaned her body against him, subtly rubbing her soft chest against him, and pouted, "Richard, it's my first time at such a grand event. I'm so scared and need you with me."

I raised an eyebrow. Eva dared to provokeme at such an event.

Even more disgusting, she turned to me and called out coyly, "Isabella, can I borrow him for a while?"

Richard's face darkened,and he warned softly, "Eva, stop messing around."

But Eva acted as if she didn't hear, cheerfully saying, "Isabella is so generous; she surely won't mind."

I smirked coldly. "Ofcourse not."

Richard awkwardly whispered to me, "I mightbe busy with socializing until late tonight. You should go home and rest later, okay?"

With that, he was forcibly dragged away by Eva.

I watched them leave, feeling utterly hollow inside.

Memories rushed in-countless nights of dates, where a single call from Eva would makehim leave without hesitation. Whether it was a date, shopping, or watching a movie,even when I was sick, he would leave me to comfort Eva, who was "having nightmares".

I once foolishly thought it was his genuine care like a brother, but now I see I was blind and foolish.

I forced myself to remain calm; being Brooks family's heiress, I couldn't lose composure in such a setting.

Once I steadied my emotions, I returned to the ballroom to complete the final negotiations with Erick Douglas.

Throughout the conversation, I displayedthe professionalism and composure expected of me, though anger churned inside.

Finally, I made it through until I could leave.

In the underground parking lot, just as I unlocked my car, my phone buzzed.

A message popped up on the screen-it was from Eva.

"Want to know how great Richard is in bed? Come to the underground parking lot."

Chapter 4 Resign The underground parking lot was starkly lit, with the smell of oil and rubber hanging in the air.

Rows of luxury cars sat silently, except for one McLaren that stood out-not because of its color or familiarity, but because the car was rocking strangely.

Along with the shaking came thosedisgusting sounds.

Eva's sweet, moaning voice and Richard's heavy breathing.

I stood there, frozen, staring atthe car as if someone had dumped a bucket of filth over my head.

"Oh... be gentler, Richard..."

"You little tease, isn't thiswhat you wanted?"

"Yes... give it to me, darling..."

The car was filled with suggestive sounds, mingling with the rhythm of their movements, echoing throughout the parking lot.

I felt as if I had plunged into an icy abyss,unable to move my feet.

At that moment, I suddenly felt like all my efforts over the past five years were nothing but a joke.

Unable to listen any longer, I turned and stumbled back to my car.

In the front seat, Walter glanced at me through the rearview mirror and spoke coldly, "Do you need this video of infidelity?"

I looked up sharply, tears sliding down my cheeks.

Walter held up his phone, showing the footage he just recorded.

The angle was perfect, the faces clear, and it even captured my helplessness and despair from not far away.

My heart ached, butmy eyes remained fixed on the screen.

I never imagined that Walter, who seemed so detached, could film with such expertise.

Wiping away my tears, I spoke firmly, "Send it to me."

"Alright."

Walter raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised at my quick recovery. A hint of interest flashed in his eyes,but he said nothing more as he transferred the video.

I received the video, but before I could openit, my phone rang again.

The callerID read-Danny Ahmed.

"Isabella." His voice was cold and arrogant as soon as the call connected. "Hand over allthe AO3 project materials to Eva immediately."

Before I could respond,he hung up.

"Heh." I couldn't help butlaugh bitterly. He did such a horrible thing again.

This wasn't the first time.

They helped Eva claim the projects I completed, elevating her from a mediocre assistant to a key player in the planning department. Now, theywere trying to forcibly take the two-billion-dollar AO3 project from me.

What did they take me for? Cheap labor? A servant?

I gritted my teeth, my fingers trembling on the steering wheel.

Fine, if they wanted it, I would give it to them.

I'd like to see if Evatruly had the ability to handle the project!

Over the next two days, I organized all the project materials, handing over a thick stack of documents. At the same time, I submitted my resignation.

It took less than ten minutes for the reply to arrive.

"Resignation approved."

It was signed by Savannah Ahmed.

I smirked. It wasexpected.

Savannah, Richard's mother, had always been the onewho disliked me the most.

During shareholder meetings, Savannah had repeatedly suggested that I was unfit for the role of head of the planning department, calling for my dismissal.

I knew her motive was to make room for Eva.

However, the shareholders always rejected Savannah's proposal on the grounds that I hadn't made any major mistakes.

Now that I had voluntarily resigned, Savannah wassure to agree immediately.

I didn't have many personal belongings in the office, so I quickly packed up to leave.

By the elevator, I raninto Savannah, who was also waiting for it.

She was dressed in a well-tailored suit, carrying a limited edition handbag, exuding elegance and poise, asif she were about to attend a high-society gathering.

When she saw me, a cold smile appeared on her lips, and she said mockingly, "Smart move, knowing when to step down. Once you marry Richard, just stay home and take care of the household, manage our family's meals and daily life. Stop pretending to be some professional woman outside-like someone with no respect for herself."

Chapter 5 I Can't Wait "I did leave the company, but it's because I want to pursue a better future and a new direction in life," I said. "It's a pity that I disappointed you."

Savannah's eyes flashed with anger. She was left speechless for a moment by my sharp retort. "What gives you the right to be so smug? Now Eva has secured the AO3 project, and she'll soon replace you."

Savannah boasted, "Do you know where I'm headed now? Eva's celebration party."

I frowned.

"It seems you weren't invited. This is a party Richard organized for Eva to celebrate her success with the AO3 project." Savannah raised her eyebrows, looking pleased with herself. "Of course, it's a Ahmed family's party. An outsider like you shouldn't be there."

With that, she strutted off in her high heels.

I stood there, then let out amocking laugh.

A celebration party. Richard had the nerve to throw a party for Eva. He surely had taken shamelessness to a whole new level.

Just as I was thinking this, my phone rang. The caller ID showed it was Richard.

I answered.

"Darling, I just sent you a file to your email. Please make the revisions and send it back to me." His voice was gentle, as if nothing had happened.

I opened my email and immediately saw the proposal. It was so familiar-AO3.

I scoffed, "The project has already been handed over to Eva. I have no reason to get involved."

There was a pause on the other end. Richard seemed tosense my mood and cautiously asked, "Are you upset?Isabella, it's my father's request. I had no choice..."

I remained silent.

Laughter came through the phone, and someone called his name. I recognized the voices; it was his group of rowdy friends.

Clearly, they wereall attending the celebration party.

So the so-called "family party" wasonly excluding me.

"Isabella," Richard pleaded, "Don't be like this, okay? AO3 is important to the company. My father values you; that's why he wants your help. As my fiancée, it's only right for you to help the family business."

He brushed off his outrageous behavior as perfectly normal.

I was about to respond when Eva's voice suddenly cut in,"Richard, let me handle it. Don't argue with Isabella.It's normal for her to be upset since I took her project."

Eva spoke as if she were the one who had been wronged.

Richard comforted her, "Don't worry, Isabella won't mind."

When Richard spoke again, his tone was impatient. "Isabella, stop being difficult. Hurry and send over the revised document. The Sanderson Group is pressing for the proposal."

In the background, his friends were urging him more loudly.

He hung up the phone before Icould respond.

I stared at the darkened phone screen, devoid of emotion. Richard's favoritism, Eva's provocations-they no longer angered me.

These past few days, I had been working tirelessly, undergoing Carson's tests, and managing the deals between Brooks Group and Douglas Group, barely getting any sleep. Yet Richard never noticed my exhaustion; Eva was all he cared about.

What more could I expect from him?

The wedding date was approaching. I counted the days, waitingfor them to fall into my trap.

Just then, I received a new message. It was from Eva.

It was a video.

I opened it and saw footage of the party. She was surrounded by admirers, with Richard beside her, pride in his eyes.

Danny loudly announced, "Eva secured AO3-it's Ahmed Group's glory!"

Cheers erupted.

Richard then made another announcement, "And there's more good news-Eva is pregnant."

The crowd buzzed withexcitement.

Savannah, delighted, took off a pink diamond necklace and personally placed it around Eva's neck."You're the only true Richard's wife in our eyes."

The camera shifted to Richard on the balcony, toasting with his friends. One friend joked, "What about Isabella? Aren't you getting married? Are you canceling the wedding?"

Richard shook his head, confidently saying, "Impossible. Marrying Isabella has always been my dream. She will forever be my goddess, and I love her."

I stifled a laugh at the sheer absurdity.

Claiming to love me while having a child with Eva.

My phone rang again. Walter's voice was cool. "Miss Brooks, I have control of all the cameras at the wedding venue. The team isready. We will present you with the most spectacular live stream."

I looked out at the night, a slow smileforming on my lips.

"I can't wait."

Chapter 6 Live Stream The wedding venue was dazzling with lights. Roses and lilies were piled along the corridor, filling the air with a cloyingly sweet floral aroma.

The emcee, a charming woman with freckles, spoke energetically, "Dear guests, today we witness this magical moment! Let'sall give our blessings to our newlyweds-Isabella and Richard!"

Many people left commentsin the chat.

"The bride is so beautiful!"

"Oh my God, thisis a real high-society wedding!"

"Isabella is sohappy; her smile is radiant!"

I sat gracefully in the center of a floral wreath, smiling at the camera with an air of shyness, like a blissful bride.

"Thank you for all the blessings," I said softly, my eyes gentle, almost convincing myself of the charade.

But out of the camera's sight, my phone wasvibrating incessantly.

I glanced down to see Eva's profile flashing. Opening the chat,her frantic messages spilled out.

"You bitch, how dare you be the bride?"

"He loves me! His wife is me!"

"Get out ofhere!"

I kept a sweet smile on my lips, though inside I was indifferent.

Eva was finally losing her patience.

Just then, a message from Walter popped up. "Eva has goneto the bride's private lounge."

A hint of a smile tugged at my lips as I quickly typed a message to Richard.

"Dear, I left my shawl in the lounge. Could you fetch it for me?"

In less than a minute, Richard replied,"Sure, wait for me."

I stared at the message, feeling a near-sadistic pleasure rise within me. They were walking right into their own trap.

Not long after, Walter sent another message. "They're both in the lounge."

I looked up just as the emcee faced towards the camera, "Would everyone be interested in seeing thebride's lounge? I heard it's beautifully decorated!"

The comments exploded.

"Yes, yes, we want to see!"

"Takeus there!"

I gave a shy smile and nodded gently. "No problem."

Cheers and blessings erupted in the comments, and the emcee said enviously, "I heard this lounge was specially prepared by the groom for Isabella. Everything from the lumbar pillows to the water glasses was chosen according to Isabella's preferences."

I pressed my lips together, unable to hide my smile. "Yes, Richard said he wanted me torelax and be comfortable on our wedding day."

I murmured, "He always likes to pay attentionto these little details."

The audience was filled with envious gasps.

"So sweet!!"

"I want a husband like that too!"

"Richard spoils Isabella so much!"

I smiled gently and walked gracefully, though my heart was coldly constricting. No one noticed my fingers tensed behind the bouquet.

Soon, we stopped in frontof that door.

"Is everyone ready?" I asked with a sweet voice.

The comments section was a flurry of excitement.

"Open it, open it!"

"The bride is so gentle!"

I reached out and slowly pushed the door ajar.

At once, the air was filled with heavy, labored breathing.

"Oh... faster, Richard..."

"You want this,do you..."

My breath caught, my fingertips gripping the door tightly.

Viewers of the live stream erupted.

"What?"

"Oh my God!"

"Is this a live show ofmaking love?"

My expression remained stiff, yet my hand pushed the door open wider in an unguarded gesture.

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The mag-lev train hums beneath my feet as I stand at the altar, roses piled high, cameras flashing. "Do you take this man?" the officiant asks, and I smile—soft, radiant, perfect. Inside, I’m counting seconds until the livestream begins. My phone vibrates in my bouquet: Walter’s message reads, "They’re in the lounge." I glance at Richard, so proud in his tuxedo, unaware that in exactly seven minutes, the world will watch him moaning Eva’s name on every screen. "I do," I whisper. The crowd cheers. The emcee beams. And I send the signal.

Behind the scenes, the feed goes live. Viewers flood in—millions. Comments explode: "Wait, is that…?""Oh my God, they’re having sex!" The camera angle is flawless: Richard pinned against the wall, Eva straddling him, both gasping. I keep smiling. Let them choke on their shame. Let the world see the truth. Let my father finally acknowledge I’m worthy. This isn’t a wedding. It’s a coronation.