CHAPTER 5 — The Billionaire's Final Test
Lucas carried the envelope into the private library.
Only three people were allowed inside.
Lucas.
Clara.
And the family's elderly attorney, Samuel Brooks.
Outside the massive oak doors, Victoria waited anxiously, pacing back and forth.
She had spent the entire afternoon replaying every cruel word she had spoken on that rooftop.
For the first time in her life...
She wasn't afraid of losing money.
She was afraid she had lost the only man who had ever loved her without expecting anything in return.
Inside the library, Lucas carefully unfolded his grandfather's handwritten letter.
The familiar signature at the bottom made his chest tighten.
His grandfather's voice almost seemed to echo through the room.
"My dear Lucas,
If you are reading this, then Clara has witnessed the woman you chose with her own eyes.
Remember this: wealth attracts admiration, but hardship reveals love.
Never marry someone simply because she regrets losing your fortune.
Give her one final chance—not to win your money, but to prove she deserves your trust."
Lucas slowly lowered the letter.
There was another page beneath it.
His eyes widened.
It wasn't a letter.
It was a legal document.
Samuel adjusted his glasses before speaking.
"Your grandfather created a final inheritance clause."
Lucas looked up.
"What kind of clause?"
Samuel took a deep breath.
"If the woman you intended to marry can demonstrate genuine compassion, honesty, and integrity over the next ninety days..."
"You may transfer fifty percent of your personal inheritance to a family trust that the two of you would manage together."
Lucas nodded silently.
"And if she fails?"
Samuel closed the folder.
"The engagement must never happen."
"And you will inherit everything alone."
Silence filled the room.
Clara finally spoke.
"Your grandfather never cared whether Victoria was rich or poor."
"He only wanted to know whether her heart could change."
Lucas stared through the library window.
Rain slowly rolled down the glass.
Could someone who had publicly destroyed another person's dignity truly become someone different?
He didn't know.
But fate was about to answer the question.
The next morning...
Victoria arrived at Carter Tower before sunrise.
For the first time in years...
She wasn't wearing designer heels.
She wasn't carrying a luxury handbag.
She had donated nearly everything in her closet overnight.
Simple navy flats.
A plain white blouse.
No jewelry.
No makeup except enough to hide the tears she hadn't stopped crying.
Employees barely recognized her.
She quietly helped the cleaning staff prepare the lobby before anyone else arrived.
Without being asked.
She carried heavy supply boxes.
Served coffee.
Even cleaned a spilled drink after an intern accidentally knocked it over.
Nobody applauded.
Nobody thanked her.
She simply kept working.
From the security cameras upstairs...
Lucas watched every moment.
He didn't smile.
Because anyone could pretend for one day.
Real character required time.
Then...
At exactly 10:14 a.m...
The glass doors exploded open.
A frightened receptionist shouted,
May you like
"Mr. Carter!"
"Someone's trying to force their way inside!"
