Arnold had never experienced such humiliation. "Anyway," he declared, "there's no way I'll agree to this marriage!"

"Oh," Matthew replied dismissively, nodding. "Does your opinion really matter?"

Arnold struggled for a response. Matthew ruled the Lawson family; none could oppose him. "Grandpa," Arnold said weakly, "what do you see in Felicia? Apart from her looks, what qualifies her to be my fiancée?"

Matthew slammed his hand down. "Whether she's suitable or not is for me to decide! This marriage proposal is non-negotiable—not for you, nor that young lady from the Fuller family!" He snorted and left. Frustration welled within Arnold, but he couldn't defy Matthew. He could, however, find a way to make Felicia withdraw.

With a cold smile, Arnold picked up the phone. "Hello, run an investigation on Felicia and send all the findings to her school. I want to see if she'll still have any dignity left."

After the party, Kayla locked herself in her room, refusing food and drink. She looked haggard. Myra repeatedly assured her she wouldn't agree to Matthew's proposal; any marriage alliance would be with Kayla, not Felicia.

Kayla cried, "Mom, is that true? You're not lying?"

"Of course not!"

"But what if Mr. Lawson Senior disagrees?"

"Don't worry, your dad and I will negotiate. Besides, you and Arnold are in love. No one can separate you," Myra said, stroking her head.

Kayla smiled through her tears. Once consoled, Myra left.

Holly entered with a tray of food. "Felicia is shameless! How can she steal someone else's fiancé? If she disappeared, this household would be much cleaner!"

Kayla's eyes flickered. If only Felicia would disappear… She would remain the Fuller family's princess, Mrs. Lawson, and Arnold would be hers. But she couldn't handle Felicia's removal herself; it needed to be discreet.

Smiling slightly, Kayla told Holly, "Call Melvin and tell him I'm sick."

Melvin Chavez, from the Chavez family, was Kayla's most loyal admirer. He'd been the first to chase after her the previous day. A loyal admirer, however, had its uses.

A quick call, and Melvin hurried to the Fuller residence. Kayla lay in bed, her disheveled black hair accentuating her pale, sickly appearance.

Melvin was frantic. "Kayla, have you seen a doctor? Have you taken your medicine? It hurts my heart to see you like this!"

Kayla feigned surprise. "Melvin, why are you here?"

"I heard you were sick." He hesitated to take her hand. Remembering the party, his anger flared. "Kayla, you've been wronged!"

Kayla shook her head, bitter. "What right do I have to feel wronged? I'm just an impostor."

"Who said that? I'll crush whoever dares to call you an impostor! You're the queen of my heart!" He looked at her with fervent intensity.

Kayla turned away, tears streaming. "Don't comfort me. As long as Felicia is around, I will always be the impostor!"

Melvin replied, "Then it's simple. If Felicia upsets you, make her disappear! Leave this to me. I'll help you get your revenge!"