Chapter 30

"Why?" Nicole cried out. "All these years I've chased after you. Even Mrs. Compton agreed I'd be the one to marry into the family. So why did it end up being Nicole? "She just walks into our lives and suddenly everything that should've been mine is hers—including my engagement!" Watching Monica unravel, Heidi's voice cut in sharply. "Monica, that's enough. You will not speak to Mr. Compton that way!" But Monica had already lost all control, and her tone stayed heated. "Mom, did you plan this from the start? Were you always going to hand my rights over to Nicole?" Aaron lifted his gaze indifferently and looked her way. "It was never yours to begin with," he said flatly. "So what exactly is she taking from you?" Monica bit down on her lip, her body shaking with fury. Just then, Nicole came downstairs. She had changed into the simplest outfit from her closet—a pair of jeans and a crisp white shirt. Her hair was loosely tied up, revealing her delicate features. Nicol