The day I received the $1.8 billion reimbursement, I promptly quit my job. I poured a billion into my fiancé's project and assembled a first-rate medical team for my supposedly paralyzed brother-in-law.

On my way home, I called Dakota Snyder, joking that I was now jobless and planning to become a stay-at-home spouse. He hung up without a word. Concerned something might be wrong at home, I rushed back, feeling anxious.

As soon as I walked into the yard, I overheard my brother-in-law grumbling that I was a liability. "She still thinks she can remain my sister-in-law? If it weren't for her money, I wouldn't have pretended to be paralyzed!"

"And besides, my brother has already landed a rich heiress. That useless woman can wait to be shown the door!"

I stood there, shocked. Faking paralysis? A burden? I had treated them like family, yet they only wanted to exploit me. Dakota's mother, Selene, laughed boisterously. "I never saw her as a daughter-in-law; only someone like Haven, a true heiress, is good enough for my son!"

I felt like my world had shattered. When Dakota lost his job, I’d used my connections to land him a position at his current company, even asking his boss, Haven, to mentor him. Little did I know, I was handing my fiancé over to someone else. No wonder he’d been pulling long nights lately; those nights were more lucrative than I realized.

Rage boiled inside me, and I couldn’t stay silent any longer. I burst through the door with a loud bang. The two of them jumped at the sudden sound. Selene was about to start scolding but froze when she saw me, unsure if I’d overheard them. Her voice was shaky as she asked, "Amaris, what brings you here?"

My expression was icy as her words about kicking me out of my own house echoed in my mind. I suppressed my rising fury and glared at her. "Why? Am I not welcome in my own home?"

As I walked further in, I saw Cade pretending to have leg pain in his wheelchair. Three years ago, he’d saved me from a mugging on my way home from a late shift, only to end up paralyzed in both legs when the attacker returned. The doctors said he’d never walk again. Feeling guilty and compassionate, I insisted that Dakota bring him and his mother from their rural home to the city. Without a place for them to stay, I cleared out the new apartment my parents had left me so we could all be under one roof. I spent every penny I had, seeking medical treatment for Cade, hoping to alleviate his leg pain. I’d been doing this for three long years, only to learn it had all been a façade.

Cade's voice cut through my thoughts, still whining, "Aren’t you supposed to be at work? Coming home at this hour will cost you your paycheck. You said you’d save a million for my surgery, but you obviously never intended for me to walk again!"

At his words, I kicked his wheelchair, and he instinctively jumped to his feet. Seeing his perfectly healthy legs, everything suddenly made sense. Selene dropped the pretense too. "So what if we used a bit of your money? It's not a big deal."

I could hardly believe my ears. For three years, I had sacrificed my social life, juggling multiple jobs so I could finance Cade’s treatment with everything I earned. I even borrowed half a million from my parents for his surgery, only to have it brushed off as "just a bit of money"?

Shaking with anger, I swept everything off the table onto the floor, then pointed at the door, shouting, "Get out! This is my house! You have no right to be here!"

Selene stayed put, just smirked. "Who says this house is yours? Dakota’s already transferring the deed; it’s my son’s property now. You’re the one who needs to leave!"

I stood there, stunned. This apartment was the home my parents had bought as my wedding gift. I had taken pity on them, bringing them to the city, only for them to plot behind my back to take it from me. While I was reeling, Selene grabbed my arm and ordered Cade to call the police. "This woman’s broken into our home and trashed our belongings. We won’t let her get away with this!"

I hadn't expected their shameless tactics. While I was struggling, the door creaked open behind me. Dakota Snyder stepped in, holding a set of keys. When he spotted me, his face instantly tightened, and he discreetly tucked the property deed behind his back.

"You're back already? You should've let me know," he said.

I shot him a cold glare, fully aware of his guilty demeanor. Cade Palmer dashed to his brother's side, whining, "Bro, look at the mess she's made here. Only you could put up with her for three years. Anyone else would've kicked her out ages ago."

I remained silent, my eyes locked on Dakota. The memory of his public declaration of love at college was still fresh. Despite coming from a modest background and relying on scholarships, he spent all his savings on a limited-edition locket for my birthday. He promised to do anything to make me happy, no matter the cost. I thought I'd found my soulmate and trusted him with my heart. But the reality hit me hard—his kindness was nothing special, just manipulative.

Dakota surveyed the clutter on the floor and sighed quietly.

"Now that you know everything, let's not drag this out any longer. We should break up."

From the side, his mother, Selene Chapman, chimed in.

"My son is about to hit the big leagues and marry into money. You, with your humble background, should go back to where you came from."

Fortunately, I had no interest in drawing things out either. I extended my hand to Dakota, maintaining my composure despite his puzzled expression.

"For all the expenses I covered for your family these past three years, including this apartment, I'd like it returned."

My words made the three of them visibly uncomfortable.

"What money? We never borrowed a dime from you! And you willingly paid for Cade's medical bills. How dare you try to take that back?" Selene grew more agitated, shoving my shoulder. I stumbled, hitting the corner of the table, grimacing in pain.

Cade chimed in, "If I'd known, I wouldn't have wasted my time saving you. You belong in an alley, you lowlife!"

Their vicious insults made it seem like I was the villain. But what had I done wrong?

I clenched my fists at my side, prepared to speak up when Dakota stepped forward.

"Amaris, I know you're upset. We've been together for three years, and we should part on good terms. How about this? I'll wire $2,500 to your account as compensation. Let's just end things amicably."

"As for the apartment, it's already second-hand. My mom and brother are settled here, so let's be practical. I'll offer $6,500 and we can call it a deal."

This three-bedroom apartment in the city center could easily fetch over $650,000, even on resale. His shameless offer was laughable. No wonder they were a family; they all shared the same nerve.

Dakota reached out as if to adjust my coat and played the noble card, "Amaris, I should be grateful. Without you, I wouldn't have met Haven or had the chance to marry into her wealthy family."

"I don't want to hurt you, but we're on different paths. It's best for both of us to move on. If you ever need anything, I'll do what I can."

His fake smile was revolting, and I unceremoniously slapped his hand away.

"No need!"