They sought to leverage her relationship with the Fowler family.

Melissa lowered her gaze, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're mistaken. I've ended things with Marcus. I'm afraid I can't meet your expectations. Moreover, I have no desire to bear the Smith name.

Would my father even acknowledge my place in the Smith household? And what about Vanessa?"

Thomas was taken aback.

He had assumed Melissa would be easily swayed by the allure of benefits and compliance with the Smith family's wishes. However, her was actually smarter than he expected.