Theodore stared down at me, cold as ever. His dark eyes were clouded with something heavy and unreadable-it was the kind of look that chilled you to the bone.

Standing right next to him was his mother, Marjorie Hughes-the one everyone said Theodore doted on the most.

She glanced over at me and Vivian, then calmly turned to look at Hubert. "Mr. Reynolds, the alliance between our families still needs further discussion. I suggest you and your daughter be more prudent. Goodbye."

Without missing a beat, she turned and walked away. Theodore followed her, but before stepping out, he threw a look over his shoulder at me-it was filled with nothing but disgust.

This-this whole mess-was exactly the outcome Vivian wanted. She bribed Julian, dragged me through the mud, just to ruin my reputation. All because I was in the way of her own daughter marrying into the Sterling family.

Her plan? Throw me at some old guy, destroy my name, and make sure I'd never be accepted by their kind.

Cruel, isn't it? I have no clue what kind of deal Vivian offered Julian, but after three years together, he still stabbed me in the back for profit. Just handed me off like I never mattered. My fists tightened, nails digging into my palms as the hate flared in my eyes.

I stood up and turned to go when Hubert's voice, cold and loud, slammed through the room. "Stop right there!"

I froze. A stack of photos was flung in my face, landing with a harsh thud. "Look at you! Shameless! You've disgraced the Reynolds name completely!"

I glanced down. Of course, they were those kinds of photos-every one of them perfectly timed, perfectly angled. Torn clothes. Messy hair. Bruises where they shouldn't be. All the evidence she needed.

I picked them up and threw them back in front of Vivian. "You work fast, don't you? This whole thing must've been planned forever. Even Julian? How much did you cough up for him?"

Hubert stepped in front of her. "Natalie! Don't even think of blaming your mother for your own mess! From today on, you're not to step one foot outside this house. Stay in your room and don't humiliate us any further!"

I just laughed hollowly. How did he even believe that garbage?

When the maid came up to drag me away, I looked them both straight in the eye with a cold smile. "You can try keeping me locked up all you want. But are you sure Grandpa will be okay hearing about this? Isn't the shareholders' meeting around the corner? Think real hard, Dad-are you absolutely sure you wanna risk it?"

That shut them up fast. Hubert's face twitched, and Vivian looked like she'd swallowed poison. She burst out, "You're threatening your father with your grandpa?!"

I stared at Hubert, unmoving. The guilt in his eyes told me everything. "What can I say? Grandpa's always liked me best. I'm the Reynolds' eldest daughter-he's never once mentioned anything about a second one."

"You-!" Vivian looked like she was about to implode, her face twisted into something downright ugly.

I couldn't be bothered. I just turned and headed upstairs.

"Let her go," Hubert said after a beat, "But listen closely, Natalie-your sister's about to get engaged to the Sterlings. Thanks to your crap, Julian wants out of the engagement. So fine, ruin yourself all you want-but if you mess this up for your sister too, not even your grandfather will forgive you."

I paused on the staircase, didn't say a word. But my heart felt heavier than ever, the grief so sharp I couldn't stop the tears from sliding down.

I sat on the bed, staring at the photo of my mom on the nightstand. After the funeral, Vivian claimed her stuff brought bad luck and forced Hubert to burn all of it. Her room was even turned into a storage space. Only this one photo was left-I dug through that dusty mess for days to find it.

"Mom, don't worry," I whispered, "I promise I won't let that woman walk all over me."

But before I could even make a move, the news broke-Sterling and Reynolds families were officially tying the knot. The guy? Theodore, duh. And the girl? Not me. It was Isabella Reynolds. Vivian's actual daughter.

I was so mad my teeth hurt from clenching. Vivian acted fast. Before I could even strike back, she'd already gotten Marjorie to accept her daughter as the bride?

I grabbed my phone and dialed Lucille Green. She's been my ride-or-die since forever. Sure, she's a scandal magnet and the media basically uses her for gossip practice, but she's always had my back, no questions asked.

The Green family isn't just big in business. Lucille's grandpa was a freaking war hero, and her brother holds a cushy political job now. If I needed to dig into something quietly, she was my only option.

As soon as the call connected, her loud voice came in hot. "Took you long enough! What's up? Those two psychos at your place do something to you again?"

I let out a cold sigh. "Just caught another beating. No big deal. Vivian didn't get off easy either-she had to put on quite the act."

"Seriously? Hubert hit you again? I swear, don't stop me this time, I'm getting people to raise hell at his door."

"Chill. I called you because I need your help."

Lucille went quiet for a beat before bursting into laughter. "I know what you want. You want to know who that mystery guy from your 'first night' was, right? Your girl went digging, and guess what-I've got news.

Girl, you hit the jackpot. The guy was none other than Mr. Golden Boy himself, Theodore! That night, he'd just flown in from Singarra, had some business meeting, couldn't get home in time, and decided to crash at the hotel. Can you believe your luck?"

She kept rambling on, but my brain had already short-circuited. Images from that night-his touches, his breath, my flushed skin-flashed in my head, face burning with embarrassment... then instantly going pale.

"Holy crap..."

Did I seriously sleep with Isabella's future fiancé? She'd lose it if she ever found out.

I quickly snapped out of it and filled Lucille in on the engagement news between Isabella and Theodore. As expected, the gossip queen went nuts. "Girl! Are you kidding me? You are straight-up savage! This is gonna be legendary. Meet me at Grandion at 8-I'm treating you tonight!"

That place? The most high-end club in Southveil. I rubbed my temples and shot her a look through the phone. "Don't get ahead of yourself. First, I need you to find out what happened to Julian after that night. He just vanished, which doesn't feel right. I think Vivian had something to do with it. Otherwise, there's no reason he'd go MIA, especially with the Reynolds-Chandler project still full steam ahead."

Lucille got dead serious in a second. "So, you're trying to dig up dirt on Vivian and blow her cover?"

"Not just that. The engagement party's coming up fast. Theodore's probably planning to take this secret to the grave, but I'm not exactly on the same page."

Lucille paused, then cracked up again, probably slammed a hand on the table. "Girl, I can't wait. Let the drama begin!"

Three days later, at Grandion Night Club.

I called Lucille and asked her to come get me. She yelled over the phone, "I'm busy! I'll send someone. Just wait there."

Barely two minutes later, a good-looking guy in a half-buttoned shirt that barely covered his chest came down the stairs and tugged at my sleeve. "Miss Reynolds, Miss Green's in a private room on the third floor. I'll take you up."

He led me to a room tucked in the corner of the third floor, decorated like some over-the-top pink princess fantasy. The moment Lucille saw me, she shot the guy a look. He stepped up like he was about to wrap me in his arms.

I dodged him easily and marched straight over to pinch Lucille's ear. "You little witch-how dare you call a male escort?"

Lucille may be from one of those influential political families, but she took a hard left early on. The more rebellious, the more she liked it.

She was about to crack another silly grin when I smacked her bare thigh under that tiny skirt of hers. "Didn't you say you had something big to tell me? Spit it out!"

She pouted and pulled out her phone, flipping open her gallery. "Look."

There were a few blurry shots in low light, but even with the poor quality, it was clear-a woman getting up close and personal with some guy in ways that were definitely scandalous.

I zoomed in on the faces. No matter the angle, that woman was unmistakably my dear "little sister" who's about to get engaged-Isabella.

I yanked Lucille into a hug and planted two big wet kisses on her cheeks. I'd been scratching my head trying to find a crack in Vivian' armor-and now I had a whole photo album of dirt. Just one pic would be enough to tear Isabella's reputation to shreds in Southveil. No way the Sterlings would go through with the engagement after this.

Game over for their little dream scenario.

Lucille shoved me away and yanked off the guy's shirt to wipe her face. "Seriously, you're that happy already? Come on, spill-what's the plan?"

I glanced at the champagne Lucille just used to "serve" the male escort, took a sip, and raised the glass toward the guy. "You've got the looks-and that body's not bad either."

Lucille pulled him onto the couch and pinched his cheek, smirking. "Of course. Kevin's the hottest thing here at Grandion. He told me Isabella tried to book him a few times... only turned her down 'cause he didn't want to step on my toes."

"What, she comes here often?"

Kevin nodded beside us. "Yeah, lately it's been pretty regular. She brings friends too."

"For real?" I scoffed. "Didn't think that little tramp was such a thirsty one. If Theodore ends up marrying her, that guy's really pulling the short straw."

I grinned wider. "Let's make sure that never happens."

Lucille's eyes lit up like she just caught a whiff of something spicy. "What are you thinking?"

I gave her a look full of meaning. "She's been drooling over Kevin for a while now, hasn't she? So as her loving big sis... I'll help make her dream come true."

Lucille burst out laughing, tossed a black card from her purse onto the table, and waved at Kevin. "Name your price. Just make sure Isabella enjoys herself thoroughly. There's more than enough in it for you if it works."

Kevin took the card, flashing his pearly whites. "Leave it to me, Miss Green."

Lucille and I were riding the high, cracked open two bottles of fancy champagne and red wine, and went all in. It took everything I had to haul her drunk self to the door, flag a ride and send her home.

Just when I thought I could finally leave, I realized I forgot my bag. Thank god Lucille had handed me Kevin's card earlier. I called him and asked him to drop it off at the front desk. I patted his shoulder and quietly reminded him of our little plan, he just nodded with a grin, giving me the go-ahead to bounce.

I turned around, ready to head out myself, and barely took two steps before smacking straight into what felt like a human wall.

Rubbing my forehead, I looked up-one glance at that annoyingly handsome face and whatever curse words I had lined up instantly died in my throat.

Theodore.

This was only the second time I'd seen him since that day, and yep, that ice block of a face still had that blatant look of disgust painted all over it. His eyes drifted past me, locking on the glowing Grandion Night sign behind me, and his lips curled up with a mocking smirk. "Daddy's little princess, huh? Really living up to the name."

I bit my lip, giving him a glare that could burn holes. "Well if I'm a joke, you must be the punchline. What brings Mr. Sterling to such fine establishments this late, huh? Don't pretend it's just a coincidence."

Seriously? Trying to throw shade at me? As if I couldn't smell the booze and the overwhelming stench of cheap perfume wafting off him.

He twitched his lip but said nothing. His eyes, dark and unreadable, flickered with something strange-might've been the lighting or something else, but there was definitely something off.

I let out a snort and brushed past him, just wanting to be done with the night.

But before I could get far, a sudden grip wrapped around me, and the next second, I was being tossed over his shoulder like a damn sack. He powered toward a sleek black Spyker, jammed the door open, and shoved me inside without a shred of care.

My head hit the seat and I saw stars, and before I could react, his massive frame was already on top of me, pinning down my flailing arms and legs.

His face closed in, hot breath sweeping across mine. In the dim lighting, I caught sight of the flushed color on his cheeks, his half-unbuttoned shirt exposing toned abs, sweat glistening along that caramel skin-dangerously tempting.

It hit me then-his reaction looked way too familiar. Just like the night I was drugged.

I cautiously called out, "Theodore? You okay?"

Not a word from him. Instead, he suddenly crashed his lips against mine, full of aggression and desperation. Hell if I knew how long he'd been bottling that up, but he bit right through his tongue and our mouths filled with the taste of blood.

The kiss was rough, unhinged. A breeze drifted in from the half-open window. I shoved at him with all I had and slapped him across the face.

He jerked his head, then grabbed my jaw in a vice grip, squeezing hard. My vision blurred as tears started falling uncontrollably.

He reached over and rolled the window up tight, then looked down at me, cold and full of scorn. "Natalie, you've got the guts to hook up with a damn call boy, but suddenly worried about people seeing this? Cut the act, it's pathetic."

"If you're that disgusted, then just let go! Go in and find yourself some working girl at the front desk to deal with whatever this is. Not enough? Hell, I'll even book you a room if you want, take your sweet time..."

Before I could finish, he tightened his grip even more. My heart pounded as I stared at him wide-eyed. "What are you trying to do?! Let me go!"

I fought with everything in me, clashing with his brute force. More than once I slammed into the car window, the sound drawing some glances from the street.

While stealing kisses from me, he whispered threateningly in my ear with that raspy, alluring voice, "You move again and I'll toss you out. I mean it."

By then, my clothes were barely hanging on, ripped beyond recognition. I was practically naked, and the street outside-full of people...

I pressed my lips together, my voice barely there. "Why?"

He gave a cruel, twisted smile. "Why? I saved you once. This is payback. Just blowing off steam."

And just like that, his hand moved to undo his belt...

He pried my legs apart and slammed forward hard. The movement was rough-fast and forceful-and it wasn't long before a raspy groan escaped him.

It felt like pure torture. He drove me to the edge for hours, and I could only grit my teeth and hold on. Theodore, I swear one day I'll make sure you feel every ounce of this humiliation I suffered tonight.

It wasn't until the street was deathly quiet and the night completely drowned the city that he finally let me go. Zipping up his pants, he looked refreshed, almost smug, while I lay there in a mess-drained and crumpled like I'd fallen apart.

He tossed his suit jacket over me like it was a courtesy, then drove me straight to the gates of the Reynolds residence. When the security guard saw us, he paused-staring without a word.

Theodore pulled three hundred bucks from his wallet and shoved it into my hand, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"For the clothes," he said, "If it's not enough, call the Sterlings. My mother would be thrilled to host you. Feel free to name your price."

His car sped off down the road with a roar and vanished into the night.

I shot a sharp glare at the security guard who was gawking at my exposed legs, forcing myself to stand tall and act like I was above it all, even though every step was a struggle on my way back to the house.

By that time, it was past 2 a.m. Everyone at home was already asleep. I went straight to my room, wrapped my arms around a photo of my foster mom, cried into the silence, and eventually fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, the sound of someone pounding on my door startled me awake. The banging was wild, like they meant to knock the whole door down. I dragged myself up and opened it, only to be met with Isabella's tear-streaked face glaring at me.

She scanned me from top to bottom before screaming, "Natalie! You vile bitch!"

Before I could react, she shoved me to the floor. The jacket slipped open, revealing my torn clothes underneath-my skin now a map of bruises and glaring red marks.

Isabella dashed at me, yanking at my hair with everything she had. I finally snapped out of it and fought back, and that's when the sound of heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway-Vivian and Hubert appeared at the same time.

Without even asking what the hell was happening, Hubert charged up and slapped me across the face-hard. My cheek instantly swelled, the pain a burning sting that made my eyes water.

"Natalie, even if you hate me, Isabella is your sister! How could you do something so disgusting?!" Vivian clutched Isabella with trembling arms, sobbing like I was some monster, while Hubert pointed at me, red with fury.

"You've got no shame at all! He's your sister's fiancé! Are you really so bitter that you can't stand to see her happy?"

I took a shaky breath, spat out the blood pooling in my mouth, and glaring at Vivian's fake-innocent, pitiful act, I let out a cold laugh.

"Can't stand to see her happy? She should be thanking me. If it weren't for me, Theodore wouldn't have called. You'd never have gotten the chance to meddle and set her up with him. If Madame Sterling and Mr. Sterling hadn't pressured him, do you really think he'd give her a second look? Keep dreaming."

Back then I was dumb enough to try to get back at him by scrawling Vivian's number on the back of that three-hundred-dollar 'thank you' note. That backfired perfectly, giving her the perfect opening to work behind my back.

Her schemes made Madame Sterling think Isabella was the one involved with Theodore. And considering how powerful the Sterlings are in Southveil, Hubert jumped at the chance to push the engagement.

With both Vivian's plotting and public opinion adding fuel to the fire, the Sterlings finally confirmed the engagement.

Mr. Sterling Sr. had always favored his most capable grandson, promising that as long as he produced a great-grandchild soon, he'd consider naming him the heir to the Sterling Group.

With such a massive fortune dangling in front of him, Theodore didn't care who he married. The person didn't matter-only the result did.

And he never denied nor clarified anything, for a very simple reason-it was all just part of his revenge on me.

That day he brought his mother to the Reynolds household, it became crystal clear that I was no longer welcome there. I wasn't about to let Vivian and Isabella pull off their scheme so easily. Theodore probably figured he could even use me to teach them a lesson.

In a way, I kind of handed Isabella the engagement on a silver platter.

Vivian's face froze. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

"Swear on your conscience if you dare."

"That's enough!" Hubert was livid, his face darkening as he pointed at me and roared, "Get out! I don't have a disgrace like you for a daughter!"

I let out a low chuckle, grabbed the photo of my late adoptive mother from the nightstand and turned to leave. Hubert called after me, his voice cold and sharp, "Don't show your face at the Reynolds–Sterling engagement. If you mess this up, I guarantee you'll regret it."

Seriously, with a tone like that, it didn't sound like a father talking to his daughter. I didn't bother responding and just walked away.

I moved into a rental apartment and never stepped foot in the Reynolds house again. I didn't tell Grandpa anything, and Hubert wasn't dumb-he must've kept the news of me leaving completely under wraps.

After work today, I was planning to meet Lucille. But my manager, Oliver Hatcher, suddenly stopped me and insisted I go with him to meet a client and finalize a deal. He promised me a generous commission if it went through.

I texted Lucille to wait for me at the restaurant we were heading to. I figured I'd join her as soon as the contract was signed.

We went to a fancy lounge that had a private room with a Japanese-style setup. Oliver ordered food and drinks, then sat on the tatami with me while we waited.

I couldn't help but think this client sure knew how to make an entrance. If Oliver weren't with me, I'd be pretty nervous, no lie.

He gave me a casual smile and poured me a drink. "Here, have a sip. Patience is part of being in sales, y'know. Clients like this one-nothing new."

I took the glass and glanced at him, a bit hesitant. Oliver might look young for his mid-thirties, but in our department, he was known for being all smiles on the outside and ruthless behind the scenes. I've caught heat from him plenty over the past two years. But today, his attitude felt weirdly chill-too nice, honestly.

He threw me a sideways look. "What? Think I slipped something in your drink?"

I mentally rolled my eyes, but to save face, I took a couple sips and set the glass down. He didn't say anything more and just drank by himself.

That put me at ease, at least for the moment.

A while later, he stepped out to take a call. When he came back, he was with a man in a suit. I didn't recognize the figure at first, but as soon as he sat down, my stomach dropped.

Round face, greasy combover, chunky arms and a belly like a barrel. He sat down and gave me a slow once-over, then patted Oliver on the shoulder. "Nicely done."

It was Graham Sullivan-the same guy Vivian tricked me into meeting last time. Rumors painted him as some high-flying thirty-something CEO with a billion-dollar company.

In reality? Total scam. Seeing him in person exposed all the lies. Vivian was ruthless-handing me over to a sleaze like him? She really wanted to ruin me.