My half-sister was dying of cancer, and she had one final wish: to steal my life.

She demanded my wedding, my fiancé, everything. So I watched as she walked down the aisle in the dress I designed myself, on the arm of the man I loved, into the wedding that should have been mine. For a dying woman, I could bear it.

But when she came for the heirloom bracelet my late mother left me, something inside me snapped. At the auction, I watched my ex-fiancé, Jasper, shield her as they drove the price up to a staggering 200 million. Bled dry by my own parasitic family, I was helpless, forced to see my last connection to my mother fall into their hands—

Until a calm, commanding voice cut through the room: “300 million.” The entire hall fell silent. Mack Ben, the notoriously private and influential head of the Ben family, had made the bid. “A gift,” he declared, his gaze finding mine, “for Miss Colby.”

After I retrieved the bracelet, I promised to repay him. “Mr. Ben, I’ll find a way to pay back the 300 million.” He simply studied my face, a slight frown creasing his brow. “Freya Colby,” he asked softly, “have you forgotten me?” Me: ?

I jolted awake and scrambled out of the car. "Butler Cross, I'm so sorry. The seats were incredibly comfortable and I dozed off without realizing it. You should have nudged me awake."


"Miss Colby, please don't worry about it. The Second Young Master specifically instructed us to let you rest, mentioning how hard you've been working lately." Butler Cross's warm smile accompanied his gesture toward the manor entrance.


I clutched the garment bag tighter, processing his words as we walked.


"Wait, Second Master Ben knew I was sleeping in the car?"


Heat flooded my cheeks. This level of embarrassment could probably be seen from space.


"Indeed. When your car pulled up, the Second Young Master was heading out and happened to witness your arrival. The driver mentioned you were resting, so the Second Young Master took a quick look and told us not to disturb you."


Chapter 19 - Chapter 19 The Last Remaining Option