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: ?

What kind of extraordinary person exists in this world like Mack Ben? 


I harbor no romantic feelings whatsoever. I simply find him remarkably considerate. Despite his elite position and demanding schedule, he never showed disdain when I extended my invitation. Instead, he accepted with genuine grace.


After my brief moment of awe, anxiety crept in about where to host this dinner. Someone of Mack Ben's caliber surely maintains exceptional standards for dining and entertainment. Regular upscale establishments would hardly measure up to his expectations.


Thankfully, my closest friend Katie Harriet operates in the luxury restaurant industry. I quickly fired off a text message.


Katie, I need to host someone extremely important as a thank you for an enormous favor. Any suggestions for somewhere with serious class?


Try the Marlborough. I will have the manager reserve our finest private dining room for you.


Chapter 27 - Chapter 27 A Weapon Of Weakness