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: ?

Brother Jasper mentioned weeks ago that he couldn't raise a hundred million in cash right now. That gave me hope. If they lacked the funds, I still had a fighting chance.


The auction began promptly. This auction house ranked among the top international establishments, drawing wealthy bidders from across the globe to their annual charity event. I recognized several familiar faces scattered throughout the venue, all prominent figures from Ravencliff's elite circles.


Earlier lots of famous paintings and antique ceramics sold for tens of millions each. These wealthy patrons tossed around money like confetti, treating million-dollar purchases as casual grocery shopping. My stomach twisted with anxiety. Could I really afford the bracelet?


Chapter 24 - Chapter 24 The Gamble For Dignity