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: ?

The silence stretched between us as I processed Belinda's words. Ben Manor. Old Madam Ben.


"Are you certain this isn't some kind of mistake?" I asked slowly.


Belinda shook her head vigorously. "I verified it three times. The invitation came through official channels with all the proper documentation. It's legitimate."


Katie leaned forward, suddenly interested. "The Ben Family? As in the Ben Family?"


"I don't understand," I admitted. "Should I know who they are?"


"Freya." Katie's voice was unusually serious. "The Ben Family isn't just wealthy. They're... beyond that. They're old money with deep national roots. Their influence reaches places most people can't even imagine."


My marketing manager knocked and entered without waiting for permission, practically vibrating with excitement.


Chapter 13 - Chapter 13 An Invitation from a Prestigious Family