Chase Sterling always felt like furniture. The kind you don't notice, the kind that's easy to shove in a corner and forget. He was used to it: people looked right through him, brushed him off like lint. But it only takes one phone call to erase a lifetime of being overlooked. When his estranged family meets a tragic end, Chase suddenly finds himself in charge of the sprawling Sterling fortune. Turns out, riches aren't the only thing the family left him. There's a curse running through his blood, warping love into something hungry and dangerous, impossible to escape.

Vivian Ashford never set out to blow Chase's life to smithereens. Just one decision (a sharp, ruthless move at graduation) was all it took to set their worlds spinning out of control. While Vivian soaks up the Hollywood limelight and collects red-carpet headlines, Chase slips into his new role as Manhattan's most intimidating heir. But no matter how far they run, something keeps yanking them back together, like a stitch in an old wound that refuses to heal.

The invitation arrives by courier. Heavy card stock. Embossed lettering. Formal. Expensive.


Sterling Industries Emergency Board MeetingAll shareholders required to attendFormal attire mandatory


I'm not a shareholder. But Marcus is. And my contract requires me to attend events that benefit the film's publicity.


Apparently, Sterling Industries drama counts.


"Why do I have to go?" I ask Marcus over the phone.


"Because Chase will be there. And photographers will be there. And we need to show the world you're stable. Professional. Moved on." Marcus's voice is strategic. Cold. "The gala speech was a disaster. This is damage control."


"Your contract doesn't care what you want. Be ready at 6 PM. Car will pick you up."


I stare at the invitation. Dread building.


Three days of isolation. Three days of stalking him online. Three days of pretending I'm okay.


Chapter 52 - Elise Vanderwood Arrives