Chapter 2

I called my assistant, Drew, and had him wire a sum of money to Caleb’s account.

The amount was quite astonishing; even Drew was surprised.

I changed my clothes and went downstairs.

I told my father, who was reading the newspaper in the living room,

“I’ve reviewed the candidates you mentioned. I’ll go with Sawyer Hayes.”

The eldest grandson of the Hayes family, the legitimate heiress of the Harrison family. A perfect match of status and wealth.

My father put down his newspaper. “No more rebellion?”

I smiled. “No more rebellion.”

Five years ago, my elder brother, Leo, and his wife, Clara, died in a tragic car accident on a trip abroad.

They died instantly, leaving only my two-year-old nephew, Arthur, who miraculously survived.

My mother couldn’t bear such a blow; she fell ill and couldn’t recover.

Only when little Arthur cried by her bedside did she finally pull herself together.

Three months ago, Arthur was kidnapped on his way home from school.

When he was rescued, he was deeply shaken and withdrawn, almost catatonic.

This time, my mother completely collapsed.

Her bloodline now consisted only of me and my nephew.

Yet my half-siblings were all successful and accomplished adults.

My father had built his empire on the foundation of my mother's family fortune.

I couldn't let this family business fall into their hands.

“Then the Hayes family it is,” my father nodded, satisfied.

Half a day later, the news of my engagement to Sawyer Hayes spread like wildfire across the city.

The wedding date was set for six months later.

6

The day Sawyer accompanied me to try on wedding dresses and jewelry.

The news was playing on the TV at home.

I happened to look up and saw Caleb.