Chapter 1
The family business crumbled, and our once-proud name faded into ruin.
My ex-boyfriend, that scumbag, vanished into thin air, taking every last penny I had with him.
I was Skylar, a pampered heiress who knew nothing but lavish parties and endless shopping. This disaster hit me like a lightning bolt.
One minute I was drowning in luxury, the next, I was practically staring down homelessness.
So, I did the only thing I could think of. I marched straight to Jasper’s doorstep and hit the doorbell.
My sworn enemy, Jasper, sat across from me, legs crossed, his fingers tapping softly on the table. His expression was utterly serious.
“Skylar,” he drawled, “give me one good reason why I should take you in.”
My mind raced, desperately searching for an answer.
“Actually,” I blurted out, a desperate plan forming, “this bankruptcy… it was just my first step to getting close to you.”
A single eyebrow quirked upwards.
“So… you like me?”
The auction hall buzzed with anticipation.
On display, a necklace named ‘Emerald City’ shimmered under the spotlights.
Forty-one exquisite emeralds from Kashmir, each radiating an exotic allure, were set into its intricate design.
The auctioneer raised his gavel, ready to close the bid.
Without a second thought, I called out, “Five million!” A collective gasp swept through the room.
Everyone knew Skylar Chen, the pampered darling of the city.
My parents had left me an endless fortune when they passed, and I’d been indulged my entire life.
Just as I thought it was mine, someone, completely unfazed, raised the bid to ten million.
I shot an arrogant glance towards the corner. There he was: Jasper, the city’s second-richest man. His face was sculpted, his composure unshakeable, every movement exuding effortless aristocracy. I knew him, alright.
But I didn’t give him a second thought. After all, I was number one on that list.
The ultimate pampered heiress, a trust fund baby who burned through cash like it was kindling.
Just as I was about to raise the stakes again, Alfred, my long-suffering butler, leaned in.
“Miss Skylar,” he whispered, “your parents stipulated a ten-million limit for auctions.”
“Damn it!” I muttered, fuming. “Am I supposed to just take this?”
The entire room was buzzing, speculating on who would finally claim the necklace. If I gave up now, I’d be utterly humiliated!
Alfred tried to calm me. “Miss Skylar, it’s in the will. If you don’t abide by the rules, you risk losing everything.”
I gnashed my teeth in fury, shooting a venomous glare at Jasper, then grabbed my purse and stormed out. Jasper, I swore I’d get him back for this.
My second run-in with him was in Australia.
“I’m sorry, Miss Chen, but the island you were interested in has just been sold.”
The moment I heard, I had Alfred arrange a private jet. My heels clicked a furious rhythm as I rushed in, only to find Jasper, casually seated across from the service desk, just about to sign the papers.
He leaned back in his chair, a lazy, amused smirk playing on his lips as he watched me. His eyes twinkled with a hint of challenge.
A fresh surge of anger ignited inside me. I strode forward, one hand on my hip, my voice echoing through the office.
“Hey! Are you seriously just going around snatching everything I want?!”
Alfred immediately stepped in, apologizing profusely and trying to hold me back.
Jasper, completely unfazed, simply dropped a bombshell. “Your eyeliner’s crooked.”
Then, he turned and sauntered away, as if he hadn’t just insulted me.
My fists clenched, ready to swing, but Alfred intercepted me again.
“Miss Skylar, please don’t be angry,” Alfred pleaded. “You have more than enough islands. Your parents made it clear you shouldn’t be too extravagant.”
“Fine! I’ll hold back… for now!”
To cool off, I drove myself to my family’s private horse ranch after returning home. It had been so long, I’d actually forgotten the way. After several wrong turns, I finally found it.
Talk about ironic. On this bright, sunny afternoon, I stood by the ranch entrance, about to walk in. Then, a cold voice spoke up behind me.