Chapter 1

We were four foster girls, raised by the Albright family.

Mrs. Albright had one goal: to train the most exceptional one among us to marry her son, Brandon.

The other three girls—Clara, Lena, and Isabella—learned flower arrangement, mastered etiquette, and practiced how to charm Brandon.

But me? I studied finance, management, and how to drain Albright Industries from the inside.

Brandon found me intriguing, a new kind of game.

He cornered me against the wall, a condescending, knowing smirk on his face.

"Playing hard to get, trying to make me think highly of you?"

"Cut the act. I don't like ambitious women."

He thought I wanted him.

He had no idea I'd seen too many women who relied on men, only to end up as withered roses.

What I wanted was never his love.

It was the power to finally break free from his grasp.

Later, he truly became infatuated with me.

The moment he realized I was slipping from his control...

He embraced me, his eyes bloodshot.

"I admit I'm completely lost. I just want you."

"Don't work so hard, be my Mrs. Albright."

I smiled, slapping my resignation letter against his chest.

"Mr. Albright, you think I was after the title of your wife?"

"No, I'm after your position."