Chapter 2

Tiffany looks shaken for half a second. Then she pulls herself together.

"Caleb and I had our engagement with both parents present. The wedding's today. Papa Richard personally handed me a black card with eight million on it. How could that be fake?"

She snaps her fingers.

"Everyone—out here! Does anyone know this woman?"

The soldiers file out. Look at me. Every one shakes their head.

"Sorry, ma'am. Never seen her."

I look at each face.

Every soldier, every housekeeper, every driver who watched me grow up—gone. All strangers.

Only one person could pull that off.

Tiffany lights up.

"Nobody knows you. Breaking and entering plus slander. Get her!"

They swarm me. Fists, boots—everywhere. Too many. Blood runs into my eyes.

The front door swings open. A panicked voice.

"I heard there's an intruder—Tiffany, baby, you okay?"

I look at the man. Never seen him in my life.

His face twists in fury.

"You've got a fucking death wish. I'm Richard Sterling's only son. You attacked my pregnant wife in my father's house. You're done."

I stay calm.

"You say you're his son. Prove it. This is my house. You broke in and stole my place—"

"I'm the one who should be asking, who the hell gave you the nerve?"

That throws him for a second. Then he laughs in my face.

"Lady, is there a limit to your delusions? You? Richard's daughter?"

"I get it—you're desperate for me to fuck you. But these cheap stunts to get my attention? End here."

"My wife has gone through hell to carry the future heir. No one's taking her place."

Tiffany clings to him. "Baby, you're so good to me."

I watch these two putting on their little love show. My blood boils.

"I said—I'm the only Sterling heir."

Caleb shoves her aside and smacks me across the face.

"My father kept me hidden to protect me—not so some rabid bitch could steal my name!"

"I'm calling him. Right now."

Caleb pulls out his phone. Puts it on speaker. Dials.

I see the familiar number on the screen. My stomach drops.

The next second, Richard's voice fills the room.

"My boy! I'm at the venue setting up for your wedding—what's up?"

Caleb smirks at me.

"Dad. Do I have any siblings?"

Richard chuckles, half-scolding.

"What kind of nonsense is that, kid? I got the vasectomy for you. No one else. Relax, son. When I'm gone, all of this is yours."

Something in me snaps. Hatred crashes over me.

I open my mouth to scream his name—

Caleb already hung up. Backhands me across the jaw.

"Oh, I see it now. You're not here trying to ride me. You want my old man's cock"

"My parents—twenty years together. Some slut like you thinks she can get between them?"

"She's been spewing lies and slander. Hold her down. Cut out her tongue."

No point dying stupid. I run.

But Tiffany grabs my hair from behind and yanks me back.

Everyone pile on. Someone smacks my face. Hands around my throat forcing my mouth open. They're really going to do it.

I push back—boots slam into my gut.

"Mess with the only Sterling heir? Let's see how many lives you got."

Tears burn my eyes. Someone's got my tongue pinched tight—then agony rips through my mouth.

Blood floods my throat. Choking. Almost gone.

Then—the doorbell rings.