Chapter 1

When the paparazzi leaked the photos of Julian’s affair, he ignored eighty-six of my calls.

He was so arrogant because he knew I wouldn't throw a tantrum.

He thought I would just quietly clean up his mess, like I always did.

But this time, he was wrong.

I bypassed him entirely and called a live press conference.

"Yes, it’s true. Julian Hayes cheated."

"Since his actions have severely damaged the reputation of Hayes Group, I will be stepping in to take over as CEO, effective immediately."

The news exploded online. By 3:00 AM, Julian was desperately calling my phone over and over.

My housekeeper, Maria, stood by my bed, trying to persuade me.

"Sienna, if Julian is truly sorry, please give him one more chance."

"You two have been together for eight years. It hasn't been easy!"

I let out a cold laugh.

"This time, it’s different."

My assistant’s report, along with a stack of high-definition photos, sat on my desk.

I didn't look at the text first.

Instead, I picked up the photos.

They weren't cheap shots of them entering a hotel room.

Nor were they feeding each other in some restaurant.

Those were too cliché.

In these photos, Julian was standing on a chilly autumn street, buying a cup of hot cocoa and some roasted chestnuts for a girl named Bianca Miller.

The autumn mist swirled around them.

He took off his expensive cashmere coat and gently draped it over her fragile shoulders.

She looked up at him, her smile radiating pure innocence.

And Julian… he was looking at her.

His eyes were focused, tender, and held a touch of… humility. A vulnerability I had never seen in him before.

It was the kind of look a man gives when he wants to lay the entire world at a woman's feet.

My fingertips turned ice-cold.

We had been together for eight long years, and he had never once looked at me that way.

Playing around was one thing.

But falling in love? That was a line he should have never crossed.

That was our sole, final boundary.

I closed my eyes. When I opened them, they were crystal clear.

I picked up the office phone.

"Notify all board members. Emergency meeting in fifteen minutes."

"Also, contact the media. I want a press conference scheduled for 3:00 PM today."

My assistant's voice trembled slightly over the line. "Sienna, is this… about Julian?"

"Yes."

I said just one word and hung up.

Julian thought Hayes Group belonged to him.

He was dead wrong.

He was just a figurehead CEO, a polished puppet pushed to the front stage.

The ultimate decision-making power of Hayes Group had always been in my hands.

Years ago, old Arthur Hayes lay on his deathbed, gripping my hand with what little strength he had left.

"Sienna… Julian has been spoiled since he was a boy. He's reckless and undisciplined…"

"I’m afraid that once I’m gone, he won't be able to protect this empire."

The old man’s cloudy eyes were filled with desperate pleading.

"Keep this trust agreement safe."

"I can only rest in peace knowing the company is in your hands."

"Protect him, but don't let him… destroy the Hayes family legacy."

I had promised him. As long as Julian didn't cross the line, the Hayes Group would always bear the Hayes name.

But now, the line had been crossed.

I had to kick him out of the game.

Two hours later, at the press conference, the media erupted.

It was exactly 3:00 AM when I finally returned to my villa.

My phone was vibrating frantically on the nightstand.

Now it was Julian’s turn. The screen displayed 101 missed calls.

Maria, the housekeeper, knocked timidly on my door.

"Sienna…"

"If Julian knows he made a mistake, please give him another chance."

Her voice cracked with emotion.

"You two have been together for eight years. It wasn't easy to build this life!"

I walked bare-foot off the bed, the cold marble floor sending a sharp chill through my soles.

I picked up my buzzing phone.

Yes, eight years.

He had strayed before, and every single time, I forgave him.

I covered for him. I cleaned up his scandals.

But this time, I only smirked and shook my head.

"No, Maria. This time is different."

But still, right in front of her, I swiped to answer the call.

Instantly, Julian’s furious, breathless roar blasted through the speaker.

"Sienna! Are you out of your mind?! Do you have any idea what you've done?!"