Chapter 1

Everyone knew I was the one chosen by old Mr. Arthur Sterling himself. Whoever married me would inherit the Sterling empire.

At the engagement gala, wearing my custom-tailored designer gown, I was about to step onto the stage to announce the strategic marriage alliance between the Sterling and Vance families.

But my fiancé, Julian Sterling, walked right into the spotlight, holding hands with my adopted sister, Chloe Vance.

"Chloe and I are in love. She is the only woman I will ever marry."

"Aria is far too spoiled and willful. She doesn't deserve to be Mrs. Sterling."

Just like that, my fiancé belonged to my adopted sister. Everyone in the room looked at me with either pity or mockery.

But what Julian didn't know was that the only reason his grandfather insisted on our marriage was that my mother is the sole heiress of the Thornes—an ultra-exclusive, secretive old-money dynasty. Eventually, I would return to the Thorne family to inherit their massive global empire.

Since Julian made his choice, it was time to change the heir to the Sterling empire.