Chapter 0 Introduction

I was just a 20-year-old NYU art history student, interning at my dad's real estate firm.

But my world privately revolved around Marcus Thorne-my father's handsome, brilliant business partner.

My crush on him was pure, all-consuming, utterly naive. He'd always been so kind, a true gentleman.

At a charity gala, I watched Izzy Vance, Marcus's associate, subtly ply him with drinks.

When I tried to help him to his suite, Izzy "found" us, her perfectly timed gasp and a discreet phone flash sealing my fate.

The next morning, headlines screamed: "NYU Intern Olivia Hayes Caught in Compromising Position with Marcus Thorne."

Blurry, damning photos accompanied them. Marcus's icy call followed: "Izzy found you taking advantage of me! My reputation is in shreds because of your childish stunt!" He believed her. Completely.

Whispers and hostile stares at my father's office became unbearable. The kind man I'd adored now looked at me with absolute disgust. My dreams shattered.

How could he be so blind? So cruel? This wasn't the Marcus I knew. This felt brutally unfair.

That week, the naive girl who worshipped him died. In her place, a colder awareness dawned: the world was not kind, people not what they seemed. He thought I was playing games, but I was done.

This was my turning point.