Introduction

"I want you to seduce my brother."

Those words, colder than the champagne in Alexander Hayes' s hand, shattered my five-year-long silent devotion.

He was the man I secretly loved, the tech mogul who always dismissed our relationship, now demanding I break his disabled brother Daniel' s engagement to Chloe Miller.

My heart hammered as he slid a check across the table: a cool million dollars to destroy an innocent man, followed by a promise of marriage to me-the ultimate reward for being his loyal, convenient secret.

The familiar sting of his manipulative arrogance turned into a bitter laugh. Marriage? Now? After years of begging for commitment, I was just a prize for a performing dog.

The shock gave way to cold anger. All my sacrifices, the lonely nights, the lies-all for him. He expected me to gratefully accept, like always.

He wanted a performance? I' d give him one. But on my terms.

"It's not enough," I heard myself say, my voice steady.

His eyebrows shot up. He didn't expect that.

"Five million," I stated, walking closer. "And a signed marriage contract. Before I even meet him."

He stared, searching for weakness. He found none. The desperate, love-struck girl was gone.

He agreed. I took the deal, trading my love for a contract, realizing I was just an asset in his twisted game.

The game had changed. I was no longer his puppet. This was about survival. And maybe, just maybe, revenge.