Dear Ex, I Want Your Brother

Daisy's POV

"So you trust your boyfriend? Why don't you pay him a visit at Turner Mansion?"

That was all the message said. And like a moth drawn to a flame, I found myself speeding toward Turner Mansion.

I had tried calling the strange number repeatedly-each attempt ending in silence.

As I stood before the gates, part of me wanted to turn back, dismissing it as a cruel prank. But another part of me wondered-what if?

What if stepping into that mansion meant discovering the truth? Was I even ready for it?

The only way to put my mind at peace was to face it head-on, regardless of the pain it might bring.

As I neared the entrance, I noticed Trey's car parked outside.

"When did they get so close to the point where they visit each other without telling me?" I thought out loud.

I decided to call him, hoping to hear the truth from him before making any assumptions.

The call rang twice before he picked up.

"Hey, babe," he whispered.

I frowned. "Hey. Why are you whispering? Are you okay?" My voice was filled with concern.

"Oh, yes. I just caught a cold, and it's messing with my throat."

"Oh, baby, should I bring some soup over?"

"Not right now, babe. Let me rest for a while first."

"Are you home?" I asked, my breathing uneven.

"Where else would I be?"

Silence.

I entered the gate with my face scan and pushed the door open. Stepping inside, my heart pounded in my chest. My steps were slow and hesitant, unsure whether I had the courage to face what lay beyond.

The closer I got, the louder the moans became.

My stomach clenched.

When I reached the door, I peeked inside.

And my entire world shattered.

Trey and Anna.

Entwined together.

Tears streamed down my face as my legs buckled beneath me. I gripped the doorframe to stay upright. The room spun-breathe, breathe-but the air reeked of their sin.

I barged in, swinging the door open.

"Trey?!"

The name burned my tongue as I took in the sight before me.

My breath caught in my throat. My pulse pounded.

No. This can't be real.

But it was.

My boyfriend, Trey, and my stepmother, Anna-naked, tangled in bed together.

My heart stopped. Then it raced.

My stomach twisted, forcing me to move uncontrollably around the room. The air was thick with an awful mix of scents-the sharp, metallic tang of sweat, the faint trace of Anna's perfume, and the heavy musk of Trey's cologne. The same cologne I used to love.

Anna gasped, hurriedly yanking the duvet over herself.

But the damage was already done-I had seen everything. What was the point of hiding now?

I looked at her, unable to utter a word. Then my gaze shifted to him.

Trey stumbled off the bed, struggling to pull his pants on. His hands shook, and his face turned pale.

"Daisy, I can explain!" His voice cracked as he stepped forward, reaching for me like I was something fragile.

Did he honestly think I would move toward him?

"I thought you were home and had a cold," I said, letting out a sharp, cold laugh.

Not the reaction they were expecting.

They looked at each other, trying so hard not to meet my betrayed eyes.

I shook my head, pacing the room before turning back to them. "Oh, this is the part where you tell me it's not what it looks like, right?"

Trey's lips parted, but no words came out. What could he say?

Finally, he stammered, "Babe, it was the devil's work! She seduced me!"

I let out a hollow laugh. Really? That's the best you've got?

Anna stuttered, tucking her elbows close to her body. "Sweetheart, I-"

"Shut up," I cut her off, raising my hand. My voice was ice.

I turned to Trey.

"How long?" My voice wavered as I forced the words out, swallowing back the lump in my throat.

Trey swallowed hard. His Adam's apple bobbed. "Daisy-"

"How long, Trey?!" I screamed. "How long have you been sleeping with her?!"

He flinched.

"A... few months."

A sharp pain stabbed through my chest.

Months?

The whole time he kissed me, touched me, told me he loved me and wanted to marry me-he was sleeping with my stepmother?

He had made a fool out of me for months.

Something inside me snapped.

My eyes darted to the corner of the room where Dad always kept his gun.

I grabbed it without thinking.

The metal felt cold and heavy in my hands. The grip was rough against my sweaty palms. My fingers trembled, but I didn't loosen my hold.

Trey's eyes widened. "Daisy, put the gun down!"

I pointed it at them.

Both of them.

Anna finally looked scared. "Baby, put that down. It was a mistake, I'm sorry."

I forced a smile. "So now I'm 'baby,' huh?" My finger hovered over the trigger. The weight of the gun felt good. Solid. Like I had all the power in the world in my hands.

"Were you calling me that when you were screwing my boyfriend?"

Anna sat up, still holding the duvet. "You ungrateful little-"

I aimed the gun at her. "Dare to finish that sentence."

Anna screamed, her face turning pale. Her body shook under the covers.

Trey stumbled back, pulling her into his chest, his legs trembling as he tried to protect her.

I had made my point.

But as I stood there, gun in hand, a thought hit me: Is this who I wanted to become? A killer?

Never in my 25 years had I ever fired a shot. And today, just because of Trey, I had lost myself for a second.

I exhaled sharply. "You are not worth my anger, my tears, or my time."

I lowered the gun and dropped it to the floor.

Tears burned my eyes, falling uncontrollably.

These traitors weren't even ashamed. They clung to each other like they were the perfect match.

"So after everything, you'd still run to her? You'd rather have her in your arms than me?"

Trey's voice broke the silence. "You think this meant something? Anna's a queen. You? You were just... practice."

His words sliced through me, sharper than any blade.

I flinched, then laughed-a hollow, shattered sound. "Practice? Then thank me. I taught you well."

I turned to Anna. The woman I once called Mom.

"No more," I whispered. "You are not my family anymore. You are nothing to me now."

Then I walked out.

Not just out of the room.

Out of that house.

Out of their lives.

The rain poured down, soaking me within seconds. I wiped my face quickly, hating the tears that wouldn't stop falling.

Then I saw Nanny Divine.

The only person I trusted in that house after Dad's death.

The moment our eyes met, her face crumpled with guilt.

My chest tightened. "You knew."

A sob built in my throat, but I swallowed it. "You tried to stop me from going upstairs because you knew."

She took a step toward me. "Daisy, please-"

I raised my hand, stopping her. "Don't." My voice broke. "I treated you like family, Nanny. When my mother died, my father took you in-not just as a nanny, but as part of our family." Tears ran down my face ruthlessly. "I asked him to. And this is what you do to me?"

Nanny Divine's eyes filled with regret. "Daisy, my child, I didn't know how to tell you."

My whole body shook, every nerve screaming with betrayal. "You let me walk into that room," I whispered, my voice cracking. "You stood there and watched as my heart shattered into a thousand pieces. And now you're telling me you didn't know how to tell me?"

Her face crumpled, but I didn't care. The woman I'd once called family was now just another stranger.

I sniffled, my voice barely above a whisper. "I trusted you."

She reached out, but I stepped back. "Daisy, how was I supposed to tell you that the man you're crazy about is sleeping with your stepmother?" She wiped her sweaty palms on her checkered uniform. "You are like a daughter to me, and I never wanted you to feel hurt like this."

I turned away before she could finish.

"Daisy, please don't go like this. I swear, I-"

I had no family anymore.

And from now on...

I was alone.

Tonight, I lost everything. Tomorrow, I'd start building something they could never destroy.

Daisy's POV

I woke up to golden sunlight streaming through my window, the chirping of birds a cruel contrast to the storm raging inside me. My eyes were swollen from crying-a reminder of last night's betrayal. I dragged myself out of bed, forcing my legs to carry me to the shower. All I wanted to do was scrub away the setbacks.

First, it was Mom. Then Dad. And now Trey.

The hot water did little to wash away the ache in my chest, but it helped me pull myself together.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, still feeling hopeless. What could I do? Go against the great and powerful Anna and her little pet, Trey? I was wounded, and unlike Anna, I had no money to fight back.

Still wrapped in a white towel, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I glanced at it briefly-Nanny Divine. Again. I rolled my eyes and flipped the phone over, ignoring the call.

But the buzzing didn't stop.

Without thinking, I picked up. "Nanny Divine, I thought I made myself-"

"Hello, Miss Daisy," her voice came through, sharp and urgent, stopping me before I could say something worse. "There's an emergency board meeting at nine. I tried messaging and calling you earlier, but you didn't reply."

I took a deep breath, my stomach churning. "I'll be there in twenty. Thanks, Hazel."

I hurriedly opened the drawer, and my hand landed on a black pleated gown. And yeah, I wasn't in the mood to try out colors.

---

The heavy traffic on the road was no joke. It had already been over thirty minutes, and I was still ten minutes away from Turner Empire, stuck in gridlock.

"Come on, hurry," I muttered as soon as I saw the green light.

A few blocks from the parking lot entrance, my phone rang repeatedly. It was Hazel again. Losing focus, I picked up the call, my concentration solely on it.

"Where are you? All the board members are here waiting for you," Hazel sounded frustrated.

"I'm almost there, just a few blocks ahead. I'll be there in-"

I suddenly looked up and saw an elderly woman crossing the road. My heart stopped.

I slammed my foot on the brakes, the wheels screeching as the car jerked forward.

"Daisy!!" Hazel yelled through the phone. "Are you okay? What just happened?"

"Give me a minute. I'll call you back," I said breathlessly, dropping the call. My hands trembled as I unbuckled my seatbelt and flung the door open.

Without thinking, I hurried to the front of my car, praying I hadn't injured someone. My heartbeat pounded in my ears.

"You should be careful next time-you almost ran her over," a young man's voice cut through the chaos. I turned to see him standing at the side of the road, the elderly woman wrapped protectively in his arms.

His icy gray eyes locked onto mine, sending a strange shiver down my spine.

I shook my head, quickly breaking whatever that was. Just because I'd cried all night didn't mean I needed some Jack or Jill to pity me.

"I'm so, so sorry. I hope she's okay," I said hurriedly, stepping toward the old woman, desperate to reassure myself that she was fine.

The moment his eyes softened, something in his expression shifted.

"Thank you so much," I said. "I really have to go, but here's my card. If there's anything I can do, please let me know."

I handed the card to the grandma and rushed back to my car. As much as I felt bad for her, I couldn't afford to be any later than I already was.

---

Arrival at Turner Empire

The parking lot was nearly empty when I arrived. I parked my car and checked my reflection in the rearview mirror.

"You can do this. You can do this. Just breathe in and out," I whispered like a mantra until my nerves finally calmed.

My makeup had done a decent job of hiding the puffiness around my eyes, but nothing could mask the fire burning behind them.

I stepped out, my Christian Louboutin heels clicking against the pavement.

"Miss Daisy Turner!"

The familiar voice made me freeze. I turned to see Mr. Samuel, my father's lawyer, striding toward me. His presence was unexpected, and my pulse quickened.

"Miss Daisy, it's been a while," he said, reaching for a hug.

"Mr. Samuel," I replied, forcing a smile. "It's been so long." I paused. "How was London?"

He adjusted his glasses before responding. "Well, according to my sources, London should be doing pretty well today," he said with a chuckle.

I laughed. "Oh, Mr. Samuel, I'm so glad you're finally back in the country. Welcome home."

His brows furrowed as he looked at me like I had grown two heads.

"Hold on, I should be the one welcoming you home. I never left the country," he said, his tone laced with confusion.

My smile faltered. "Wait, what? You mean to tell me you've been in the States all this time?"

He gave me a strange look. "Where else would I be, young lady? I've been here all my life."

A chill ran down my spine.

"It's nice to finally have you back in the country," he added.

I frowned. "Back in the country? I haven't been out of the country either."

Mr. Samuel's brow furrowed. "But Anna told me you were abroad for the past year. She said you were unreachable, which is why I couldn't get in touch with you about your father's will."

My stomach dropped. Of course, Anna had lied. She had been scheming behind my back, just like she'd been sleeping with Trey.

"Anyways, I was just from a meeting with Anna regarding your big day. I hope you're taking your 26th birthday seriously."

My stomach dropped. "I'm sorry, I'm confused. What's so special about my 26th birthday? It's just an ordinary birthday"

He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't Anna tell you?"

"No," I said, my voice tight. "And I'm not following. I'm actually quite lost."

Mr. Samuel sighed, shaking his head. "It's about your father's will. It states that if you're not married by your 26th birthday, you'll lose half of your inheritance to charity and the other half to Anna."

The world seemed to tilt. So all this time, she kept my very own inheritance from me, just to get a share.

"Miss Daisy?" Mr. Samuel's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"What else is in the will?" I asked, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. My brain deeply calculating on what to do next.

He pulled a document from his briefcase and adjusted his glasses. "In the event of my passing, 25% of my shares in Turner Empire go to my wife, Anna Turner, and 50% to my daughter, Daisy Turner. My remaining fortune-mansions, yachts, cars, skyscrapers, and other businesses totaling $250 billion-goes to Daisy. However, to access her inheritance, Daisy must be married by her 26th birthday. Otherwise, half goes to charity, and the other half goes to Anna."

The world seemed to tilt. Anna had not only stolen my boyfriend but also kept this critical information from me.

He closed the briefcase and gave me a pointed look. "For your sake, and for everything your father worked for, I hope you take this seriously."

His phone rang, and he answered it briefly before turning back to me. "I have another client. Have a nice day, Miss Daisy. I hope the next time we see each other, it'll be about your marriage."

"You too, Mr. Samuel," I said, watching him walk away.

I stood there, my mind racing. Anna had stolen my boyfriend, lied to my father's lawyer, and was now trying to steal my inheritance. Well, she could try. But she had no idea who she was dealing with.

"I thought of my father, the man who built this empire from nothing. Would he be proud of me? Or would he see the cracks in my armor, the unspoken pain I am feeling.

---

The boardroom was silent as I walked in, my heels clicking against the polished floor. All eyes turned to me, but I kept my gaze fixed on the empty chair at the head of the table. My chair.

Then I saw him.

Trey.

He was sitting beside Anna, his smug grin making my stomach churn.

"When did Turner Empire hire him?" I thought. Oh, let me guess-his sugar mommy, Anna, pulled the strings.

My breath hitched for a moment, but I quickly composed myself. Stay calm. Don't let them see you break.

Anna stood, her smile dripping with fake sweetness. "Now that we're all here, I'd like to make an announcement."

I clenched my fists under the table, my nails digging into my palms. Stay calm. Don't let her see you break.

"Miss Daisy," Anna said, her voice syrupy sweet. "Would you mind standing?"

I rose slowly, my chin held high. Let her play her games. I'd play mine.

"The new app you created has been causing significant losses," Anna continued, her tone sharpening. "As president of Turner Empire, I cannot allow such incompetence to go unchecked. Effective immediately, you are demoted to probationary associate production manager."

The room erupted in murmurs, but I didn't flinch. My eyes met Anna's, and for a moment, I saw a sly smile spread across her face.

"And please welcome our new product manager," Anna said, gesturing to the man beside her. "Mr. Trey Baker."

"No way-you can't replace me with him!" I shot up from my chair, pointing at Trey.

What sick game was this? Slowly trying to kick me out of the company that belonged to me?

Liam's POV

I still couldn't believe how reckless people were in New York. If I hadn't been there, that old woman could have been seriously hurt-or even worse.

"Where to, boss?" my driver asked as I got into the car.

"Magic Hour at Moxy Times Square," I said, loosening my tie. I had some unfinished business to take care of tonight.

As we drove through the busy city, I looked out the window. It had been years since I was last in New York. The tall buildings, flashing signs, and crowded streets all felt familiar, yet I sensed that tonight was different. Something told me I might stay here a while.

When we arrived, I stepped into the lounge. The sweet smell of fresh flowers mixed with a light scent of vanilla filled the air. The place was just as I remembered-soft velvet sofas, warm golden lights, and large green plants hanging from the ceiling. It felt expensive and cozy at the same time.

The moment I entered, my guards spotted me. They quickly walked me to our private table.

"What would you like to drink, boss?" my head guard asked, his tone friendly.

I gave him a cold look. "I didn't come here to drink."

He shifted uncomfortably, watching the other guests laugh and sip their drinks. I added, "You can order anything you want. It's on me," and they all smiled. The waiter came over soon and took their orders. When he left, I leaned back in my seat.

"Any news on Richard's daughter?" I asked, my voice low. My mood darkened at the thought.

The guard hesitated, glancing at his colleagues. "Sorry, boss. She keeps a low profile. We've been searching nonstop, but it's hard to track her down."

I sighed and shook my head. "You're all useless. Do I have to do everything myself?" I snapped. The guards bowed their heads as if they were small puppies. "Show me her picture. Right now."

One of my men hurriedly pulled out his phone and started scrolling. I could see the sweat on his brow; he was nervous. When he finally showed me the picture, I froze.

The girl in the image looked exactly like the woman I had seen earlier-the one who almost hit that old lady with her car.

I clenched my jaw and slammed my hand on the table. "Damn it. I almost had her."

The guards' eyes widened in shock. "Really, boss?" one of them asked, surprised.

"Yes," I said harshly. "I gave you two months to find someone, and you couldn't do it. And what did I do? I found her in one day." I leaned forward. "Listen well. I give you two days. If you don't do your assignment, don't even come back. You will be fired immediately."

"Yes, boss. We won't disappoint you this time," they replied, nodding in unison.

I stood up, ready to leave the table.

"Boss, are you leaving already?" one of my men asked.

I didn't bother to look at him. "What do you think?" I sighed. Idiots.

I bent down to pick up my phone from the table, but as I turned, my chest hit the tray of glasses the waiter had brought. I looked at the mess of spilled wine and smirked in annoyance. "Wow, just wow," I muttered.

The waiter tried to clean it up with a cloth from his apron, but my guards quickly stepped forward and told him to leave the area. I walked straight to the restroom.

Inside, I took a moment to wipe off the stains on my shirt. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Today had been one hell of a day. I was angry, frustrated, and tired. But I had a mission. I had to get out now.

As I walked toward the exit, my driver followed close behind. I was about to step outside when I noticed something that made me stop.

A girl was trapped between a group of men near the entrance of the club. They laughed loudly as their bodies closed in on her. She tried to push them away, but they did not back off. I could see the fear in her eyes. Something about her looked familiar.

Then it hit me.

Daisy Turner.

The same girl I'd been searching for all this time. She was dressed just like I remembered from this morning.

I knew I shouldn't get involved. This was not my problem, but I could not leave her like that. My feet started moving on their own.

"Hey!" I shouted, my voice sharp and full of command. "Let her go!"

The men turned to face me, their faces twisted in annoyance.

"Mind your business," one of them sneered. Then he reached inside the back of his trousers and pulled out a small knife.

I muttered under my breath, "These idiots never learn."

I smirked for a moment. Wrong move, I thought.

One of the men stepped forward, raising his fist. He swung at me, and I tried to dodge. But I did not react fast enough. His fist crashed straight into my nose. I felt a sharp pain, and warm blood began to trickle down my face as I staggered backward. I cursed, trying to regain my balance.

The other men charged at me. I did not wait. I grabbed the man next to the knife and twisted his wrist. He screamed in pain as I shoved him hard into a nearby table. The sound of breaking glass mixed with shouts echoed through the club.

Screams rang out as people ran for cover. Security guards hurried in, but I was already taking control.

Another man lunged from behind. I spun around and drove my elbow hard into his stomach. He doubled over, gasping for air and then fell to the floor.

More of my men stormed into the fray. In seconds, fists flew and bodies crashed into tables and chairs. One of my guards tackled a man to the ground, punching him until he lay motionless. Another guard grabbed a bottle and smashed it against a thug's head, sending shards of glass everywhere.

The remaining attackers, realizing they stood no chance, tried to run. But my men were on them in an instant. They chased them down and beat them until every last one was lying on the floor, groaning in pain.

The fight was over.

I turned and walked over to the girl. Daisy stood there, frozen in shock, her body trembling. I knelt beside her and asked, "Are you okay?"

She tried to speak but only managed a soft, shaky "I... I don't know." Her eyes were wide, and she swayed as if the ground had become unsteady beneath her.

I looked closely at her face. "What did you drink?" I asked, my tone gentle but firm.

She blinked slowly. "I... I don't know. Please, help me."

Shit. Someone had drugged her.

I did not waste another moment. I lifted her carefully into my arms. She was so light that she barely reacted. Her head rested on my chest, and I could feel her heart beating fast.

"Boss, should we call the cops?" one of my men asked, his voice small amid the chaos.

I shook my head firmly. "No. Just handle this mess." I knew I needed to get her away from there quickly.

---

At the Hotel – Liam's Penthouse

My driver pulled up in front of one of my hotels. I stepped out of the car, still holding Daisy in my arms. I whispered to myself, "Come on, let's get you safe."

"You can book a regular room and a VIP room for yourself," I told my driver. "Also, get me a fresh pair of clothes." I looked down at my bloodstained shirt and grimaced.

"But sir, you own this hotel. Why not use the penthouse?" my driver asked, curious.

I sighed and turned around. "She must not know I'm rich." He nodded and drove off, leaving me alone with Daisy.

She murmured softly, her fingers weakly gripping my shirt as if clinging to a lifeline. I took the private elevator to the top floor. The ride was silent except for her soft, uneven breathing. I felt a mix of anger, worry, and something I couldn't quite place-an unexpected tug in my heart.

When the elevator doors opened, I walked straight to the medium-sized bedroom that had been reserved for me. I gently laid Daisy on the bed and took a step back.

I was about to leave when she suddenly grabbed my collar with a surprising strength. Her eyes, half-lidded and hazy, locked onto mine.

"Do you know... how hot you are?" she slurred, her words thick and unclear. "Like... so hot."

I raised an eyebrow, confused but amused. "Is that so?"

She nodded slowly, her grip on my collar tightening. "Do you want me... so bad?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

I smiled slightly and said, "You're definitely drugged." I tried to pull her hand away from my clothes, but she clung even harder.

Her lips parted as if she was about to say something else. Then, in a voice that was both tender and strange, she whispered, "Marry me."

I froze for a moment. Her eyes were wide, serious, and completely out of it. Before I could say another word, she slumped in my arms and passed out.

I exhaled slowly and sat down on the edge of the bed. "What the hell just happened?" I muttered to myself.