The Billionaire's Little Gold Digger

SIA'S POV:

I kept staring at the fixed phone. It had been more than thirty minutes since my husband's driver had called, informing me that he was on his way to pick him up from the airport.

It had been one year and six days since I had last heard from Ashton-no calls, no texts, nothing. He had abandoned me in this mansion, all alone.

Though he had started mistreating me after his sister's death-an incident he unjustly blamed me for-he had never left for an entire year without a single word.

I wished Ashton would give me a chance to prove my innocence, to show him I had nothing to do with his sister's death. I wished he would give our relationship a chance, to care for me as much as I cared for him.

Ashton loved me-after all, our marriage was built on love. But this sudden hatred was shattering me completely.

The phone finally rang, and I answered it immediately, my heart pounding. The driver's voice echoed through the receiver, "Ma'am, Mr. Wood didn't want to come home. He asked me to take him to the company instead."

My eyes burned as I fought back my tears. He had returned to the country after a year, and yet, he didn't think of seeing me first. The only thing on his mind was his work. He should have just married his job.

I grabbed my purse, rushed out of the house, got into my car, and drove off. He didn't get to treat me this way. He didn't get to hate me based on mere assumptions.

The drive felt unbearably long, the dark clouds mirroring the storm brewing inside me. When I finally arrived at the company, the weather had worsened. I hurried inside, taking the elevator without anyone attempting to stop me.

I used to work here as Ashton's secretary, but one day, he had coldly told me that seeing my face both at work and at home irritated him. He had given me an ultimatum: either continue working at the company and move out of the mansion, or quit and stay home.

But how could I have moved out? Where would I have gone? I had no one else in this world except for him.

The elevator stopped, and I walked down the long corridor, my heart pounding in my chest. Finally, I reached Ashton's office. Without hesitation, I pushed the door open and stepped inside-only for my palms to turn clammy at the scene before me.

Ashton was indeed back after a year. But he wasn't alone.

There she was-his secretary. Not just any woman, but the one whose shoes alone cost more than my entire wardrobe. She always dressed so stylishly, effortlessly elegant-something I could never compete with.

One year ago, Ashton had spent countless late nights at the office with her under the pretense of working. I had been a fool to believe that lie.

Now, they were entwined in each other's arms, his hand resting on her bare thighs as they savored each other's lips.

"Ash..." I called out in disbelief, my throat suddenly dry, my voice barely above a whisper.

They broke their kiss, their gazes shifting toward me.

Ashton scanned me for a moment, and I expected him to at least apologize, to lie and tell me that what I had just witnessed wasn't real.

But the next words that left his lips shattered me completely.

With a raised brow, he asked, "Who are you?"

Tina chuckled mockingly. "Mr. Wood, it's your wife... remember?" she said, her tone light and remorseless.

I knew Ashton had only said that to hurt me. There was no way he had forgotten me. No way he had forgotten that he was married.

Yet, he turned to her and asked, "Sia?" as if confirming whether the name belonged to me.

Tears finally rolled down my cheeks.

"Is this it, Ash?" I asked, my voice breaking. Did he really need to confirm my name?

What had happened to all those times he had canceled important business trips just so he wouldn't be far from me? What had happened to the way he used to shower my face with soft butterfly kisses while I pretended to be asleep?

What about the cheesy way he used to whisper, I love you?

Had all of that been nothing but a stupid, meaningless fragment of my memory?

"How could you be with another woman?" I demanded, my voice trembling. "It's one thing to treat me badly and ignore me for a year, but you have no right to disrespect me like this."

He snorted, utterly unfazed.

"Tina, call security. Get this woman out of here," he ordered coldly, turning to leave.

Panic surged through me, and I instinctively grabbed his hand.

"What are you saying?" I asked in disbelief. He couldn't just push me out of his life like this. I wasn't his mistress-I was his wife.

"Call security, Tina," he repeated sternly.

Tina smirked as she picked up her phone and dialed a number.

I clenched my fists, my heart aching unbearably.

I wanted to plead with him, beg him not to do this. But I knew it would be futile. From the look in his eyes, I was no longer a part of his life.

And I wished I never had been.

Wiping my tears, I straightened my posture. "I'm leaving," I declared, my voice steady despite the storm raging within me. "You still have one last chance to stop me."

Tina's mocking smile grew even more pronounced.

Ashton chuckled darkly. "Get out, Sia."

I nodded, my heart breaking into irreparable pieces.

I was done.

With a heavy heart, I said, "I want a divorce. I'll have the documents prepared. So if you see a document tomorrow with the name Sia Jones, sign it. That's S-I-A. Don't forget the name before you sign."

His laughter echoed through the room. "This is hilarious, Sia," he scoffed. "We both know you can't divorce me. Did you forget? I'm the center of your life."

A small smile crept onto my lips.

"Good," I said softly. "At least you know that much about me."

Then, I tilted my head slightly and added, "Remember, the name is S-I-A. Please sign the papers."

I turned to leave, determined not to break down in front of them.

But before I could take another step, Ashton grabbed my hand.

Hope flickered in my heart. Was he regretting it already? Did he want to plead with me?

I turned to him, my eyes searching his. "Yes, Ashton?"

His next words shattered the last bit of hope I had left.

"You have no relatives, no money. Do you really think you can survive without my wealth?" he asked mockingly.

Tina burst into laughter.

I exhaled sharply, my lips curling into a smirk.

"Of course not, Mr. Wood," I said sweetly. "I definitely can't survive without your money."

He nodded smugly, as though satisfied with my admission.

But then, I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice just enough to make his smirk fade.

"And since you seem to have a poor memory," I continued, "let me remind you-we didn't sign a prenup. So what belongs to my ex-husband... will equally belong to me."

The moment I saw his face turn pale, my smile widened.

SIA'S POV:

"Calm down, girl."

Jules, my childhood friend, kept trying to snatch the bottle of wine from my hand but failed miserably.

Apparently, I needed to drown my sorrows somewhere, so what better place than a club?

"I get that your husband cheated on you, but is he really worth this?" Jules asked, her tone laced with disbelief.

I rolled my eyes and let out a soft chuckle.

I didn't just lose my marriage and my title as Mrs. Wood-I lost money.

"You don't get it, Jules. I wasted three years of my life on that bastard, and all I managed to save was just five thousand dollars." I scoffed bitterly. If I had known the Wood family was so protective of their wealth-and so ridiculously stingy-I would have never married Ashton.

"What a waste."

Jules placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Hopefully, you'll get something in the divorce. So stop sulking," she added, and I simply nodded.

I needed a share of Ashton's properties-my little compensation for everything I had endured.

I had suffered enough in the slums while growing up, and I was never going back there.

My gaze drifted upstairs, where I noticed a tall man surrounded by New York's second-generation billionaires. He exuded power and had an irresistible pull to him.

And, God, he was hot-without even trying.

"I've never seen him here before, but he looks familiar," Jules murmured.

A chuckle escaped my lips as I stood up, only to stumble slightly. Jules was quick to catch me.

"Where are you going?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

I pointed toward the man upstairs.

"Go home. I have something important to do," I muttered, trying to push her away, but she held on. I frowned at her persistence.

"You're drunk, Sia. Let's just go back home."

"I am not drunk, Jules. Let go."

With a final push, I freed myself and made my way upstairs.

But by the time I got there, he was gone.

Curse you, Jules.

"Why do good things always run away from me?" I pouted.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a silhouette heading toward the corridor-the one leading to the private rooms.

Without a second thought, I followed him.

My prince charming was about to swipe his card to enter his room when I hurried forward, slipping inside just before the door closed behind us.

As expected, he turned to stare at me, a deep frown etching his face.

"You must be wondering who I am, but is that really important?" I teased, biting my lower lip.

God, he was so damn hot-and so tall.

I couldn't help but analyze just how big he must be under there.

He looked like Ian Somerhalder, and honestly, I wouldn't mind if he sank his fangs into my wet-

"Get out!" he roared, his deep, magnetic voice sending a thrilling shiver down my spine.

Definitely my type.

"I can't move," I murmured, watching his brows furrow as his gaze shifted from my face to my thighs.

Wondering why I can't move, perhaps?

"I scraped my knee falling for you. Do you happen to have a band-aid?" I asked, extending my hand toward his chest.

Before I could touch him, he grabbed my wrist, his warning gaze sharp.

"If you go any further, you'll regret it," he cautioned, his voice low and dangerous.

I chuckled.

"Then make me regret it-"

I hadn't even finished my sentence when he pushed me onto the bed.

The only thing I could see in his eyes was pure, unfiltered lust.

Of course he wants me.

"I respect women a lot," he murmured, a sinister smile tugging at his lips. "So, I'll do as you wish."

He moved on top of me, his body pressing against mine-

Wait.

I didn't even know his name. Or his medical records.

"Do you have a name? Or can I just call you mine...?"

"Shut up, lady. Let me," he muttered.

And just like that, I surrendered myself to him.

Maybe a lifetime of HIV was worth this night.

Sia's POV:

Hmm... I rubbed my face and sighed heavily.

Another frustrating day in this stupid mansion.

I better pack my things and leave before Ashton shows up-if he hasn't already.

That bastard. He dared to cheat on me with that slut... I'll make them pay.

My hand instinctively moved to the other side of the bed, searching for my phone. I always slept with it next to me.

But instead of cold metal, I felt something warm.

My eyes widened in shock. Slowly, I turned my gaze to the other side of the bed-

"HOLY CRAP!!"

There was a fine, naked man lying next to me.

"OH GOD."

My fucking memory came crashing down on me like a wrecking ball.

I palmed my face in shame.

I was completely naked too.

"Oh, Sia, where is your dignity?" I cursed under my breath, feeling utterly humiliated.

How could I have drunk so much and landed myself in this situation?

"Sia, how could you?" I kept berating myself, but a bigger problem loomed ahead-if this man woke up and found me here, I'd probably have to use my savings to hire men to build me an underground house.

A perfect hiding spot.

Slowly, I slid off the bed and gathered my clothes, quickly getting dressed.

I didn't bother looking for my panties-I could survive without them.

But not without the little shred of dignity I had left.

So, I abandoned them.

Like a thief-no, worse than a thief-I tiptoed out of the bedroom and out of the club.

Luckily, I spotted a cab and slipped inside, heading straight back to the mansion.

-

Fortunately, Ashton's mansion was empty when I arrived.

Lonely.

Just like it had always been.

And dark.

Just like Ashton's heart.

I hurried upstairs and packed only the important things-my jewelry, worth millions.

I had never worn them before, but my husband left me for a woman who knew how to.

Joke's on me.

"You'll regret this." I clenched my fists, and suddenly, a memory flashed through my mind.

His mouth sucking my nipples.

His fingers thrusting into me.

Sending me to eleventh heaven.

"Ouch."

I slapped myself hard.

How could I be fantasizing about my humiliation?

Luckily, the world is big enough, and I will never have to see him again.

After freshening up, I grabbed my suitcase and dragged it downstairs, ready to leave.

But just as I reached the door, a car pulled into the driveway.

I recognized that black Bentley instantly.

It belonged to Ashton's stepmother.

Amanda.

She was only two years older than me-young enough to be Ashton's woman, but instead, she went for his father.

Amanda stepped out of the car, her blonde hair swaying elegantly over her shoulders.

"How are you doing, Mrs. Wo-oops, I meant Sia?" Amanda mocked, a smirk tugging at her lips.

I rolled my eyes.

"What do you want, artificial queen?" I shot back.

Her eyes widened slightly in shock.

Yeah.

The only natural thing about Amanda was probably her internal organs.

Or maybe she'd had plastic surgery on her heart too-seeing as it was painted black.

Amanda folded her arms. "Call me whatever you want..." she said, then pouted. "But I'm not the one returning to the slums."

She tilted her head mockingly.

"Go back to selling flowers on the street."

I clenched my fists.

I hated being reminded of that part of my past.

But I knew Amanda was trying to get under my skin, and I wouldn't give her the satisfaction.

I smirked. "Oh, honey, you're ridiculous. The only place I'll be moving to is Wood Enterprise."

After the divorce, I'd get a seat at the shareholders' table-even if it was just two percent.

For some reason, my words were so hilarious to Amanda that she burst out laughing.

"Haven't you heard, you little gold digger?" she taunted.

A sinking feeling settled in my stomach.

"What happened?" I asked cautiously.

Amanda's smirk deepened.

"Ashton met up with his old man and told him about your little wish to split his assets. The old man made sure no lawyer or judge will take your case."

Curse the Woods.

Now I understood why Amanda was here-she couldn't wait to deliver the news to me personally.

The Woods always acted smart, using their power to crush the weak.

But Sia was anything but weak.

I only wanted what I deserved, and they did this?

Fine.

Now, I wanted more.

I was suddenly hungry for everything they enjoyed.

Amanda was about to throw another insult when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and waved it at me.

"Oops, it's my stylist. I need to look good for the gala tonight."

She winked, turning to leave.

But I stopped her.

"What gala?"

Amanda turned back, her lips curling smugly.

"Don't ladies from the slums read articles? Or were you too busy plotting your divorce to keep up with the world?"

No, honey.

I was busy getting fucked by a real man.

Amanda strutted off, and the moment she disappeared, I pulled out my phone and quickly searched the news.

The first article that popped up was everywhere.

"Lieutenant General Ethan Brooks, the master of the Wood and Fernando families, returns to claim his rightful place as CEO after years of serving the country."

"Ethan Brooks?"

The name sounded familiar.

I continued reading, curiosity eating at me.

**"The true owner of Wood Enterprise had two sons. Due to the first son's reckless lifestyle, their father willed all his assets to the younger sibling, Ethan Brooks. However, Ethan left, allowing his older brother to manage the company in his absence.

Today, he is a four-star lieutenant, living comfortably. But why return now?"**

My grip on my phone tightened.

So...

Ashton and his father weren't the real owners of Wood Enterprise?

Did they even have a share?

I don't care if he has shares or not-I need my compensation.

I couldn't believe I wasn't invited to the gala.

A wide smile stretched across my lips.

"Guess I have a party to crash."

There would be tons of paparazzi.

And by the end of the night, I would be the center of attention.