Blackstone Manor.
This was the city's most exclusive neighborhood — and Lucas's home. He preferred solitude, so he simply bought up everything around him and turned the area into his private domain. The security here was top-tier; there was nowhere else in City A like it.
Lying in bed, about to fall asleep, Lucas's mind unexpectedly flashed to the face of the little girl who'd tumbled into his arms that night. He sat up, reached into his safe, and pulled out an old photo album.
His long fingers hovered over the worn cover for a moment before he closed his eyes. Childhood memories flickered through him; when he opened his eyes he began paging through the album. Lucas rarely indulged in the past, but tonight the little girl had broken his rule. His icy gaze lingered over images of his younger self. She looked… familiar.
The daytime prank-hack replayed in his head, and he frowned. A child? Over all these years he'd never let another woman close — so where did this kid come from? Wait. There was one woman who had gotten close: that brazen Morgan heiress who not only slept with him but swiped cash from his wallet before vanishing without a trace. Six years gone.
Lucas pulled the yellowed IOU out of his wallet. A hint of interest lit his otherwise calm eyes. She'd been gone for six years. He tightened his grip on the note and felt, for the first time in a long while, a strange anticipation at the thought of meeting her again.
...
Morgan Residence.
As soon as Andrew stepped inside, he slapped Olivia hard across the face — the smack rang loud in the room.
Olivia froze, clutching her cheek in disbelief. "Dad—"
"Don't call me 'Dad'!" Andrew barked. "I don't have a daughter who disgraces me like this!"
"What kind of event is this? How could you behave like that?" he continued, furious that her scandal had played out in front of everyone at the gala. The whole guest list had seen her and Ethan's disgrace.
"Do you even know what people will say about you? About us, the Morgan family?" he snapped, jabbing a finger at her. "I didn't tell you to go cozy up to Hilton — why are you mixed up with Ethan?!"
Olivia flinched when he mentioned Ethan; guilt flashed across her face, then anger when she realized Ethan had abandoned her. She lowered her head. "Dad, I'm sorry—"
"Sorry isn't enough!" Andrew exploded. He'd expected his little girl to be smart; otherwise she wouldn't have fooled Sophia for so long. Today proved she could be foolish too.
"Enough noise," Susan Miller said, stepping out of another room. She saw the handprint on Olivia's face and gasped. "Who hit you?" she demanded.
Andrew said coldly, "I did."
Susan was shocked and protective, glaring at Andrew. "What did you do that for?" she demanded.
"You should be asking what she did tonight," Andrew shot back. His face was still dark. "She's made a scene in City A's social circle. How could Lucas ever take us seriously now? Morgan Group's chance with the Hilton Group is gone."
"Stop yelling," Susan snapped. "Is the company failing because of Olivia?"
Andrew's expression turned even darker. "Susan, don't be ridiculous. If Morgan Group goes under, you and your daughter will pay the price." With that he slammed the door and stormed out.
Susan watched his retreating figure, trembling. She grabbed Olivia's hand. "Olivia, tell me exactly what happened."
Olivia recounted the evening — everything in the ballroom, even how Andrew had dropped the bottle and its label revealed it was a male enhancement pill.
Susan rolled her eyes. No wonder he'd been furious. She squeezed Olivia's arm reassuringly. "It's okay, baby. You and Ethan are engaged — some closeness is expected. If anyone gossips, I'll tear them apart."
Olivia murmured an acknowledgement, but a hard edge flashed in her downcast eyes. If she found out who'd put the snake in the room, she swore, she would make that person pay.
The Next Morning
A Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up in front of Morgan Group's headquarters. The door swung open, and a stunning figure stepped out.
Sophia wore a crisp white blouse paired with wide-leg khaki silk trousers, a strand of lustrous pearls draped around her neck. The simple outfit radiated understated elegance, carrying with it an effortless air of wealth and status.
Harper followed close behind, leaning in to whisper, "I thought you'd show up in full battle armor today."
Sophia lazily pushed her sunglasses up her nose. "Andrew isn't worth the effort."
Harper burst into a laugh. "Fair point."
When they reached the reception desk, a staffer stepped forward. "Hello, do you have an appointment?"
Sophia stood cool and aloof, letting Harper answer for her. "I'm Luna's manager. And this"—she gestured toward Sophia—"is Luna herself."
Luna?
The single word rippled through the entire lobby. Heads turned instantly, all eyes locking onto Sophia.
"She's Luna?" someone whispered.
"Oh my god, Luna actually came here in person? She's never once shown up in the country before."
"What's she doing at Morgan Group?"
Over the past few years, Luna had taken the international fashion world by storm. But her reclusive nature meant she'd never revealed her true face. Nobody expected to run into her like this.
The receptionist froze, eyes wide with awe and disbelief. "Miss Luna, please—this way." She guided Sophia and Harper with deference into Andrew's private elevator.
...
Morgan Group Conference Room
Andrew had summoned the shareholders and design team early that morning. He scanned the room with a hard look.
"The company paid twenty million to bring Luna in—on a one-year contract," he barked. "I don't care what you think of her. Once she arrives, you'll treat her like royalty. Whatever she says goes. Whether Morgan Group rises from the ashes depends entirely on her."
"Well, I didn't realize I held such importance in Mr. Morgan's eyes."
The voice floated in from the doorway. Sophia stepped into the room, a faint, mocking smile curving her lips as she looked straight at Andrew.