Chase Sterling always felt like furniture. The kind you don't notice, the kind that's easy to shove in a corner and forget. He was used to it: people looked right through him, brushed him off like lint. But it only takes one phone call to erase a lifetime of being overlooked. When his estranged family meets a tragic end, Chase suddenly finds himself in charge of the sprawling Sterling fortune. Turns out, riches aren't the only thing the family left him. There's a curse running through his blood, warping love into something hungry and dangerous, impossible to escape.

Vivian Ashford never set out to blow Chase's life to smithereens. Just one decision (a sharp, ruthless move at graduation) was all it took to set their worlds spinning out of control. While Vivian soaks up the Hollywood limelight and collects red-carpet headlines, Chase slips into his new role as Manhattan's most intimidating heir. But no matter how far they run, something keeps yanking them back together, like a stitch in an old wound that refuses to heal.

The car picks me up at 6 PM exactly. Marcus insisted on riding with me. Making sure I don't bail. Making sure I perform.


"You look perfect," he says. Examining my dress. My makeup. My mask. "Remember. Smile. Be gracious. Show the world you and Chase can be professionals despite personal history."


"He told me this morning I was a consolation prize. That he never loved me. How am I supposed to stand next to him and smile?"


"By being an actress. That's what you're paid for." Marcus's voice is cold. "The contract requires this appearance. The truth charm requires honesty. Navigate both. That's the job."


The car pulls up to the hotel. Cameras everywhere. Red carpet. Reporters shouting questions.


I take a breath. Put on the mask. Step out.


"Vivian! Are you and Chase back together?"


"Is it true you slapped him this morning?"


I smile. Wave. Say nothing. Walk the carpet alone.


Chapter 50 - The Charity Gala