Chapter 1

I'm Jax Ryder, heir to the most powerful investment group in Veridian City.

I had just returned from studying abroad.

My father, worried I might impulsively marry the wrong woman, arranged a marriage for me with Everly, the heiress to the up-and-coming Sinclair Group.

It was strictly a business arrangement. But that didn't mean I intended to just go through the motions.

At the very least, I had to personally bid on the mansion that would serve as our marital home.

And so, I found myself at the annual Starlight Charity Gala. When the legendary prime real estate, the "Siren's Cove Estate," was presented as the final auction item, I raised my paddle.

Just as the gavel was about to fall, an arrogant voice cut through the room.

"What right does a nobody like you have to bid? Step aside."

The grand hall fell silent, the only sound the frantic clicking of camera shutters from all corners.

I turned my head. A man in a flashy, sequined suit stood there.

He swirled the champagne in his glass, his posture reeking of arrogance.

Before I could even speak, the auctioneer brought the gavel down.

"Sold! Congratulations to Mr. Brian Vance on winning the 'Siren's Cove Estate'!"

I frowned, a flicker of anger rising within me. "The bidding wasn't over."

"That's against the rules."

Brian sneered. He looked me up and down, his eyes filled with contempt.

"The rules?" He curled his lip. "Listen up. I'm Everly Sinclair's favorite stepbrother. In Veridian City, what I say goes."

I had to stop myself from laughing out loud.

This was interesting. My fiancée's stepbrother.

I pulled out my phone and dialed her number. "Everly, your dear brother just snatched the marital home I'd picked out. What are you going to do about it?"

...

So, this Brian Vance was more than just Everly Sinclair's stepbrother.

If Everly couldn't give me a reasonable explanation, I was ready to call off the marriage.

I dialed the number I had saved but never used.

When the call connected, I got straight to the point. "Your dear brother just snatched the marital home I'd picked out. What are you going to do about it?"

There were a few seconds of silence on the line. Then, a cold female voice replied, "Who is this? My dealings with Brian are none of your concern."

I didn't even get the chance to say my name before the call ended abruptly.

Staring at my phone's home screen, I let out a dry laugh. Clearly, she hadn't saved my number.

Brian's laughter echoed through the banquet hall. "What a pathetic loser! You managed to get Everly's number and you actually think she'd talk to you? You're ridiculously stupid!"

He adjusted his expensive cufflinks, his gaze raking over my outfit with disdain.

"Seriously. Look at what you're wearing. Even the janitors at the Sinclair Group tower have more class than you."

The hangers-on around him dutifully burst into laughter.

I've always prioritized comfort and a low profile. But in a room swimming in haute couture and expensive perfume, my preferences clearly didn't matter.

I clenched my fists, my knuckles cracking softly. "Judging a person by the logo on their clothes? Your shallowness is truly astounding. Everly has terrible taste in stepbrothers."

Thanks to this idiot, my patience had completely run out. I turned my head and pointed directly at the holographic model of the "Siren's Cove Estate" on the display stand.

"I'm activating the automatic bidding system," I said. "Whatever he bids, I'll bid double."

The auctioneer, drenched in sweat, glanced at Brian and stammered, "Sir, that system… is reserved for our top VIP clients."

Brian let out a snort. He flicked a diamond-encrusted VIP card onto the table.

"My annual spending here is in the eight figures. Who do you think you are? You've got nothing on me."

I took a deep breath, pulled out a plain, logo-free, solid black titanium card, and tossed it onto the sensor in front of him.

After a crisp "beep."

"Unlimited global black card. Is that a high enough tier for you? Reopen the bidding. Now."

A collective gasp went through the surrounding guests, followed by a ripple of whispers.

Brian's smile vanished, his eyes turning vicious.

"The Sinclair Group is the sponsor behind this gala. Anyone who dares to accept his card, I'll make sure they disappear from Veridian City by tomorrow!"

The auctioneer's face turned deathly pale, and he took a shaky step back.

"Sir, please don't make things difficult for me. I really can't afford to cross the Sinclair family."

A few onlookers nearby lowered their voices, trying to talk me out of it.

"Young man, just let it go. Brian is backed by Everly Sinclair, and she's extremely protective of him."

"The last person who crossed him not only had his company bought out, but he was run out of town."

"Even if you have some money, don't cross the Sinclair Group. You should just apologize to Brian before this gets out of hand."

Hearing the fearful voices around me, Brian's arrogance swelled once more.

He crossed his arms, his smile bordering on delirious.

"Did you hear what they said?"

"If you get on your knees right now, crawl to my feet like a dog and apologize, I might just let you walk out of here."