Chapter 1

"Mom, please tell Grandpa that I'm willing to go through with the arranged marriage."

My mother, Ellena, was stunned to hear it.

"What did you say? Wait… What about your boyfriend? The one you've been with for six years?"

"We're done," I said with calm finality. "Have Grandpa arrange the marriage."

My mother went quiet for a moment, unsure of what to say.

Then…

"What's the meaning of this, Bianca? I know Grandpa worked hard to find Royce Farrell for you. He's the executive director and CEO of Radar Finance, and one of the world's most powerful heirs. An excellent man, I'm sure, but when it comes to marriage... I hope you're not rushing into things."

"I'm not being impulsive," I insisted, though my tone was frosty. "Please arrange it, Mom."

When I called my younger brother yesterday, he accidentally let the secret slip. Our family had suffered a major loss in a Biscayne real estate deal, and our cash flow was going into the negative.

An arranged marriage was the safest way out.

In the past, I turned my back on my family for Lars Carter. The me from back then would have never agreed to an arranged marriage. What a fool I was!

But now, that fool is dead.

Lars, the love of my life. The CEO of Midas Capital, he controlled a plethora of investment funds, several arms dealings, and crypto asset platforms. He was a major player in Eastwind City's financial world, mysterious and dangerous.

Few knew he was the heir of the Viktors, an old mafia clan from the city of Virgil in Vitalus.

For six years, I fought by his side and watched him rise from nothing. I thought I would be the woman standing with him, ruling this city by his side.

At least, until two months ago.

Out of the blue, Pearl Ross entered our lives. His childhood sweetheart, the darling from his younger days. Right after she arrived, she became his personal secretary.

The moment I saw her, I already knew—nothing could compete with their bond.

After that, Lars was always away on business trips or working overtime. Biscayne City, Zephyr City, Botolph City... Each time, it was just the two of them.

On the financial statements for every trip they took, I noticed that Lars and Pearl only booked one presidential suite. Upon checking the attendance records at our company's Riverton branch, they would be together in a closed meeting room almost every night.

One fateful day, I ran into Pearl in the office hallway. She wore a dazzling smile, so bright that it seared my eyes.

"Hello, Bianca," she said sweetly. "You don't look so good. Did you and Lars have a fight?"

I shot her a cold look and turned to leave.

"Bianca," she called me softly, "you're almost thirty. Don't be so childish. Radar Finance still hasn't agreed to the financing deal, and Lars is under a lot of pressure. If you can't help, at least don't make things worse, okay?"

"Are you telling me what to do, Pearl? I founded Midas Capital with him. If he can keep you, I can make you leave," I snarled.

Pearl froze, and her eyes suddenly started to redden.

"I… I was just trying to give you some friendly advice," she stammered. "If you don't like what I have to say, you don't have to listen. There's no need to say something like that…"

Lars happened to appear at the end of the hallway. His expression was frosty.

"Bianca, Pearl just came from Vitalus. She's not used to the language or culture here. Can't you be a bit more understanding with someone younger?"

Young?

I almost laughed. At most, she was just three months younger than me!

Standing under the harsh lights, I stared right back at him, locking eyes.

"Lars, I'll give you a choice. Either she leaves…or I do."

Yet, he didn't even flinch. "Don't make a fuss about this."

Pearl's eyes instantly filled with tears.

"Bianca, is there a misunderstanding here? Lars and I are just friends who grew up together in Virgil. You're from a privileged family. You grew up wanting nothing. I get that. But I never insisted on staying at Midas Capital. If you don't like me, I can pack up and leave Eastwind City…"

"Pearl…" Lars couldn't hide the tenderness in his eyes.

I laughed, but the sound was hollow and frigid.

Without hesitation, I spun on my heel and walked away from the building—the place our financial dream had started.

Long ago, my father asked me to take over the family business. In my stupidity, I refused.

I loved Lars, so I willingly gave up everything to help him conquer Eastwind City's financial world. How many times did I stay up until three in the morning, drinking and negotiating by his side, gambling away all we had for a scrap of future influence?

In the end, all I got for my trouble was: "Don't make a fuss."

That night, I video called my mom.

She sighed. "When are you coming home?"

"In about half a month."

I looked back at the brightly lit headquarters of Midas Capital.

Lars, I gave you a choice—but you abandoned me.

Now, I've made my choice.

I'll abandon you, too.