Chapter 1

As I turned to go, Daisy came after me.

She stepped in front of me, her eyes full of concern. "Eve, you're leaving in such a hurry. Is your old spinal injury acting up again?"

Her wrap slipped from her shoulders, and my gaze fell on her wrist.

That watch had been a token of love between my parents.

Back when Richard was a nobody, just starting out as an actor, my parents died protecting him.

He'd adopted me, and he'd always felt he owed me.

I'd given him the watch when he was struggling, telling him it would bring him luck and keep him going.

Now he was a powerful investor with his own film and television company, yet he'd given the watch away as if it meant nothing.

Daisy noticed me staring at the watch, and panic flashed across her face.

"Is this yours? I'm so sorry. I thought it was just an ordinary accessory, so I put it on without asking. Richard never told me not to..."

She fumbled with the watch, trying to take it off, but pulled too hard.

The watch hit the floor, sending tiny parts flying.

My mind went blank.

Daisy reached for it. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Lawson. I'll find the best watchmaker and have it fixed!"

"Don't touch it!"

I shouted and shoved her away.

That was when Richard appeared.

"Eve, what are you doing?!"

He strode over and stepped between us, shielding Daisy with his body.

I froze, my stomach knotting.

He saw the pieces on the floor but didn't say a word.

I'd once told him that if he ever broke that watch, I'd be done with him.

Daisy shrank back and leaned against Richard.

"I'm the one who accidentally broke Ms. Lawson's watch... I'll have my assistant buy her a new one. Would a Patek Philippe be okay?"

I took several deep breaths, but I still couldn't stop myself from lashing out.

"Get lost! Don't touch my parents' keepsake with your filthy hands!"

Richard's face darkened.

He stepped forward and clamped his hand around my wrist, his voice raw with anger. "Eve! Have you lost your mind?

"You shoved her and told her to get lost, all over some stupid watch?"

"Stupid watch?" I looked up, and the tears I'd been holding back finally fell.

When Richard saw my tears, he instinctively reached out.

I stepped back and swallowed my grief.

"It's already broken. I'll take care of it myself."

After a long silence, Richard sighed. "I'll have someone fix it. You still have that old back injury, so let the driver take you home and get some rest. I'll come back and keep you company once I'm done here."

Once they were gone, I headed to the room where Helen Carver, an independent producer, was staying.

After my parents died, Richard raised me.

For 20 years, everyone had seen how much he doted on me.

In my last life, I let his affection blind me, and I made a huge scene.

And where did that get me?

Richard had his bodyguards drag me out of the party and lock me away on the estate. He even cut off my physical therapy and pain medication.

Even when the pain in my spine became unbearable, all he said was, "You can come out when you learn to apologize to Daisy."

In the end, he kept me locked up until I broke, and I never made it out of that estate alive.

When I woke again, it was the day the stage light fell.

I still took the hit for him. But I would never love him again.

I wiped away my tears and pushed open Helen's door.

"Ms. Carver." I approached her. "I'd like to sign with your studio and produce a film based on my mother's screenplay."

Helen looked at me with a mix of admiration and sympathy, then nodded.

"Deal. I'll line up the financing as quickly as I can. I can also secure locations and a crew for you."

My eyes stung. "Thank you. But please, don't tell Richard."

If Richard found out I was trying to break free from his control, he'd do whatever it took to destroy me.

Helen had barely agreed when Richard appeared in the doorway.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded coldly.

My heart pounded, and I instinctively stepped back.

"I... I came to ask her for advice about my comeback."

I forced an obedient smile. "After all, I have to move forward, don't I?"

Richard studied me for a few seconds, then relaxed.

"Good. I'm glad you've come around.

"Keep working on your acting skills. I'll always be your adoptive father, and as long as you behave yourself, I'll always have your back."

I lowered my head. "Thank you, Mr. Crane," I said flatly.