Chapter 3
In my last life, the family business collapsed. Dad took most of my money to cover the losses–but it wasn’t enough.[]
Before Whitmore Industries tanked completely, Dad secretly transferred everything left to Helena.[]
The fortune was massive, enough to keep Helena in luxury for generations, never once having to lift a finger.[]
Meanwhile, I was stuck in some shitty studio apartment, working my ass off day and night to save up for Damien’s “medical bills.”
When I hit rock bottom, I got on my knees and begged Helena for thirty grand. She had her security guards drag me out and break my legs instead.[]
The The doctor said Damien’s surgery was just thirty thousand short, and any delay would leave him “permanently disabled.“[]
With no other way out, I threw away my pride and sold my body to get him that money.[]
Turns out it was all just me, loving blind, loving stupid.[]
Whatever. I was done with that life.[]
With a mocking laugh, I blocked Damien’s number and boarded the next flight to London.[]
Nobody at the London office expected much from “Helena’s boring sister.“]
Fine by me. I’d let my work do the talking.[]
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In my past life, my whole world revolved around Damien. But now, throwing myself into work, I discovered my talent at the negotiating table–even our European partners couldn’t praise me enough.]
After I closed that nightmare deal they’d been tchasing for three years, the CEO himself wanted to meet me.
Suddenly I was the golden girl–the “investment princess,” the “business prodigy.” It eclipsed even my sister, the pampered “princess” of Manhattan’s elite circle.
Then Dad finally remembered I existed and called me up.[]
But the moment I answered, it was nothing but curses and shouting.[]
“Aurelia Whitmore, don’t get carried away! Your mother’s anniversary is coming up, and you still refuse to come home!“[]
Mom was still my weakness. I wrapped up my projects and flew back.[]
After visiting Mom’s grave, Helena cornered me.[]
She had that fake–sweet smile going, but her eyes were venom.[]
“Aurelia, you’ve been working so hard lately.“[]
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Chapter 3
“But honey, all this corporate ladder climbing? A woman showing her face everywhere? You’re embarrassing Dad.“[]
“Do you know the rumors outside? That you spread your legs for investors, whoring yourself out for deals!““||
“I get it though—you’re just trying to get male attention.“[]
She glanced over at Damien standing beside me and sneered.[]
“Anyway, Dad wanted me to let you know–he’s found you a fiancé. The Smith boy. You know, the vegetable.“[]
“Starting tomorrow, you’re fired. I’m the new CEO. Can’t have you embarrassing the family name anymore.“[]
I laughed coldly. “What’s wrong, Helena? Can’t handle your little sister being better than you for once?“]
She jerked back a step, staring at me in shock.[]
My expression stayed cold, almost like a release of rage: []
“I busted my ass to save this company, and you think you can just waltz in and take over? Based on what–your hooker mom’s street cred? Or the fake grades that bought you a degree after Dad donated a building?”
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“A bastard child telling me to step aside? Where the hell do you get the nerve?“]]
Helena’s face collapsed and she immediately started bawling. “Aurelia, Everything I did was for you how could you twist it this way?”
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I snorted. “For me? Right. Just a little advice, princess–Daddy’s already given you everything. Keep your grubby hands off my mother’s money.“]]
Helena looked at me with those wounded puppy eyes, voice all choked up. “I know you’ve never liked me, but I just hate seeing you struggle so much…”
I’d heard enough. I turned to leave–only to have Damien grabbed my wrist and pinned me to the wall.[]
His eyes were dark, voice rough. “You’ve crossed the line.“]]
Watching him play her guard dog? It was almost funny.[]
His stare got icier. “Apologize to Helena. Now.”
I slapped him hard across the face.
The sound echoed through the room.
“My dear sister’s perfect fiancé–had enough? Take your drama outside. Don’t disgust me here.“[]
Damien’s head snapped to the side, dark hair falling across his face, making him look almost… broken.[]
“You…“]
His voice came out all broken, like he’d never imagined I’d actually hit him.[]
I shoved past him and went home to pack.[]
But at JFK, Leonardo came out of nowhere and seized my throat.]]
“This is all your fault! Helena jumped last night–she’s bleeding out in the ER! You’re coming with me to save her–now!!“]
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