Chapter 1

I spent three months grinding away at a ten-billion-dollar acquisition deal, and finally succeeded.

At the celebration banquet, Ethan Pierce took all my credit and handed it to his first love, Lily Hayes.

He said, "Lily just came back from overseas. She needs an impressive resume. You've always been understanding—it's most appropriate to put this project under her name."

I looked at his matter-of-fact expression and said nothing.

Five years. For five years, I'd worked myself to the bone for him during the day and warmed his bed at night, only to end up not even worthy of having my name attached to my work.

At the charity gala, Lily Hayes accused me of stealing a brooch.

In front of all the city's elite, Ethan Pierce stripped me of my clothes and searched me.

My belongings scattered across the floor, proving my innocence.

He didn't even apologize.

He just frowned and said, "Alright, the misunderstanding's cleared up. Don't ruin the atmosphere of the gala."

I bent down. What I picked up wasn't the contents of my bag, but the Pierce Corporation employee badge lying on the floor.

Then, in front of everyone, I threw it into the champagne tower.

"Ethan, from today on, even if you get down on your knees and beg me, I'm never coming back."