Chapter 1

I had just arrived at the office when the security guard blocked my path. He tossed my personal belongings onto the pavement at my feet.

I looked at my CEO boyfriend, Harry Pierce, who was standing right behind the guard. I frowned, staying silent as I processed the scene.

The next second, his sister, Sadie, rushed up to me and gave me a violent shove.

"Get lost already! My brother is done with you!"

"You're just a pathetic office rat. Did you really think you could compete with the daughter of the state's richest tycoon? You should take a good look in the mirror, you loser!"

I didn't argue. I just let out a small, pitying laugh.

"Well, those massive contracts I just negotiated are gone now. Don't come crying to me later."

Sadie spat on the ground with pure disdain.

"Please! Once my brother marries the Sterling heiress, your little breadcrumbs won't matter at all."

As I turned to leave, Harry finally spoke up, his voice dripping with arrogance.

"I was only ever playing with you. Don't even think about trying to crawl back to me!"

I didn't bother looking back. I just stepped into the elevator.

I wasn't even angry, just confused. Was there another Sterling heiress out there besides me?

1

I had just finished closing a major deal and returned to the office, only to find my coworkers whispering and pointing at my back.

I ignored them. All I wanted was to share the good news with Harry as quickly as possible.

But when I reached the entrance, two security guards blocked my way.

Harry strolled up behind them, his sister Sadie clinging to his arm.

One of the guards threw a cardboard box at my feet.

"Mr. Pierce said you're fired. Get your junk and go."

I looked at Harry in total disbelief. "What is this? Harry, what the hell are you doing?"

Harry didn't even look at me. He just stood there with his arms crossed, cold and distant, nodding toward Sadie.

The next moment, Sadie started screaming at me like she was on a timer.

"Can't you see? You're fired! Now get out!"

"And I'm telling you on my brother's behalf―you're dumped! It's over!"

I was stunned by the suddenness of it all. "Sadie, are you serious right now?"

She stepped forward and shoved me again.

"Don't call me Sadie! You've been leeching off my brother for years, eating his food, drinking his wine, and then having the nerve to ask for a paycheck from his company."

"He's been wanting to dump you for a long time. Get lost and stop stalking him!"

I turned to Harry, expecting some kind of explanation. He cut me off before I could speak.

"It's true. You should leave. We're done."

Harry and I had been together since college. I stayed by his side through the struggle of starting this company until we finally saw success.

In all those years, he had never spoken to me with such ice in his voice.

He used to be the perfect boyfriend, treating me like I was his whole world.

What happened? Was all of that just an act?

"Harry, we've been together for years. You at least owe me a reason."

"Why do I need a reason to dump you? I don't love you anymore. That's it."

His words hit me like a physical blow, leaving me breathless.

I took a deep breath and tried to stay calm. There was no point in arguing.

He was right. If the love was gone, any other reason would just be a hollow excuse.

"Fine. Give me the keys. I'm going to the apartment to get my things."

Sadie jumped in again, pointing a finger in my face. "Your things? Everything was bought with my brother's money! You're taking nothing!"

"If you even try to go there, I'll call the police and tell them you're a thief!"

I didn't hold back. I slapped her hand away from my face.

"You just want my stuff because it's all designer and you're too cheap to buy your own, aren't you?"

"You… you liar! My brother is a CEO! I can afford whatever I want!"

"You're just a poor nobody who's never seen real money. You've been sucking my brother dry to buy those fancy bags!"

I almost laughed. I bought those bags and cosmetics with my own money.

Most of them were limited editions that you couldn't even buy without a two-million-dollar spending history at the boutiques.

With the tiny profit his startup made in a year, he couldn't even afford a few of my handbags.

Since they didn't want to end things gracefully, I wasn't going to play nice either.

I shook my head with mock regret. "Fine. Consider it a donation to charity. I'll leave."

"But those big projects I just landed are gone. When your cash flow dries up, don't regret this."

Sadie spat at me again. "Ugh! You're just a lowly employee. You're trying to threaten my brother so he won't dump you."

"Look at yourself! You really think you can compete with the Sterling heiress? You're a nobody!"

I froze. Now that was a secret I wasn't expecting to hear.